Abstract: A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib.

Abstract: A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness.

Abstract: A spoiler assembly for a rear hatch closure assembly on a vehicle includes a base member extending laterally across the hatch closure assembly, a latch mounted to the base member, and a shell member secured to the base member to cover and conceal the latch.

Abstract: A vortex generator, or an array of vortex generators, for attenuating flow separation during flow of fluid over a surface. Vortex generators include a base with a forward end and a leading edge extending outward and rearward from the forward end to an outward end. The leading edge includes a first angular discontinuity at a height H1 above the base, and a second angular discontinuity at a height H2 above the base. The vortex generator(s) are configured for generating, adjacent a surface, at least two (2) vortices V1 and V2 in a fluid, and turning the outermost generated vortice toward the surface over which the fluid is passing.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle substructure (1) having a rectifying fin (10) that is attached under the floor of a car body and rectifies a flow of fluid under the floor of the car body, wherein the rectifying fin (10) is an airfoil fin that has a blade thickness in a right-to-left direction of a vehicle.

Abstract: A deflectable component for a motorized vehicle can include a deflectable part formed at least partially from a superelastic and or shape memory material, wherein at least a portion of the deflectable component is moved to a deflected position upon application of a threshold force when moving at or above a predetermined speed, and returning to an undeflected position when moving below the predetermined speed. The deflectable component may comprise a connection link fabricated at least partially from a superelastic and/or shape memory material to tailor the flex point characteristics of a connected surface to a desired response. The deflectable component may improve the performance of motorized vehicles by improving the aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, as well as other beneficial effects.

Abstract: A front underfloor structure of a vehicle includes front deflectors disposed forward of front tires, respectively. The front deflectors each include a front apex portion disposed at a position closer to the vehicle front than a leading edge surface of each of the front tires when straight, and disposed at a position closer to a vehicle center line than an inner surface of each of the front tires when straight; an outer end portion disposed at a position closer to the vehicle rear than the front apex portion, and disposed at a position outward in the vehicle width direction of the front apex portion; and a second flow redirection surface connecting the front apex portion and the outer end portion, and being configured such that, when struck by air traveling from the vehicle front, the second flow redirection surface redirects a flow of the traveling air outward in the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A fastback for a passenger car is provided with a roof profile and a floor profile in the tail region. The roof profile initially descends from a highest profile point and the floor profile initially ascends from a lowest profile point in a rear axle region. The tail region forms an aerodynamic diffusor having a floor diffusor and roof diffusor. For this purpose, the roof profile features an S-shaped upward curvature toward an upper tail break-away edge and the floor profile features an S-shaped downward curvature toward a lower tail break-away edge. Due to the roof profile and the floor profile, the tail region of the passenger car has a shape with a fish-like profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag on a moving vehicle includes various combinations of a movable segments and a swing arm. Each combination is adapted to be mounted to the rear of the vehicle with a fixed portion being positioned forward of the movable segment upon extraction. The movable segments have a retracted position and an extended position and may be biased to the retracted position. The movable segments deploy to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to a retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A front spoiler of a motor vehicle is held on the front end part of the vehicle by fastening elements. To reinforce the front spoiler in the central region, reinforcing ribs are provided, which extend into inward and outward formations on the front end part. The reinforcing ribs are preferably vertically aligned plate-shaped structures that extend in the longitudinal direction. To ensure a necessary dimensional stability of the front spoiler during driving, the reinforcing ribs can be supported on the front end part, and the front spoiler itself can be supported on the reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing atmospheric drag on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a receiving feature, wherein the airfoil is attachable with a back portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one extender attachable with the back portion of the vehicle, and a slide arm attached to the at least one extender and mateable with the recess portion of the airfoil. The apparatus is configured such that when the slide arm is disposed in the receiving portion of the airfoil, the airfoil is in an extended position relative to the back of the vehicle. The apparatus is further configured such that applying a force on the airfoil in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back portion of the vehicle buckles the airfoil, thereby lifting the slide arm from the recess and moving the airfoil to a retracted position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.

Abstract: A false division bar assembly for minimizing wind noise generated during movement of a vehicle including a retractable rear window. The assembly includes a division bar mountable in a vehicle rear door window opening to create at least two air passages on opposite sides of the division bar within the vehicle rear door window opening, to thereby minimize wind noise generated during movement of the vehicle when the vehicle front windows are closed with the vehicle rear windows being opened.

Abstract: An air guide device for a motor vehicle, especially a rear spoiler, which can be moved between a retracted, nonoperating position and an extended, operating position and comprises an air guide body, on which two lateral air guide body sections, which can be moved in the transverse direction of the vehicle, are arranged. It is provided that the contours of the bottom surfaces of the lateral air guide body sections facing the vehicle conform to the cooperating external vehicle contour at least when the these air guide body sections are in the operating position.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for the releasable fastening of a panel element to the front wall structure of a motor vehicle body, with a brace, which on one end can be fastened with a fastening structure of the panel element and on the other end can be fastened with a fastening structure of the front wall structure. The brace is releasable and positively fastened to at least one of the fastening structures with at least one end section.

Abstract: A front spoiler of a motor vehicle is held on the front end part of the vehicle by fastening elements. To reinforce the front spoiler in the central region, reinforcing ribs are provided, which extend into inward and outward formations on the front end part. The reinforcing ribs are preferably vertically aligned plate-shaped structures that extend in the longitudinal direction. To ensure a necessary dimensional stability of the front spoiler during driving, the reinforcing ribs can be supported on the front end part, and the front spoiler itself can be supported on the reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments for extending and retracting an extendable spoiler for assisting a motor vehicle in navigating a turn. According to embodiments, an extendable spoiler has a first and second flaps coupled to first and second outer edges of the spoiler respectively. At least one strut is coupled to an underside of the spoiler and to an extension mechanism that can be used to extend and retract the extendable spoiler when various conditions have been met. A steering detection mechanism is also included and configured to detect left and right turn of the motor vehicle and controls which extendable spoilers are moved from a retracted state to an extended state.

Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and associated devices for reducing the noise produced by an open cavity within a moving automobile (such as open sunroofs and open windows). The invention proposes placing microjet orifices proximate the open cavity. These inject small but rapidly moving columns of air into the prevailing flow. The projected columns reduce the formation of large coherent structures in the prevailing flow. As these large coherent structures are a critical component of the resonance which is responsible for much of the noise produced across the open cavity, the overall noise level is reduced by the microjets.

Abstract: A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib.

Abstract: The air guiding device has one or more air guiding bodies. Each air guiding body has an elongate attachment that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle that bulges in a convex manner, is composed of a flexible or soft-elastic material and is embodied in the form of a half shell having a lateral elongate opening and can be adjusted automatically in the driving condition from a rest position into an operative position, in which it can be lowered in the direction of the roadway. In the rest position, the air guiding body is arranged close to the undersurface and, in the operative position, the air guiding body is held in a lowered position relative to the undersurface.

Abstract: A vehicle has an inflatable air dam assembly that is deployed and stowed by a bidirectional deploy/stow system. The deployment and stowing may be based on vehicle speed. The deploy/stow system includes an air compressor and first and second valves for directing air into and out of the air dam assembly. The compressor operates on both deploy and stow operations to fill and evacuate, respectively, the air dam assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reducing drag on a vehicle. The device comprises a sheet of material and a plurality of depressions/elevations. The sheet of material having a base portion and an apex extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body, an air conditioning unit, and a fairing. The vehicle body includes a roof having a front portion and a rear portion. The air conditioning unit is disposed within the vehicle body and includes a condenser configured to receive air from outside the vehicle body through an opening in the rear portion of the roof. The fairing is disposed over the rear portion of the roof and the opening thereby defining an interior volume between the fairing and the rear portion of the roof. The fairing includes a leading portion oriented toward the front portion of the roof. The leading portion has an air inlet such that when the vehicle moves in a forward direction air from outside the vehicle body enters the interior volume through the air inlet, passes through the opening, and passes through the condenser.

Abstract: An airflow deflector apparatus for a vehicle that protrudes downward from a vehicle body in front of a wheel housing that houses a wheel includes a flap portion having a front surface portion extending substantially in a lateral direction of a vehicle and a vertical direction, and a protrusion portion that protrudes toward a front of the vehicle from the front surface portion of the flap portion and is formed so as to have a shape that tapers toward a protrusion end portion side, in which the front surface portion of the flap portion, when the vehicle is running, changes a moving direction of airflow that flows along a surface of the protrusion portion into a direction away from components that are disposed rearward.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure (10) for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall (24) provided rearward, in a vehicle body longitudinal direction, with respect to a front wheel (15) in a wheel house (14), and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, and an airflow guiding wall (22) hanging downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from a rear end portion (24A) in the vehicle body longitudinal direction of the airflow collision wall (24). The airflow guiding wall (22) extends in the vehicle body vertical direction, or extends in a tilting direction directed both toward the front wheel (15) side and toward the lower side in the vehicle body vertical direction.

Abstract: A protection or shading system for a motor vehicle, in particular a wind deflector system for a convertible, with a base, a sheet-like structure entendable between an inoperative position and a functional position in an extension direction away from the base, a rigid end element fastened to the sheet-like structure, and an extension device fastened on one side to the base and on the other side to the end element. The extension device is designed so as to transfer the system from an inoperative state in which the sheet-like structure, the end element and the extension device are each in an inoperative position, into a functional state, in which the sheet-like structure, the end element and the extension device are each in a functional position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an airstream deflector fairing comprising a front or fore end having a leading edge attached to an undercarriage of a wheeled vehicle. The fairing further includes a rear or aft end and a lower bottom portion of the fairing includes a panel facing the ground at an angle which in turn directs an airstream passing thereunder downwardly and outwardly relative to the undercarriage and substantially at an area below a trailing axle downstream from the fairing. The lower bottom panel includes an angle of declination relative to the undercarriage from about 12 degrees to about 24 degrees.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing member for motor vehicle wind deflectors has a shaped configuration with at least one curved portion, and a plurality of mutually spaced apart, plastically formed deformation sections which provide structural rigidity to maintain the shaped configuration and geometry of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing atmospheric drag on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a receiving feature, wherein the airfoil is attachable with a back portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one extender attachable with the back portion of the vehicle, and a slide arm attached to the at least one extender and mateable with the recess portion of the airfoil. The apparatus is configured such that when the slide arm is disposed in the receiving portion of the airfoil, the airfoil is in an extended position relative to the back of the vehicle. The apparatus is further configured such that applying a force on the airfoil in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back portion of the vehicle buckles the airfoil, thereby lifting the slide arm from the recess and moving the airfoil to a retracted position.

Abstract: A motor car including a central body with a nose having a tapered shape, an intermediate portion in which a driver's compartment is formed, and a tail portion having a tapered shape. The body is shaped such that, during movement, it generates a substantially zero overall lift. A pair of steering front wheels is connected externally to the front portion of the central body and each of them has, associated therewith, a front fairing which leaves a top portion of the wheel uncovered. These fairings are connected to the ends of a front transverse wing which extends from both sides of the nose of the central body and which is profiled so as to generate a negative lift during movement. A pair of rear wheels are connected to the tail portion of the central body and each of them has, associated therewith, a front fairing and rear fairing which leave a top portion of the wheel uncovered.

Abstract: The wind blocker allows the simple and inexpensive manufacture of a wind blocker for the convertible C5 and C6 Corvette which utilizes illuminated text and/or artwork. The design of the wind blocker allows such text or artwork to be quickly and inexpensively applied based on customer requirements. The use of computer aided etching techniques allow the wind blocker to be cost effectively manufactured with custom artwork in quantities as low as one item. This allows the end customer to utilize any artistic design desired to create a completely custom, one-of-a-kind accessory for the customer's C5 or C6 Corvette.

Abstract: A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib.

Abstract: An automotive air deflector is substantially V-shaped with a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around the deflector. The deflector is configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. The air deflector is constructed of a lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment but is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes so as to accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles and in the various locations on those vehicles. By reducing turbulence and providing for the smooth flow of air around the vehicle, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs.

Abstract: An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least one air deflection element coupled to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle but not to any rear door which the vehicle may have. The air deflection elements are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, and may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control. Each air deflection element is coupled to a respective portion of the rear-facing surface of the vehicle that is arranged above, below or on either side of the rear door, and each air deflection element is associated with a frame in which it is substantially disposed when in the retracted position. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable wind deflector for a vehicle is configured to deploy a deflector body from a stowed position to a deployed position extending outside the vehicle compartment when a window is opened, and to return the deflector body from the deployed position to the stowed position when the window is closed.

Abstract: An air guide device, especially an extendable and retractable rear spoiler on a motor vehicle, with an adjustable air guide element and at least one, also adjustable, flow element designed as an underflow guard. The flow element is designed as a component separate from the air guide element and is connected to it by an adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container in a lead container car at a lead end of the train, so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment.

Abstract: An air guiding device (8) is mounted in the rear end (2) of a passenger motor vehicle (1) and a setting-out mechanism (7) is connected to the underside of the air guiding device (8) for moving the air-guiding device (8). A collar (14) with a streamlined profile extends from the air guiding device (8) and surrounds the setting-out mechanism (7). Thus, the end of the setting-out mechanism (7) that faces toward the air guiding device (8) is concealed, and there is an optimum flow around the setting-out mechanism (7) in the region of the setting-out mechanism (7) when the air guiding device (8) is deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle having an aerodynamic splitter for the front of a vehicle is provided. The splitter includes a splitter panel which has a top surface adapted to be mounted to a front fascia of a vehicle. The top surface is contoured and offset from the front fascia in order to define an airflow opening between the front fascia and the splitter panel.

Abstract: The invention is essentially an apparatus and method for reducing the wheel-spray and the aerodynamic drag of a wheel-set of a vehicle having a framework with preexisting holes, the apparatus comprising a three-dimensionally adjustable support infrastructure anchored to the framework without the need for drilling or welding the support infrastructure to the framework; a three-dimensionally adjustable housing superstructure having a housing having an obtuse-angled forward side and an obtuse-angled rearward side for screening the wheel-set, with the housing affixed between a box-sleeve and a stand-on plate with a plurality of U-bolt fasteners, wherein the box-sleeve defines an interior chamber for receiving a girder; and two attenuation rings inserted along both external ends of the girder to dilute vibration from the vehicle to the housing; and a fastening means comprising a locking cap having domed arches and a transplanar bore, a counter-threaded locking bolt, and a locking pin.

Abstract: A vehicle having an aerodynamic splitter for the front of a vehicle is provided. The splitter includes a splitter panel which has a top surface adapted to be mounted to a front fascia of a vehicle. The top surface is contoured and offset from the front fascia in order to define an airflow opening between the front fascia and the splitter panel. The airflow opening directs air under the vehicle therethrough in order to create a down force on the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic panel assembly with surface macrostructure is provided for a land vehicle. The panel assembly includes a first plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width, and a second plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width. The first and second plurality of slats are interwoven, thereby providing significant structural strength while increasing the versatility of the panel assembly to be used on various types of vehicles. Various types of attachment mechanisms are provided for attaching a panel assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind blocker arrangement (1) for a personal vehicle embodied as a cabriolet, having a roller device (5) comprising a shaft (12) and a material web (7) that may be rolled onto the shaft (12), having a bow (8) to which the material web (7) is attached and by means of which the material web (7) may be unwound from the shaft (12), and having two lateral arms (9) that, when the material web (7) is extended, are disposed in the region of the lateral edges (14) of the material web (7) and that are pivotable transversely to the rotational axis (13) of the shaft (12). A particularly compact and comfortable construction may be achieved if the arms (9) are drive-coupled to the bow (8) such that the arms (9) pivoting open causes the bow (8) to pull out the material web (7).

Abstract: An integrated pneumatic system including a motor, air compressor, air dryer, valves, air lines and electronic controller pneumatically controls both an air springs system and an inflatable air dam assembly, wherein the trim height adjustment of the air springs may be individual or collective, and wherein the trim height adjustment of the air springs and the inflation and deflation of the inflatable air dam assembly may be mutually coordinated with respect to vehicular speed and the duration of vehicular speed ranges.

Abstract: A fairing assembly is suitable for use with a heavy duty vehicle having a cab mounted to a frame, wherein relative motion occurs between the cab and the frame during vehicle operation. The fairing assembly extending downwardly from a lower portion of the cab and includes a fairing panel and a hinge for hingedly connecting an upper portion of the fairing panel to a lower portion of the cab. The hinge defines a hinge line extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The fairing assembly further includes a link having a first end rotatably connected to a lower portion of the fairing panel and a second end rotatably connected to the frame. The link substantially limits rotation of the fairing panel about the hinge line and rotates relative to the fairing panel to allow for relative motion between the frame and the cab.