Adjustable Angle Patents (Class 296/180.5)
  • Patent number: 11964618
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Ambo, Kenichi Ando, Yoshiteru Hoshida, Yuki Nakamura, Yoji Suwa, Takumi Sobue
  • Patent number: 11951820
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Rudolf Wimmer
  • Patent number: 11897400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Melanie Sindel, Jan Müller, Albert Sbongk
  • Patent number: 11802548
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Frederick T. Calkins, Douglas E. Nicholson, Jordan Kreitzman
  • Patent number: 11772719
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Vijaysai Patnaik, William Grossman
  • Patent number: 11772720
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Benjamin Sargent, Jesse Rydell, Alexandra Noelle Gaunt
  • Patent number: 11702153
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel VanderSluis, Martin Matthews
  • Patent number: 11691573
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Diehl, Cyrus F. Abari
  • Patent number: 11679822
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gregor Stubbe
  • Patent number: 11648835
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Abhishek Srivastava, David W. Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 11584452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 11572108
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joel P. Ruschman, David T. Renke, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
  • Patent number: 11560185
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Kelly, Adham Nidal Noubani, Jesse P. Stout, Benjamin Russel Marchese
  • Patent number: 11541949
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Dominik Beierl
  • Patent number: 11518449
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jessica Lee Dzurnak, William Julian Kistler, Matthew Paul Lamberson, Brian Kenneth Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11479308
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Danil V. Prokhorov, Michael Paul Rowe, Ryohei Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 11372400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Kade Scott, Snehal Desai, Richard Daniel Graham, Matthew Flachsbart
  • Patent number: 11286011
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAfee, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 11254375
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: FERRARI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Biancalana, Salvatore Sedda
  • Patent number: 11161556
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: YANFENG PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR SYSTEMS Co., Ltd., COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Jie Xu, Xiaogang Gui, Miaotian Lin
  • Patent number: 11136075
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Korea Aerospace University
    Inventors: Un-Tae Kim, Ju-Yeol You, Moon-Sang Kim
  • Patent number: 11110975
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Arthur Titus, Andrew Thomas Cunningham, Michael Stephen Sylvester
  • Patent number: 11072380
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: APOLLO TYRES GLOBAL R&D B.V.
    Inventors: Dimitar Danev, Markus Paulitsch, Steffen Hoelzel, Klaus Pfister, Mike Peeters, Gerlof Korte, Bart Oude Luttikhuis
  • Patent number: 11072370
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alexander Koeppe, Oliver Fischer
  • Patent number: 11072336
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Simon Weissenmayer
  • Patent number: 11059366
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Benno Dahl, Thomas Wolf, Alexander Koeppe
  • Patent number: 11040745
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: CARUSE DESIGN, INC.
    Inventor: Allan Chen
  • Patent number: 11040744
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokuhiro Shiga, Yukihide Shibutani, Hideki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 11034395
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 10960733
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sebastian Weber, Tobias Posch
  • Patent number: 10953934
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Herlem
  • Patent number: 10933924
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Hinterbuchinger
  • Patent number: 10933925
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Eberhard Palmer
  • Patent number: 10933927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Larry Travis Nichols, Michael R. Missig, Kurtis Ray Horner, Patrick G. Esber
  • Patent number: 10919582
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Enzo Mitidieri, Sylvain Gerber, Nathalie Dion
  • Patent number: 10906598
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 10875588
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Welty, Danilo A. Oliveira
  • Patent number: 10864949
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dimitar Danev, Klaus Pfister, Markus Paulitsch, Steffen Hoelzel
  • Patent number: 10857872
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure comprising: a shutter unit comprising adjustable flaps arranged to receive an airflow to control the supply of air that passes through the shutter unit towards at least one vehicle component. An air duct extending in a rearward direction from a front part of the vehicle, the air duct comprising an inlet and an outlet. In a first state of the shutter unit, a first flap is configured to be in a closed state to thereby reduce the supply of air through the shutter unit, and allow an airflow to pass through the inlet of the air duct. In a second state of the shutter unit, the first flap is configured to be in an open state to increase the supply of air through the shutter unit, and to close the inlet of the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Vojtech Sedlak, Lennert Sterken
  • Patent number: 10850781
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes an air-guiding unit having an air-guiding element configured to be positioned flush with the motor vehicle body and movably connected to the motor vehicle body and an adjustment unit including an actuation element arranged fixedly on a support element of the motor vehicle body and configured to aid movement of the air guiding element. The motor vehicle body further includes a receiving space configured to receive the air-guiding element, wherein the receiving space is arranged in a rear region of the motor vehicle body. The support element is designed in a form of a torsional profile for reinforcing a rear lid, forming the receiving space, of the rear region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sebastian Weber, Joachim Paul
  • Patent number: 10829158
    Abstract: A skirt system for an automobile includes first and second side skirts and a driver assembly. The automobile has a frame including a first side sill and a second side sill. The first side skirt couples to the first side sill and the second side skirt couples to the second side sill. The side skirts are selectively movable relative to the side sills between a first position and a second position. The driver assembly is actuatable to move the side skirts between the first and second positions. The side skirts may be extendable. The side skirts may include an electrical charger. The automobile can include a front quarter that can be moved between raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventors: Joe G Shen, Winifred Shen
  • Patent number: 10821815
    Abstract: A wind guiding device for an open-top passenger vehicle is disclosed. The wind guiding device has an inherently stiff, slat-shaped wind guiding element that can be adjusted between a retracted position and at least one wind guiding position relative to a windscreen frame. Several disruptive bodies are arranged on the underside of the wind guiding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Stefan Kroeber, Nicolai Melchger, Alexander Moessner, Stephan Reinberg, Hironori Tokuno, Joachim Wenzler
  • Patent number: 10823021
    Abstract: An air guiding arrangement is integrated into a rear underbody of a motor vehicle that is driven by an internal combustion engine. The air guiding arrangement includes a final silencer (1) in an exhaust system (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2). The final silencer (1) has an underside that faces an underlying surface on which the vehicle is supported. The underside of the final silencer (1) is shaped in an aerodynamic fashion with at least one duct (6) that runs essentially in the direction of travel (X). The duct (6) has an inverted U shape or inverted V-shape that is open in the underside of final silencer (1). Air deflector elements (7, 8, 9) may partly cover the air duct (6) for guiding the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Laube, Frank Repphun
  • Patent number: 10814922
    Abstract: An active underbody panel system having a frame arrangement mounted under the vehicle and at least one deployable panel moveable between stowed and deployed positions to improve aerodynamics under the vehicle. A deployment/retraction mechanism is provided having a pair of linkage assemblies and driven by an actuator, which allows the deployable panel(s) to be moved automatically downward into the air flow as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 10814921
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile, comprising an automobile body, wheels, a suspension device and a spoiler. The path of a fluid flowing through a lower spoiler surface is longer than the path of the fluid flowing through the upper spoiler surface, so that a lift force generated in the driving process of the automobile is reduced or even eliminated. The general understanding that the wheels bear the dead weight of the automobile, loads and all weights generated by the gravitational acceleration is changed. The dead weight of the automobile body is reduced by the lift force generated by the automobile body, the road holding of the automobile is improved after the wheels eliminate the lift force, and thus, the automobile can save more energy and can run more safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Xiaoyi Zhu
  • Patent number: 10807655
    Abstract: A front diffuser for disposal in a region of an underbody cladding of a vehicle includes a diffuser wall defining a diffuser duct having an inflow side and an outflow side and an air guide device mounted so as to be rotatable about a predefined rotation axis and configured to, by way of a rotating movement, move from a first rotary position at least partially into the diffuser duct to a second rotary position and move from the second rotary position at least partially out of the diffuser duct to the first rotary position. The air guide device is configured as a molding and includes a first external face and a second external face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 10800467
    Abstract: A door handle that has an elongated shape and is mounted onto a vehicle door in a state where a longitudinal direction thereof is aligned with a vehicle front-and-rear direction, the door handle includes: a front part and a rear part each of which has a connection surface to be connected to the vehicle door; and a grip part provided between the front part and the rear part, wherein a rear end of the front part protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction more than the front end thereof on the connection surface of the front part, and a curvature radius of a protruding portion of the rear end of the front part on the connection surface of the front part is R4 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Yokota, Akihide Fukuyama, Shigeru Sato, Koshi Yamada, Hajime Ichikawa, Yoshihiro Fujiura
  • Patent number: 10766545
    Abstract: An aerodynamic deflector device for a wheel of a motor vehicle, including: a support that is elongate and designed to be mounted on a motor vehicle; a deflecting wall mounted such that it is movable on the support between a retracted position in which the deflecting wall is raised in relation to the support in the mounted state, and a deployed position in which the deflecting wall is lowered in relation to the support in the mounted state; and an actuator designed to move the deflecting wall between the retracted and deployed positions. The deflecting wall is mounted such that it can be rotatably moved on the support about an axis of rotation oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support and driven by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Christophe Thullier, Sylvain Gerber
  • Patent number: 10744859
    Abstract: A method of mitigating rear end contamination of a vehicle while driving using an active spoiler system includes providing an active rear spoiler to a square back vehicle. Next, determinations are if the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, if the rear end of the vehicle is contaminated, and if the vehicle wipers are on. The method then moves to deploying the active rear spoiler when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, the rear end is contaminated, and the vehicle wipers are on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Del Gaizo, Danilo A. Oliveira
  • Patent number: 10717480
    Abstract: Car having: a passenger compartment; a front hood, which is arranged before the passenger compartment; a rear hood, which is arranged behind the passenger compartment and has an upper surface; and an aerodynamic appendage, which is arranged in the area of the rear hood and on the upper surface of the rear hood. The aerodynamic appendage is provided with at least one movable element that is movably mounted to move between a lowered position, in which the movable element rests on the upper surface of the rear hood allowing an air flow only over the movable element, and a raised position, in which the movable element is raised and separated from the upper surface of the rear hood allowing an air flow both over the movable element and under the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: FERRARI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Biancalana, Alessandro Calamita, Tommaso Innocenti