Abstract: A front cowling covers a front portion of a motorcycle, and a headlamp is mounted to the front cowling. The front cowling includes a lamp cowling part and a pair of left and right inner cowling parts. The lamp cowling part and the pair of inner cowling parts are integrally formed by molding. The lamp cowling part includes a lamp opening that allows a front surface of the headlamp to face outside. The inner cowling parts are coupled to inner sides of front portions of side cowlings, and guide incoming wind to a radiator.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting an adjustable spoiler blade to a vehicle includes a basic body including: a fastening interface having a Z clearance in a Z direction for fastening to spoiler kinematics of the vehicle in at least two different Z relative positions with respect to the spoiler kinematics, wherein an alignment body is fastened to the basic body, and an alignment interface having an XY clearance in an X direction and a Y direction for fastening in at least two different XY relative positions with respect to the basic body. The basic body has a spoiler interface for fastening of the spoiler blade and furthermore at least one adjuster for setting a Z relative position.

Abstract: A front splitter assembly includes a front splitter having a first end and a second end, a first side splitter at the first end and a second side splitter at the second end. Each side splitter includes a contoured body. Each side splitter includes a dive plane feature that increases generation of downforce at negligible drag cost.

Abstract: Ground vehicle air data systems, and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for determining a drag coefficient of a vehicle includes the steps of: while the vehicle is at rest, opening a valve that connects an air tank with an outside atmosphere; while the vehicle is at rest, closing the valve that connects the air tank with the outside atmosphere; and while the vehicle is in motion, measuring a total pressure with a total pressure probe carried by the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle having a transverse panel and a transverse aerodynamic member, and a control unit. The transverse aerodynamic member is movable to an operating position in which it is spaced apart from the transverse panel. In that operating position, the transverse aerodynamic member is operable to direct airflow downwardly at the rear of the vehicle to control the vertical propagation of the wake formed behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An airflow straightening structure of an automotive vehicle, in which slits for traveling-air peeling off (separation) and connection portions for cover reinforcing are adjacently provided at a rear-end edge portion of a cover having a substantially-flat airflow straightening face extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein protrusions are provided to extend in a direction crossing the vehicle longitudinal direction along a cover surface of the cover which are positioned in front of the connection portions.

Abstract: A deflector device includes: a deflector base fixed to side edge portions of a roof opening portion provided in a roof of a vehicle; a deflector arm assembled to the deflector base to extend along the side edge portions and rotatably supported to approach and separate from the roof opening portion in response to an opening and closing operation of a panel for opening and closing the roof opening portion; a deflector unit configured to be deployed when the deflector arm is separated from the roof opening portion and to be stored when the deflector arm approaches the roof opening portion; and a biasing member installed such that one end side thereof is assembled to the deflector base and the other end side thereof biases the deflector arm in a direction in which the deflector arm is separated from the roof opening portion.

Abstract: A pickup truck tailgate lifting system and apparatus. The system in communication with the tailgate of the truck and located within an interior of the truck bed. The apparatus comprising a motor, a sprocket, a chain, and pins located on opposed ends of the tailgate, wherein the chain engages the tailgate and moves the tailgate from a closed position to an open position. The pins of the apparatus allow for normal operation of the tailgate during non-use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A rectifying device is provided in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a wheel, a housing, and a lower arm. The wheel includes a tire and a rim. The housing is provided with a hub bearing that rotatably supports the wheel. The lower arm is swingably coupled to a vehicle-body lower portion and a lower portion of the housing and extends substantially along a vehicle width direction. The rectifying device includes an inward deflector. The inward deflector is provided at the lower arm and configured to deflect an airflow flowing in from a vehicle front side so that a speed component inward in the vehicle width direction of the airflow increases.

Abstract: An air flow management system for a rear of a cargo trailer, box car, bus, van, truck, or similar vehicle, having a shaped skin in a three-dimensional surface such as a vertical half of a gas bag envelope of a hot air balloon, and an attachment bracket for the shaped skin to a rear side of the cargo vehicle to reshape and improve the aerodynamics of a vertical planar rear surface of the cargo vehicle by controlling the decompression and expansion of air flow around the rear of the vehicle, which is especially useful for over-the-road cargo trailers having side skirts.

Abstract: Aerodynamic system for motor vehicle includes at least one vortex generator which generates a vortex by creating a periodic air jet able to be positioned downstream of at least one boundary layer separation region of at least one bodywork element of a vehicle, the boundary layer separation region generating a turbulent zone includes a shear layer and a main returning vortex, the vortex generator including at least one orientable nozzle able to generate vortices moving in a defined direction toward the shear layer and the main returning vortex, in a different plane from the shear layer.

Abstract: A drag-reducing undercarriage panel for a vehicle includes a planar main body sloping into an arcuate front section extending rearward over at least a portion of the planer main body creating a curved front edge; a pair of spaced outer members extending outward from opposite sides of a front portion of the planar main body; and multiple attachment sections for attaching the undercarriage panel to a vehicle. The undercarriage panel reduces or eliminates turbulent air beneath a moving vehicle caused by the vehicle's rotating front tires and uneven and rough undercarriage.

Abstract: Cab extender systems and methods are provided for reducing the aerodynamic drag on a pickup truck. A cab extender system includes a cab with a roof panel and a rear wall. The cab extends upward on the vehicle to the roof panel and the rear wall extends downward from the roof panel. A tailgate is disposed at a rear of the vehicle and a utility box extends between the rear wall and the tailgate. An extender extends in a rearward direction from the roof panel a length of between ten and twenty centimeters from the rear wall.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes a closure hingedly connected to a vehicle-rearmost portion of a cargo area and adapted to pivot into a receiver provided in a portion of the cargo area. The receiver may be provided in a portion of a cargo area load floor or in a portion of a cargo area sidewall. The closure may include a bottom hinge and/or a side hinge, adapted to pivot the closure both vehicle-rearwardly and vehicle-forwardly. A cover may be provided to hide the closure in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rear spoiler arrangement includes a spoiler wing movable between a retracted inoperative position and an extended working position; a supporting body structure that defines a body recess; a recess cover that at least partially closes the body recess; and a support arrangement configured to support the spoiler wing (in its inoperative position on the recess cover. The support arrangement includes an elastic buffer element on a lower side of the spoiler wing, a support surface on an upper side of the recess cover, wherein the buffer element rests in the inoperative position on the support surface, and a separate supporting body arranged in the body recess and that supports a lower side of the recess cover in a region of the support surface on the body structure.

Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a pillar adjacent to a vehicle window, such as a windshield. The apparatus includes a molding for positioning adjacent to the pillar, the molding forming a channel in a deployed condition for receiving moisture from the vehicle windshield, or for reducing the effects of wind throb when a single vehicle window is open. An actuator may be associated with the molding for activating a non-deployed condition of the molding for reducing the effects of wind noise.

Abstract: An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable rear bumper spoiler system for a vehicle controls air turbulence by driving the air spoiler device so that the vehicle can be pressed downwards during high-speed driving. The adjustable rear bumper spoiler system also controls air turbulence by driving flap devices so that the vehicle body is pressed downwards with respect to the turning direction during turning. This consequently improves the driving performance and driving reliability of the vehicle.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a front cowling covering a front portion of a vehicle body; and an aerodynamic device including an aerodynamic force generating section which generates a downforce by air flowing in a rearward direction along an upper surface of the front cowling, and the aerodynamic force generating section is placed to overlap with the upper surface of the front cowling, when viewed from above.

Abstract: A deflector comprises a protrusion portion which protrudes downward, including a slant face portion slanting obliquely rearward and downward, and a vertical wall portion which is provided in back of the protrusion portion to extend in a vehicle width direction. A lower end portion of the vertical wall portion is positioned at a lower level than a rear end portion of the slant face portion. The lower end portion of part of the vertical wall portion located inward from the other part of the vertical wall portion located so as to overlap the front wheel in a front view is positioned at a higher level than the lower end portion of the other part of the vertical wall portion located so as to overlap the front wheel in the front view.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an underbody opening to a wheel well, a wheel accommodated in the wheel well, a brake inside the wheel and an air spat at the underbody. The air spat has an upright Coanda surface open to free oncoming underbody airflow. The Coanda surface includes a trailing section aimed inside the wheel and at the brake.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor for propelling the vehicle and at least one active aerodynamic element configured to generate a variable amount of aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle also includes at least one driver input sensor configured to detect a driver input and generate a feedforward signal indicative of a desired behavior of the vehicle. The vehicle additionally includes a controller in communication with the at least one driver input sensor and the at least one active aerodynamic element and configured to regulate the at least one active aerodynamic element at least partially in response to the feedforward signal. A method for controlling such an active aerodynamic element and a system for controlling an aerodynamic downforce on a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle airflow control apparatus (900) has an air inlet (902) at the rear quarter glass (906) of the vehicle and ducting (908) leading via an openable joint (912) and rear ducting (912) past a bend (916) to an exit blowing aperture (918), a concertina element (928) allowing duct movement, the openable joint having a self-alignment cup (938) with wedging inner sides (944, 946), an interface seal connecting the rear ducting and the cup, a deployable spoiler (920) having a drive system (978), 10 outboard positional control of the spoiler being provided by a rod (998) with cone surfaces (1000, 1002).

Abstract: A duct is configured for a vehicle having a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis. The vehicle body includes a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion, a second vehicle body end opposite of the first vehicle body end. The duct has a fully-enclosed structure in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal body axis. The duct also has a first port positioned to receive a portion of the oncoming airflow and a second port positioned to exhaust the portion of the oncoming airflow from the duct. The first and second ports together with the fully-enclosed structure are configured to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: According to aspects, an angled extension for an air curtain, the angled extension includes a base and a projection extending from the base. The base is configured to be attached to a front surface of a wheel well and is configured to be is disposed proximal to an interior side of an air-curtain outlet. The projection has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be generally angled toward an exterior side of the air-curtain outlet when the base is attached to the front surface. The first end is configured to deflect at least a portion of a flow of air that exits the air-curtain outlet to thereby inhibit contact between the flow of air and a front face of a tire. The second end is configured to be generally perpendicular to the front surface when the base is attached thereto.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a displaceable top and a top storage space, which can be closed using a storage space cover, as well as a wind deflector, which is displaceable between a retracted stowage position and at least one erected function position and can have an inner frame on which a wind deflector function element is spanned. The wind deflector can have an outer frame, to which the inner frame is pivotably mounted and which is pivotably mounted to the storage space cover.

Abstract: A rear spoiler device for a vehicle with at least one rear door has a side air guiding element which can be adjusted between a retracted basic position and a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guiding, a roof air guiding element which can be adjusted between a basic position and a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guiding, and a coupling device for coupling the adjustment movements of the side air guiding element and the roof air guiding element. The coupling device is provided between a lower side of the roof air guiding element and an upper end of the side air guiding element. The upper end of the side air guiding element can be adjusted along the lower side of the roof air guiding element during the adjustment movement.

Abstract: A side skirt assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer, particularly to a trailer frame comprising transverse structural support members extending between sides of the trailer. The side skirt assembly comprises an elongated skirt panel, an elongated support and one or more skirt support members. The side skirt assemble comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The elongated support is coupled to the elongated skirt panel on the inner surface thereof proximate an upper edge of the elongated skirt panel and extends at least a portion of the length of the elongated skirt panel. The more skirt support members couple the elongated skirt panel to a corresponding one or more or of the transverse structural support members.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an air dam assembly disposed at a first end of the vehicle body that is configured to control an airflow between the vehicle body and a road surface from outside the vehicle to the under-hood compartment of the vehicle. The air dam assembly includes a housing having a top wall and a bottom wall defining a forward wall and an opposing rearward wall therebetween. A plurality of flexible pleats are disposed on the forward wall of the of the air dam housing.

Abstract: A dive-plane system for a vehicle includes first and second dive-planes. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first vehicle body end facing oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion and first and second lateral body sides. The first dive-plane is mounted to the first lateral body side proximate the first body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the first body end at the first lateral body side. The second dive-plane is mounted to the second lateral body side proximate the first body end and configured to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the first body end at the second lateral body side. The dive-plane system also includes a mechanism configured to selectively and individually shift each of the first and second dive-planes relative to the vehicle body to adjust a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce generated by each dive-plane on the first vehicle body end.

Abstract: An air-guiding arrangement is provided for a vehicle. The air-guiding arrangement is arranged in the region in front of a vehicle wheel which is functionally connected to a braking system. At least one air-guiding body is positioned in front of the vehicle wheel and protrudes downwards from an underbody covering part in the direction of the roadway, and at least one duct is positioned in the air-guiding body or on that side of the air-guiding body which faces away from the outside of the vehicle, and is designed to guide incoming travel air in the direction of the braking system. The air-guiding body has a first retaining lip which is arranged between the air-guiding body and the vehicle wheel and which protrudes downward over the air-guiding body in the direction of the roadway. A second retaining lip is provided on that side of the at least one duct which faces away from the outside of the vehicle such that the at least one duct has a gap between the first retaining lip and the second retaining lip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Abstract: A vehicle has an air-guiding device arranged on a lower side of the vehicle in front of a vehicle wheel. The air-guiding device includes an air-guiding body which has a side region running substantially in the vertical direction of the vehicle and facing a vehicle center, and a bottom region which faces an underlying surface and is connected to the side region and is spaced apart from the lower side. In an outer region of the air-guiding body, which faces away from the vehicle center and is connected to the bottom region and is formed with a convex curvature with respect to the outer side of the vehicle, an air flow can be directed in the direction of an outer flank of the vehicle wheel, while an air flow can be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle via the side region guiding surface.

Abstract: An aerodynamic rear drag reduction system is configured to be coupled to a frame assembly of a trailer including a rear frame and a rear swing door. The drag reduction system includes a top panel configured to be coupled to a top portion of the rear swing door to extend generally horizontally along a top portion of the rear frame of the trailer. The drag reduction system also includes a folding mechanism coupled to the top panel to move the top panel between a fully-deployed position wherein the top panel is configured to extend rearwardly generally away from the rear end of the trailer and a collapsed position wherein the top panel is configured to lie generally adjacent the rear swing door of the trailer. The folding mechanism is configured to be coupled to a door locking mechanism of the trailer.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, in which position the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is an extrusion sized for a minimal prominence in the stowed position.

Abstract: A cowling structure of a straddle-type vehicle, comprises a front opening forming section formed with a front opening which opens frontward in a vehicle body; a rear opening forming section formed with a rear opening which is placed rearward relative to the front opening and opens to a rear in the vehicle body; an inclined wall which is placed between a lower portion of the front opening forming section and a lower portion of the rear opening forming section, extends in a forward and rearward direction, and includes an inclined surface inclined to be higher as the inclined surfaces extends in a rearward direction; and an outer side wall protruding upward from an outer side portion of the inclined wall in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle body and extending in the forward and rearward direction.

Abstract: A rear fairing system for a vehicle includes a roof foil on top of the vehicle roof and sidewall foils pivotally mounted to the vehicle sidewalls. The roof foil includes downwardly facing concavity and a roof foil curved convex upper surface extending laterally across the vehicle roof. A spring extends laterally across the vehicle roof in the downwardly facing concavity. A door foil extends aft of the roof foil with a curved convex upper surface continuing the roof foil curved convex upper surface. Cables extend from the vehicle rear doors to the sidewall foils adjacent the sidewall foil free edges. The cables are taut and strain the sidewall foils toward the vehicle rear doors with the vehicle rear doors closed.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer or other ground vehicle includes plurality of wall panels each configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend generally below a storage container of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. The wall panels are horizontally spaced-apart from each other.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a wheel arch (3), in which a wheel (4) is arranged, and has an air guiding apparatus (20) for guiding an air flow (8) that flows onto the wheel arch (3) during operation of the motor vehicle. The air guiding apparatus (20) is configured and arranged in such a way that a first part air flow (11) is guided past an inner side of the wheel (4) and a second part air flow (12) is guided past an outer side of the wheel (4). The two part air flows (11, 12) then are combined again behind the wheel arch (3) in a vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A load support structure is provided for a vehicle tailgate. The structure includes a base incorporated into the tailgate, a first retaining member positionable in either of a stowed configuration and a raised configuration within a cavity formed in the base, and a second retaining member positionable in either of a stowed configuration and a raised configuration within a cavity formed in the base.

Abstract: A vehicle includes friction brakes, an axle, and a controller. The axle has an electronic limited-slip differential that includes a variable torque capacity lockup clutch. The controller is programmed to, in response to a difference between desired and actual yaw rates exceeding a first threshold, increase the torque of the lockup clutch to decrease the difference between the desired and actual yaw rates. The controller is further programmed to, in response the difference between desired and actual yaw rates exceeding a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, increase the torque of the friction brakes to decrease the difference between the desired and actual yaw rates.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. Vortex generators are provided on one or more surfaces of the drag reducing device to improve the drag reduction characteristics of the device.

Abstract: Multiple vertical panel strakes extend from a rear underbody of the automobile in a street configuration. Multiple vertical panel extensions include extension coupling elements designed to removably couple the vertical panel extensions to the plurality of vertical strakes in a track configuration. When the rear underbody aerodynamic diffuser is in the street configuration, the plurality of vertical panel extensions are uncoupled from the plurality of vertical panel strakes and the vertical panel strakes have an overall width that extends a vertical street distance. When the rear underbody aerodynamic diffuser is in the track configuration, the plurality of vertical panel extensions are removably coupled to the plurality of vertical panel strakes and the combined vertical panel strakes and vertical panel extensions have an overall width that extends a vertical track distance that is greater than the vertical street distance.

Abstract: An air deflector system for a sunroof of a vehicle including an air deflector with holes along the length of the air deflector and having an input port, an air pump connected to the input port, an airspeed sensor, and an air controller configured to control a speed of the air pump based on the airspeed sensor to enable discharge of an air stream through the holes of the air deflector.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes a substrate operable between open and closed positions and defining an inboard surface, an outboard surface and a top surface. A light assembly is positioned on the substrate. A first lens is positioned over the inboard surface and the top surface. A second lens is positioned over the top surface and the outboard surface. A plurality of light sources is positioned between the substrate and the first and second lenses.

Abstract: A rear spoiler device for a vehicle at least includes an air-guiding element (25) for lengthening the contour, in particular of a side surface (3) of the vehicle (1), in a travel position, and a displacement device for displacing the air-guiding element (25) between the travel position and a home position. A front end (54) of the air-guiding element (25) is provided for bearing against the side surface (3) of the vehicle (1) in the travel position. At least one sealing element (61) for sealingly bearing against the side surface (3) is provided on the front end (54) of the air-guiding element (25), and the displacement device is provided for pressing the sealing element (61) against the side surface (3) in the travel position.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle is capable of achieving miniaturization of a front cowl while ensuring a flow rate of air introduction. An opening penetrating through a longitudinal direction of a vehicle is formed below the center in a height direction of a vertically long windshield. First traveling air is passed through the opening formed in the windshield. A direction of the first traveling air is then changed by a guide member, and is moved upward along a back surface of the windshield. Excessive vacuum on the back surface of the windshield is corrected. Since an opening is formed in the windshield, it is not necessary to increase a width of the front cowl, and miniaturization of the front cowl can be achieved. Since the windshield is formed as a vertically long windshield, the opening can be formed to be vertically long, and an opening area can be ensured.

Abstract: A backdoor structure for a vehicle, the backdoor structure comprising an upper window and a lower window, a rear spoiler disposed between the windows and projecting toward the rear of the vehicle, a backdoor frame supporting both windows and the rear spoiler, and a resin panel, wherein the resin panel comprises a window portion functioning as the lower window and a spoiler portion functioning as the rear spoiler, the window portion and the spoiler portion being integrated by resin molding.

Abstract: A vehicle aerodynamic structure changes an airflow passing under a vehicle floor. The structure includes at least one aerodynamic add-on device that exerts an impact on the airflow passing under a lower surface of the vehicle floor. The device is disposed below the lower surface of the vehicle floor on the inboard side of an inboard surface of a tire so as to be located behind a front end of the tire or a flap.

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.