ACTIVE FRONT DEFLECTOR

摘要

An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. 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. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.

主权项

1. An active front deflector assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
at least one deflector panel, where the deflector panel selectively deploys and retracts between at least a deployed position and a stowed position, where the deployment of the deflector panel improves aerodynamics; at least two linkage assemblies attached to the deflector panel and to the vehicle, each linkage assembly forming a parallelogram of links when in the deployed position; a drive shaft operably coupled to the at least two linkage assemblies wherein the drive shaft transmits the drive from one side of the active front deflector assembly to the other; and an actuator operably coupled to the linkage assemblies and drive shaft, where the actuator is in communication with the vehicle and deploys and retracts the deflector panel under predetermined conditions.