Abstract: The invention relates to a flow guiding apparatus of a motor vehicle, comprising a spoiler which is fastened to a tailgate of the motor vehicle, and to an adjustment kinematics device for adjusting the spoiler between a rest position, in which the spoiler is arranged in a flush-mounted manner in the tailgate, and at least one functional position, in which the spoiler is deployed beyond the vehicle contour or the surface of the tailgate with regard to the height and/or the angle. In order to achieve a downforce effect and/or braking effect and/or aerodynamic improvement during driving of the motor vehicle, the adjustment of the adjustment kinematics device takes place via actuable drive means. This flow guiding apparatus is intended to be developed in such a way that a multiplicity of operating positions of the spoiler can be set with a compact overall design and integration into the movable tailgate, with at least one operating position intended to fulfil the function of an air brake.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body lower structure. The vehicle body lower structure includes an airflow guiding plate that is arranged on the vehicle body of a vehicle and is movable between a receiving position covering the lower part of the vehicle body and a deploying position protruding downward. The vehicle body lower structure further includes: a shaft member, which extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle, thereby rotatably connecting the front end of the airflow guiding plate to the vehicle body; a belt member, one end of which is connected to the airflow guiding plate and the other end thereof is connected the vehicle body; and an actuator, which is used to wind the belt member. In addition, the belt member is bent when the airflow guiding plate moves from the deploying position to the receiving position.

Abstract: An air conduction device for a motor vehicle includes an air conduction element and a movement device. The air conduction element is movably configured relative to the remaining body as at least part of a tail side part of a body of the vehicle. The air conduction element can be brought into an inoperative position and at least one final operating position. The tail side part has a flow guiding area along which air flows which is designed to face an area surrounding the motor vehicle. The air conduction element has a surface which is at least part of the flow guiding area. The air conduction element is configured in its final operating position to lengthen the flow guiding area in the direction of a longitudinal body axis (X) of the body. The air conduction element can be brought into its positions with the help of the movement device.

Abstract: An aerodynamics control system for a vehicle may include an aerodynamic element operably coupled to a vehicle body, an actuator assembly operably coupled to the aerodynamic element to control positioning of the aerodynamic element, an altitude sensor operably coupled to the vehicle to determine an altitude of the vehicle, and a controller operably coupled to the actuator and the altitude sensor to provide automatic control of the aerodynamic element via the actuator based on the altitude of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a variable radius assembly having a spindle, at least one variable radius guide member coupled to, and driven by, the spindle, and a tension member attached to the variable radius guide member. The tension member is configured to attach to at least one variable length structural member. The variable radius assembly further has at least one gear coupled to, and driven by, the spindle, and has at least one rotational power source coupled to the spindle, and configured to rotate the spindle. The variable radius guide member enables a tension member length change at a non-linear rate for a constant rate of rotation of the spindle, allowing the at least one variable length structural member to be braced by the tension member at an inclination angle to the at least one variable length structural member throughout a range of motion.

Abstract: A body defines a wheel arch, a wheel assembly is located in the wheel arch, and a panel is located adjacent to the wheel arch and inboard relative to the wheel assembly. An actuator is configured to move the panel between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the panel is adjacent to the wheel assembly in the extended position and the panel is spaced from the wheel assembly in the retracted position. The actuator is configured to move the panel between the extended position and the retracted position in response to a control signal that is generated based on a sensed condition.

Abstract: A vehicle (100), having an air deflection element (102) that is able to be adjusted between a first position (102a) and a second position (102b), a drive device (104) for adjusting the air deflection element (102), and a control device (106) for controlling the drive device (104), wherein the control device (106) is coupled to an input device (108), wherein the air deflection element (102) is able to be adjusted by way of the drive device (104) by actuating the input device (108), wherein the control device (106) is coupled to an output device (110) and is designed such that the output device (110) outputs one or more acoustic signals (111) when the air deflection element (102) is adjusted.

Abstract: According to a link mechanism type variable wheel deflector applied to a vehicle, a deflector coupled to a cover plate using a hinge boss as a rotation center can be operated using traveling resistant wind as a driving source, a piston receiving the linear movement of a link shaft by a moment arm rotated with the deflector can unfold the deflector while compressing an elastic member, and an elastic restoring force of the elastic member can be applied to the piston to return the link shaft and the moment arm to fold the deflector, thereby strengthening the repeated durability of the elastic member compared to the rotating motion of the spring, and in particular, the rotating motion and the linear motion can be implemented by the link motion mechanism apparatus connected to the deflector, thereby implementing the high durability performance with the low-cost mechanical structure.

Abstract: An aerodynamic system for a vehicle, includes: an air duct guiding air flow from a front compartment to the outside of the vehicle; and a rotating body mounted in the air duct and rotatable in the air duct. The rotating body may have a rotation axis along a transverse direction of the vehicle, and the rotating body may rotate around the rotation axis.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle hood disposed over a front end compartment of the vehicle, the hood having a front end and a rear end, the rear end being proximal to a front windshield area of the vehicle; at least one hood actuator operably coupled to the hood, the at least one hood actuator being configured to move at least a portion of the hood relative to the front end compartment; and a controller in communication with the at least one hood actuator, the controller being configured to control the at least one hood actuator in response to a predetermined vehicle operating condition. The hood further includes an active hinge defining a hood pivot axis disposed between the front end and the rear end, whereby the at least one hood actuator is configured to move only a forward portion of the hood disposed between the active hinge and the front end of the hood.

Abstract: The motor vehicle comprising an aerodynamic underbody flap (1) rotating about a transverse axis (10) and a lower transverse structure (4) arranged at the rear of the lower part of a front bumper (6). The rear part of the lower transverse structure (4) comprises guide means (41, 42) which, in the event of a frontal impact, guide the backward movement of the lower transverse structure (4) such that the rear face of the lower transverse structure (4) comes into contact with the axis (10) of the aerodynamic underbody flap (1).

Abstract: A spoiler structure includes a base portion that is attached to a vehicle body and a movable flow adjustment portion that is moved relative to the base portion from a front position on a vehicle front side to a rear position on a vehicle rear side via an intermediate position. A rear end of the movable flow adjustment portion is moved upward with movement of the movable flow adjustment portion from the front position to the intermediate position. The rear end of the movable flow adjustment portion is moved downward with movement of the movable flow adjustment portion from the intermediate position to the rear position. A height position of the rear end of the movable flow adjustment portion at the rear position is lower than a height position of the rear end of the movable flow adjustment portion at the front position.

Abstract: In an undercover structure according to the present invention, a first cover part that is a lowermost part of an undercover has a first rear end positioned ahead of a front wheel axle. Further, a curved part with a predetermined curvature is formed at the first rear end of the first cover part in a side view. This generates a strong negative pressure in a region ahead of the front wheel axle 21. Accordingly, the flow rate of air flowing to each wheelhouse 23 decreases (the flow rate of the airflow between a road and a vehicle generated along the bottom surface of the first cover part 15a of the undercover 15 increases). This causes an attraction force that attracts the vehicle to a road surface to act on a vehicle body of the vehicle, thereby making traveling stability more excellent.

Abstract: An openable vehicle roof having a wind deflector device which contains a wind deflector bow, which is produced from plastic material and has a central wind deflector profiled element having lateral deployment arms. At least the wind deflector profiled element has a profile leg, which delimits a groove, which is formed on the wind deflector profiled element and is open at the bottom and runs longitudinally, and the profile leg has, on the interior thereof facing the groove, a molded-on or attached fastening apparatus for an add-on part. A tool for producing a wind deflector bow is provided.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus (mount) for fastening a water-collecting strip to an A-pillar of a motor vehicle includes a fastening wall having a fastening side and a receiving side, wherein at least one catching device is arranged on the fastening side of the fastening wall for connecting with the A-pillar, which catching device extends in an approximately orthogonal direction from the fastening side, and wherein the catching device is formed for insertion and rearward catching in a through-opening of the A-pillar, and a catching element device arranged opposite the receiving side having at least one catching element for releasably fixing a water-collecting strip in a receiving region, wherein the receiving region is formed between the receiving side of the fastening wall and the catching element.

Abstract: Variable-porosity panel systems and associated methods. A variable-porosity panel system includes a panel assembly with an exterior layer defining a plurality of exterior layer pores and a sliding layer adjacent to the exterior layer and defining a plurality of sliding layer pores. The variable-porosity panel system additionally includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator configured to translate the sliding layer relative to the exterior layer to modulate a porosity of the panel assembly. The SMA actuator includes an SMA element configured to exert an actuation force on the sliding layer and at least partially received within an SMA element receiver of the sliding layer. The SMA element extends out of the sliding layer only at a sliding layer first end. A method of operating the variable-porosity panel system includes assembling the variable-porosity panel system and/or transitioning the panel assembly of the variable-porosity panel system among the plurality of panel configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an aerodynamic device. The aerodynamic device includes: an air dam movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, an actuator operatively coupled to the air dam, the actuator configured to move the air dam between the deployed position and the retracted position, and a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to move the air dam into the deployed position when the controller receives a service request signal.

Abstract: The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.

Abstract: An active rear airfoil arrangement (10) for a trailing area of a vehicle having a turbulence creating area. The arrangement (10) is for connection with a static rear horizontal spoiler (20) associated with the rear portion of a vehicle and includes an active rear horizontal spoiler (30a, 30b, 30c). The active rear horizontal spoiler (30a, 30b, 30c) moves to a deployed position and forms a flow passage (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d) that extends horizontally across the top of a liftgate (12). In another aspect of the invention the active rear airfoil arrangement (10) includes vertical left and right active spoilers (32a,32b; 36a,36b) that move to create a flow passage (74,76,88,90) on the left side and right side of a liftgate (12).

Abstract: Described herein are aerodynamically enhanced sensor housings. An aerodynamically enhanced sensor housing has an asymmetrical lateral cross-section that includes a first portion having a substantially spherical curvature and a second portion having a non-spherical curvature. The second portion having the non-spherical curvature may be elongated in relation to the first portion. An aerodynamically enhanced housing can also include one or more indentations formed in an exterior surface thereof to further enhance drag reducing characteristics of the housing. In addition, air flow characteristics around the sensor housing during vehicle operation can be assessed and a drag reduction protocol can be generated and implemented to further enhanced the drag reducing characteristics of the sensor housing.

Abstract: A spoiler lip for arranging on a front part of a vehicle is formed from a fiber composite plastic having at least one bidirectional reinforcing layer made of reinforcing fibers and a plastic matrix which contains an elastomer. The plastic matrix may also contain a thermoset in an embodiment of the spoiler lip.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a engine compartment ventilation system. The engine compartment ventilation system includes a grille cover. The grille cover is configured to cover an engine compartment of the vehicle. The grille cover has one or more grille shutters. The engine compartment ventilation system includes a sensor. The sensor is configured to measure an ambient temperature of an environment surrounding the vehicle. The engine compartment ventilation system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the one or more grille shutters and the sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to control the one or more grille shutters based on the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined ratio of the links to each other for motion of the deflector panel. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes providing a first vehicle having a deflection system, a control system includes a controller electronically connected to the deflection system, and a first tow connection, the deflection system including a movable deflection member and at least one actuator coupled to the deflection member, providing a second vehicle coupled to the first vehicle, the second vehicle having a second tow connection, providing at least one sensor coupled to the first vehicle and electronically connected to the control system, the at least one sensor configured to capture data corresponding to a frontal area of the second vehicle, monitoring, by the controller, sensor data received from the at least one sensor, and automatically generating, by the controller, a control signal to control the at least one actuator.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling deployment of a vehicle air dam that include receiving vehicle data associated with a vehicle operating condition. The system and method also include analyzing the vehicle data to determine if an elevated engine load condition is present to implement a normal air dam deployment mode or a prohibitive air dam deployment mode. The system and method further include controlling an actuator associated with the vehicle air dam to deploy or retract the vehicle air dam based on the implementation of the normal air dam deployment mode or the prohibitive air dam deployment mode.

Abstract: A rear diffuser on the underbody of a motor vehicle having an air duct which extends at the rear of the motor vehicle counter to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle toward the rear end of the motor vehicle. The air duct has at least one upper wall, which delimits the air duct in the upward direction. The upper wall has a first region, which is coupled in a nonadjustable manner to the motor vehicle and/or to the underbody. The upper wall has a second region, which can be moved relative to the motor vehicle and/or to the underbody. The second region is coupled in a movable manner to the first region by at least one hinge-type region.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes, among other things, a tailgate configured to pivot relative to a vehicle body between a closed position, a fully open position, and a secondary position that is between the closed position and the fully open position. The assembly further includes a cable device having a tailgate connector and a vehicle connector. The tailgate connector is coupled to the tailgate. The vehicle connector couples to a sidewall of the vehicle in first position to support the tailgate in the fully open position. The vehicle connector couples to the sidewall of the vehicle in a second position to support the tailgate in a secondary position. The first position is vertically below the second position. The assembly still further includes a bracket that blocks removal of the tailgate from the vehicle body when the tailgate is in the fully open position and when the tailgate is in the secondary position.

Abstract: A dynamic interface between a vehicle windshield and a structure (e.g., an A-pillar) is provided. The dynamic interface can be actively managed to allow its configuration to be selectively changed based on real-time driving environment conditions. The interface can include one or more actuators that can be selectively activated or deactivated to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the interface. When a crosswind activation condition is detected, the actuator(s) can be activated. The actuator(s) can be soft-bodied structures. The actuator(s) can include a bladder defining a fluid chamber filled with a dielectric fluid. A first conductor and a second conductor can be operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. When electrical energy is supplied to the conductors, they can become oppositely charged. As a result, the conductors can be electrostatically attracted toward each other, displacing some of the dielectric fluid to an outer peripheral region of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Unmanned vehicles may be terrestrial, aerial, nautical, or multi-mode. Unmanned vehicles may accomplish tasks by breaking out into sub-drones, re-grouping itself, changing form, or re-orienting its sensors.

Abstract: An active aero panel assembly including at least one deployable panel, at least one drive mechanism, and at least one actuator. The active aero panel assembly improves aerodynamics.

Abstract: A car having: a passenger compartment; a body surrounding the passenger compartment and having: a roof, a tail provided with a rear bumper, and a joining portion connecting the roof to the tail; a rear spoiler, which is arranged at the end of the joining portion in the area of the tail; and a deflector panel, which is arranged on the joining portion, is directly hit by an air flow brushing the joining portion during the travel and is mounted in a movable manner so as to move between a rest position, in which the deflector panel rests on the joining portion, and an active position, in which the deflector panel is lifted and spaced apart from the joining portion.

Abstract: An active front splitter for automobile is movably connected to a splitter support by a spindle support at each of its two ends. A driving mechanism being mounted to the splitter support at each of its two ends, an electric motor being mounted in the middle of the splitter support. The driving mechanism is driven by the electric motor and fixedly connected with the active front splitter so that the active front splitter is driven by the driving mechanism to rotate around a spindle fixed to the splitter support between a forwardly extended position and a retreated position. Thus, while ensuring the trafficability of the assembled automobile, it is possible to reduce wind drag so that the expected aerodynamic performance can be achieved.

Abstract: An engine room undercover assembly for a vehicle includes an aerofin mounted on a lower side surface of the undercover to guide airflow under an undercover. In the engine room undercover assembly, the aerofin is configured to maintain a state of being inserted and folded into the undercover when the vehicle is stopped or travels at a speed of less than or equal to a predetermined speed. When the vehicle travels at the speed greater than the predetermined speed, the aerofin protruded to the outside of the undercover to guide the airflow under the undercover.

Abstract: An active hood vent system for a motor vehicle includes a hood vent, having a closure displaceable between a closed position and an opened position, and a control module. That control module is configured to adjust the aero balance of the motor vehicle by opening and closing the closure. Further, the control module may be configured to close the closure and thereby minimize engine compartment air from entering an HVAC inlet of the motor vehicle when the current operating temperature of the motor vehicle is below a predetermined temperature requiring engine cooling, and a current motor vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed where airflow over the hood limits ingestion of engine compartment air by the HVAC inlet.

Abstract: A front spoiler assembly for a motor vehicle. The front spoiler assembly includes a spoiler lip which is arranged to extend at least partially in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle in a front area of the motor vehicle. The spoiler lip includes a front side, a spoiler lip outer edge which faces away from a front part of the motor vehicle, and at least two spoiler areas. At least one actuator device moves the at least two spoiler areas either separately or together from a retracted rest position to an extended spoiler position. The at least two spoiler areas are separated from each other at the front side of the spoiler lip by at least one depression form which extends into the spoiler lip outer edge.

Abstract: A method for identifying a road condition, in which a piece of road condition information representing the road condition is determined using a front end air moisture value representing an air moisture at a front end of a vehicle and a rear end air moisture value representing an air moisture at a rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: An underbody structure for a motor vehicle has: at least one underbody panel; and at least one air guide. The air guide is assigned to the underbody panel and has at least one separation edge for bringing about a flow separation. The air guide is passively pivotable back at least in sections behind a plane formed by a carriageway-side outer side of the underbody panel such that the separation edge is capable of yielding upon contact with an obstacle in order to avoid damage.

Abstract: A cooling air supply device for a motor vehicle has a motor vehicle body with an underbody and a unit. The cooling air supply device configured to receive cooling air in the form of an air flow which flows along the underbody counter to the direction of travel, and configured to be self-regulating. The cooling air supply device having a molded part, which is pivotable about an axis of rotation, has an outer surface facing away from the underbody, and has a convex curvature relative to the underbody. A flow duct is between the underbody and the molded part, the flow duct being configured to allow the air flow to be conducted to the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle rear wing structure, that includes a rear wing plate and a rear wing. The rear wing plate includes: a buckle portion, formed into an angular structure, and is used to clip and hold along a front end of the rear wing, so that the rear wing plate is fixed securely onto a surface of the rear wing; a main body portion, formed into a planar structure, and is disposed on a surface of the rear wing, and is connected and fixed to the buckle portion, on an inner surface of a rear part of the main body portion is disposed an adhesive portion; and a protrusion portion formed into a tilt-up structure, this tilt-up structure tilts up along a rear end of the rear wing to form a wind resistant plane.

Abstract: A spoiler device includes a link mechanism and a spoiler member. In the link mechanism, a drive link, an intermediate link, a driven link, and a fixed link are annularly connected. The drive link is driven by an actuator, thereby causing the link mechanism to operate as a four-joint link. The spoiler member is fixed to the intermediate link or the driven link. Any one of the drive link, the intermediate link, and the driven link is configured so as to include, two division links whose one end portions are connected by a connection portion. The two division links are rotatable around the connection portion, and are pressed in rotational directions by a pressing member.

Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deployable deflector panel, linkage assemblies, and an actuator. The system deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, interrupts air flow thereby improving the vehicle aerodynamics, reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. The deflector panel is retractable so the vehicle meets ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The linkage assemblies are coupled to the deflector panel and a drive shaft connected to the actuator. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system. The active front deflector assembly provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator, and communication with the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body of a vehicle with a rear engine includes a rear structure that defines a receiving space for the rear engine; an assembly support connected to the rear structure and having at least one recess for passage of air; an air-guiding device mounted on the assembly support and having a retractable and extendable upper part and additionally having a fixed lower part with at least one recess for the passage of air; and a protective grille inserted into the respective recess of the lower part of the air-guiding device. The protective grille is assigned a covering element that is configured to be shiftable relative to the protective grille in order to open up or to close openings defined by the protective grille.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic deflector device for a motor vehicle wheel, comprising: a deflecting wall (5) mounted movable relative to a stationary frame (39) between a retracted position in which the deflecting wall (5) is raised and an extended position in which the deflecting wall (5) is lowered relative to the stationary frame (39). According to the invention, the deflecting device also includes a resiliently deformable resilient module (13), arranged so as to move the deflecting wall (5) towards the extended position when the deflecting wall is no longer in the extended position.

Abstract: A vehicle underbody (1) has an underbody paneling (6) with at least one opening (3) for the at least temporary extension of a rear axle link (5) therethrough. The opening (3) is covered by a shiftable flap (4) and at least one a force accumulator (9) that biases the flap (4) toward a position for covering the opening (3). The flap (4) can be shifted counter to a restoring force of the force accumulator (9) to at least temporarily open the opening (3).

Abstract: An airflow deflector for a vehicle protrudes downward from an inner fender having a wheel housing that houses a front wheel. The airflow deflector includes an airflow guide member extending in both a lateral direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle and provided in front of the wheel housing. The guide member has an inboard end portion and an outboard end portion. The inboard end portion is spaced inboard from an inner sidewall of the front wheel and the outboard end portion is spaced inboard from an outer sidewall of the front wheel. The outboard end portion includes a cutout to guide airflow around the outer sidewall of the front wheel.

Abstract: An air guiding apparatus for a motor vehicle body includes a first air guiding element configured to be received in the motor vehicle body and to be moved, with the aid of an adjusting apparatus, into at least a first position and a second position. The first air guiding element is received in the motor vehicle body in the first position and, in the second position, the first air guiding element encloses an angle which has a value of less than 360° with the motor vehicle body. The first air guiding element is configured to extend in a direction of a vehicle transverse axis. The air guiding apparatus further includes a second air guiding element configured to extend, in an active position, in a direction of a vehicle longitudinal axis. The second air guiding element is further configured to be received at least partially in the first air guiding element.

Abstract: An aerodynamic deflector device for a motor vehicle wheel may include a mounting configured to be mounted on a motor vehicle. A deflecting wall may be mounted on the mounting to be movable between a retracted position. In the mounted state, the deflecting wall is raised relative to the mounting, and an extended position in which, in the mounted state, the deflecting wall is lowered relative to the mounting and capable of being placed upstream from the wheel of the vehicle. An actuator may be configured to move the deflecting wall between the retracted and extended positions. The deflecting wall may have, in cross-section, a central part and two side parts flaring out from the central part to obtain a shape which diverges with respect to the direction of the air flow striking said wall. The aerodynamic deflector device may be arranged upstream from a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined ratio of the links to each other for motion of the deflector panel. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system.

Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle sensor configured to detect a vehicle state; an actuatable spoiler moveable into a deployed position and a stowed position; an actuator operable to move the actuatable spoiler into the deployed position and the stowed position; and a controller configured to selectively instruct the actuator to actively cycle the actuatable spoiler between the deployed position and the stowed position based on the detected vehicle state. The actuatable spoiler is retained in the deployed position for a longer length of time than in the stowed position. The vehicle also includes a human machine interface selectively actuated by an operator of the vehicle to retain the actuatable spoiler in the stowed position for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: An air-guiding arrangement for a motor vehicle has: a carrier, which is arranged on a body of the motor vehicle, and on which an air guide is provided such that it is driveable by a pneumatic drive with at least one air chamber for actuation, the at least one air chamber being arranged on the carrier such that the air guide is transferrable from a retracted basic position into a deployed maximum position, and at least one pneumatic supply line which, via at least one connector member, pneumatically connects the at least one air chamber to a pneumatics module of the pneumatic drive. The at least one pneumatic supply line is fixed to the carrier by at least one fastener.