Rounded air dam for maximum aerodynamics and cooling performance
US8579358B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/82
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.