Deployable active D-pillar spoiler for vehicles

A system for deploying D-pillar spoilers on a vehicle is described. The system includes a deployment control system including controller logic having at least one processor and a memory storing instructions for implementing deployment and retraction of D-pillar spoilers on a vehicle. The system also includes at least one vehicle sensor in communication with the deployment control system. The system further includes a motor in communication with the deployment control system. At least one D-pillar spoiler is connected to the motor through a linkage, where the motor is configured to rotate the linkage. The at least one D-pillar spoiler is folded along an underside of a rear upper spoiler of the vehicle in a retracted position and is rotated to a position extending between the rear upper spoiler of the vehicle and a D pillar of the vehicle in a deployed position.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to structures and systems for manipulating airflow around a vehicle, and, more particularly, to deployable active D-pillar spoilers which are deployed to improve aerodynamic performance while the vehicle is moving at a predetermined speed and are retracted when the vehicle is parked or operating at low speeds to improve styling appearance.

There is a need in the art for a system that improves the aerodynamic performance of a vehicle without detracting from the outer appearance of the vehicle while stopped or operating at lower speeds.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a rear spoiler for a vehicle is provided. The rear spoiler includes a spoiler body having a first end on one side of the vehicle and a second end on the opposite side of the vehicle. The spoiler body is positioned at a rearward end of the vehicle with the first end positioned adjacent to a first rear pillar of the vehicle and the second end positioned adjacent to a second rear pillar of the vehicle. The rear spoiler also includes an underside of the spoiler body extending between the first end and the second end and at least one active spoiler disposed beneath the spoiler body. The at least one active spoiler is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the at least one active spoiler is disposed adjacent to the underside of the spoiler body, and, in the deployed position, a first end of the at least one active spoiler is positioned adjacent to the first end of the spoiler body and a second end of the at least one active spoiler extends downwards from the spoiler body.

In another aspect, a system for deploying D-pillar spoilers on a vehicle is provided. The system includes a deployment control system including controller logic having at least one processor and a memory storing instructions for implementing deployment and/or retraction of one or more D-pillar spoilers on a vehicle. The system also includes at least one vehicle sensor in communication with the deployment control system. The system further includes a motor in communication with the deployment control system. At least one D-pillar spoiler is connected to the motor through a linkage, where the motor is configured to rotate the linkage. The at least one D-pillar spoiler is folded along an underside of a rear upper spoiler of the vehicle in a retracted position and is rotated to a position extending between the rear upper spoiler of the vehicle and a D pillar of the vehicle in a deployed position.

In another aspect, an apparatus for deploying a D-pillar spoiler of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a motor and a linkage connected to the motor such that the motor is configured to rotate the linkage in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The apparatus also including at least one support member attached to the linkage at one end and a D-pillar spoiler connected to the at least one support member along an inner surface of the D-pillar spoiler. The D-pillar spoiler is folded along an underside of a rear upper spoiler of the vehicle in a retracted position and is rotated by the motor to a position extending between the rear upper spoiler of the vehicle and a D pillar of the vehicle in a deployed position.

In another aspect, a method of deploying D-pillar spoilers on a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor of a controller logic of a deployment control system, a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor. The method also includes determining whether the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed. Upon determining that the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed, the method further includes sending an instruction to a motor to rotate in a first direction to rotate at least one D-pillar spoiler from a retracted position folded along an underside of a rear upper spoiler of the vehicle to a deployed position extending between the rear upper spoiler of the vehicle and a D pillar of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The deployable active D-pillar spoilers according to the example embodiments described herein are deployed while the vehicle is moving at or above a first predetermined speed to improve aerodynamic performance and are retracted or stowed when the vehicle is parked or operating at low speeds (i.e., at or below a second predetermined speed) to improve styling appearance. The deployable active D-pillar spoilers disclosed herein offer additional benefits over fixed spoilers because they allow a cleaner aesthetic appearance when the vehicle is parked or being driven at low speeds and, once deployed at the first predetermined speed, reduce aerodynamic drag to provide improved aerodynamic performance.

Referring now toFIG.1, a vehicle100on which example embodiments of deployable active D-pillar spoilers may be installed is shown. In an example embodiment, vehicle100is a sport utility vehicle (SUV), however, it should be understood that the example embodiments may be used with any type of vehicle having a D pillar support and a rear spoiler extending rearward from the top of the D-pillar support. A D pillar is a vertical or near vertical support structure located at the rearmost portion of the vehicle body behind the rear doors of the vehicle. In contrast, the vehicle's A pillar is located on either side of the vehicle's windshield, the B pillar is located between the front doors and rear doors, and the C pillar is located directly behind the rear doors. The D pillar is located further towards the rear of the vehicle than the C pillar. D pillars are most commonly found on SUVs, minivans, and/or station wagon types of vehicles.

In this embodiment, vehicle100includes a D pillar102located at the rear of vehicle100behind a rear side window104on one side of vehicle100. While not shown in this embodiment, vehicle100also includes a corresponding D pillar located on the opposite side of vehicle100. In an example embodiment, vehicle100also includes a rear upper spoiler106located above a rear window108of vehicle100. Rear upper spoiler106includes a spoiler body that extends between a first end on one side of vehicle100and a second end at the opposite side of vehicle100. In some cases, rear upper spoiler106may have an upper surface that is continuous with an upper surface of a roof of vehicle100. That is, the upper surface of rear upper spoiler106and the upper surface of the roof of vehicle100may form an uninterrupted uniform surface on the top of vehicle100.

As shown inFIG.1, the deployable active D-pillar spoilers of the present embodiments are in a stowed or retracted position located on the underside of rear spoiler106. In an example embodiment, open area110formed on either side of the rear of vehicle100between rear spoiler106and a trailing edge112of D pillar102(or the associated side panel) running along the perimeter of rear window108may cause higher aerodynamic drag for vehicle100. For example, reverse air flow114on rear window108while vehicle100is moving may interact with the corner vertex of open area110(i.e., the point where rear spoiler106and D pillar102meet) to create end vortices116of air that reduce the overall effectiveness and/or aerodynamic performance of rear spoiler106.

Referring now toFIG.2, the deployable active D-pillar spoilers of the present embodiments are shown in a deployed position. In this embodiment deployable active D-pillar spoilers200(also referred to herein as “D-pillar spoilers200”) are shown disposed within open area110on either side of the rear of vehicle100between rear spoiler106and trailing edge112of D pillar102running along the perimeter of rear window108. As shown inFIG.2, vehicle100includes two D-pillar spoilers200, one on each side of vehicle100.

In an example embodiment, D-pillar spoilers200are deployed from the stowed or retracted position located on an underside202of rear spoiler106to the deployed position shown inFIG.2. For example, in some embodiments, D-pillar spoilers200are deployed using a deployment mechanism (described below) that is configured to rotate or pivot the D-pillar spoilers200from the stowed or retracted position on underside202of rear spoiler106to the deployed position at trailing edge112of D pillar102in response to vehicle100reaching a predetermined speed. In other embodiments, the deployment mechanism may be configured to translate the D-pillar spoilers200outwards and then rotate or pivot the D-pillar spoilers200downward to the deployed position. In still other embodiments, the deployment mechanism may be configured to translate the D-pillar spoilers200longitudinally rearward from the D-pillar102. In additional other embodiments, the deployment mechanism may be configured to rotate the D-pillar spoilers200downward about a pivot or rotation axis that is approximately aligned along a transverse direction of vehicle100(e.g., from a left side to a right side of vehicle100).

In an example embodiment, an outer surface204of each D-pillar spoiler200is substantially continuous or uninterrupted with a side surface206of D pillar102of vehicle100on each side when D-pillar spoilers200are in the deployed position. Inner surfaces208of D-pillar spoilers200(disposed on the opposite side from outer surface204) face inwards towards each other and rear window108. D-pillar spoilers200act as an extension of side surface206and rear upper spoiler106to assist with attenuating and redirecting the airstream caused by airflows on rear window108and may further act to reduce vortices extending from the tip or edge of rear upper spoiler106(e.g., end vortices116, shown inFIG.1).

For example, as shown inFIG.2, rear airflow210travels upwards towards rear upper spoiler106and D-pillar spoilers200and is directed back downwards in a smooth manner without creating end vortices116, as inFIG.1. Additionally, D-pillar spoilers200provide increased air pressure on rear window108by containing and recirculating the airflows on rear window108backwards instead of allowing the airflows to leak outwards at open area110. This configuration acts to improve overall aerodynamic performance by reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicle100as it is moving at or above the predetermined speed at which the D-pillar spoilers200are deployed. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers200provide aesthetically pleasing styling under parked and low speed conditions, while also providing improved aerodynamic performance at high speeds (e.g., at or above the predetermined speed, as will be described below).

In an example embodiment, D-pillar spoilers200may in the form of a panel having a triangular shape configured to fit or fill in open area110between rear upper spoiler106and trailing edge112of D pillar102. In other embodiments, the shape of the panel may vary, depending on the shape and/or configuration of the D pillar and rear upper spoiler on the vehicle. In different embodiments, the panel forming D-pillar spoilers200may be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to: solid materials, such as metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or rigid plastic, flexible materials, such as fabrics, rubber, or bendable plastics, and/or combinations thereof.

Referring now toFIG.3, a side view of vehicle100with deployable active D-pillar spoilers200in the stowed or retracted position is shown. As shown in this embodiment, a roof300of vehicle100has an upper surface302that is continuous with an upper surface304of rear upper spoiler106so as to form an uninterrupted uniform surface on the top of vehicle100. When D-pillar spoilers200are in the stowed or retracted position on the underside of rear upper spoiler106, open area110where rear upper spoiler106intersects or meets with trailing edge112of D pillar102running along the perimeter of rear window108allow airflows across rear window108to exit along either side and the tip or edge of rear upper spoiler106can create end vortices116of air that cause higher aerodynamic drag for vehicle100and reduce the overall effectiveness and/or aerodynamic performance of rear spoiler106.

Referring now toFIG.4, a side view of vehicle100with deployable active D-pillar spoilers200in a deployed position is shown. In example embodiments, D-pillar spoilers200are located within open area110on either side of the rear of vehicle100between rear spoiler106and trailing edge112of D pillar102running along the perimeter of rear window108. In this embodiment, D-pillar spoiler200includes a top edge400that is configured to contact or be disposed adjacent to a bottom edge of the underside of rear upper spoiler106. D-pillar spoiler200also includes a bottom edge402that is configured to contact or be disposed adjacent to trailing edge112of D pillar102. D-pillar spoiler200also includes a rear edge404that extends from the underside of rear upper spoiler106towards trailing edge112of D pillar102. With this configuration, top edge400, bottom edge402, and rear edge404of D-pillar spoiler200form the triangular shape of D-pillar spoiler200.

In some embodiments, edges of D-pillar spoiler200may be arranged so as to be flush with the other vehicle body components, including top edge400being flush along the bottom edge of the underside of rear upper spoiler106and bottom edge402being flush along trailing edge112of D pillar102. In other embodiments, small gaps or spaces may be provided between the edges of D-pillar spoiler200and the vehicle body components, for example, on the order of several millimeters (e.g., 2-5 mm) to allow for manufacturing tolerances and other margins.

As shown inFIG.4, rear edge404of D-pillar spoiler is approximately aligned with a rear lip406of rear upper spoiler106. That is, the dimensions of D-pillar spoiler200are configured so as to fill in open area110formed between the underside of rear upper spoiler106and trailing edge112of D pillar102. For example, in one embodiment, top edge400may have a substantially similar length as the length of the portion of rear upper spoiler106that extends over rear window108(e.g., approximately 300 mm). However, in other embodiments, the dimensions of D-pillar spoiler200may vary. For example, in some cases, top edge400of D-pillar spoiler200may extend past rear lip406of rear upper spoiler106so that top edge400of D-pillar spoiler200has a length that is greater than the length of rear upper spoiler106. In other cases, top edge400of D-pillar spoiler200may be shorter than rear lip406of rear upper spoiler106so that top edge400of D-pillar spoiler200has a length that is less than the length of rear upper spoiler106. It should be understood that the dimensions of D-pillar spoiler200may scale with the size and dimensions of rear upper spoiler106.

In some embodiments, the deployable active D-pillar spoilers according to the example embodiments described herein are deployed while the vehicle is moving at a predetermined speed to improve aerodynamic performance. Referring now toFIGS.5A-5C, views of example embodiments of deployable active D-pillar spoilers being deployed are shown.FIG.5Aillustrates D-pillar spoilers200in a retracted or stowed position on an underside202of rear upper spoiler106. For example, D-pillar spoilers200may be in the retracted or stowed positions when vehicle100is parked or when moving at speeds less than the predetermined speed at which D-pillar spoilers are to be deployed.

In this embodiment, each individual D-pillar spoiler, including a first D-pillar spoiler502on one side of vehicle100and a second D-pillar spoiler504on the opposite side of vehicle100, are folded approximately flat to underside202of rear upper spoiler106in their retracted or stowed positions. That is, in the retracted or stowed position, first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504are arranged underneath rear upper spoiler106such that the inner surfaces (e.g., inner surface208, shown inFIG.2) of each individual D-pillar spoiler are approximately parallel to the surface of underside202of rear upper spoiler106.

In some embodiments, underside202of rear upper spoiler106may include corresponding flat portions or areas on either side that are configured to receive each D-pillar spoiler in the retracted or stowed position. For example, in this embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler502is folded flat along a first area506on underside202and second D-pillar spoiler504is folded flat along a second area508on underside202. In an example embodiment, each flat area (e.g., first area506and second area508) has a shape and size that corresponds to the shape and size of the respective D-pillar spoiler. For example, first area506has shape and size that corresponds to the size and shape of first D-pillar spoiler502and second area508has a size and shape that corresponds to second D-pillar spoiler504. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, may be hidden or minimally visible when in the retracted or stowed position so as to provide aesthetically pleasing styling under parked and low speed conditions.

Next,FIG.5Billustrates D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, in an intermediate position between the retracted or stowed position ofFIG.5Aand a fully deployed position shown inFIG.5C. For example, once vehicle100reaches a deployment condition, which may be based on a predetermined speed, as well as other factors, as will be described below, each of first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504are instructed to deploy from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. In an example embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504rotate or pivot outward from underside202of rear upper spoiler106towards open area110formed between rear upper spoiler106and D pillar102. As shown inFIG.5B, first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504are illustrated rotating or pivoting from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position.

FIG.5Cillustrates D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, in their deployed positions on either side of vehicle100. In this embodiment, each of first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504has been rotated or pivoted by a deployment mechanism (described below) that transitions each D-pillar spoiler from underside202of rear upper spoiler106to an upright position filling in open area110on either side of vehicle100so that outer surface204of each D-pillar spoiler is substantially continuous or uninterrupted with side surface206of D pillar102of vehicle100on each side. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, provide improved aerodynamic performance to vehicle100in their deployed positions.

Referring now toFIGS.6-8, a deployment mechanism600configured to move or transition D-pillar spoilers200between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position is shown. In an example embodiment, each individual spoiler of D-pillar spoilers200may be associated with a separate deployment mechanism600that is configured to rotate or pivot the spoiler between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. In other embodiments, both D-pillar spoilers200on each side of vehicle100may be deployed and/or retracted using a single deployment mechanism. For example, a single deployment mechanism may be connected to both D-pillar spoilers using linkages and other mechanisms to deploy and/or retract both D-pillar spoilers in unison.

In this embodiment, deployment mechanism600is located within rear upper spoiler106and arranged with a pivot or rotation axis602that is approximately aligned along a longitudinal direction of vehicle100(e.g., from the front end to the rear end of vehicle100). In some embodiments, pivot or rotation axis602may also be angled slightly downwards away from the roof of vehicle100. In further embodiments, pivot or rotation axis602may also be angled slightly inwards or outwards with respect to a longitudinal centerline of vehicle100.

In an example embodiment, deployment mechanism600includes a motor604configured to rotate or turn a linkage606that is connected or attached to D-pillar spoilers200by one or more support members608. By action of motor604rotating or turning linkage606, D-pillar spoilers200may be rotated or pivoted between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. In this embodiment, support members608include a first member610and a second member612connected or attached to inner surface208of D-pillar spoilers200(i.e., on the back side of D-pillar spoilers200opposite outer surface204). Support members608, including first member610and second member612, are approximately perpendicular to linkage606so as to translate the rotational movement of linkage606from motor604to the pivoting or rotating motion that transitions D-pillar spoilers200between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position.

In this embodiment, support members608include two support members (e.g., first member610and second member612). In other embodiments, support members608may include a larger or smaller number of support members. For example, in some cases, more support members may be used based on the type of material used to form the panel of D-pillar spoilers200. In addition, in cases where the material used to form the panel of D-pillar spoilers200is a flexible material (including, for example, fabric), support members608may include a frame or other structure that defines a perimeter of the D-pillar spoiler200to provide its triangular shape.

Referring now toFIG.7, an enlarged view of an example embodiment of deployment mechanism600for rotating or pivoting deployable active D-pillar spoilers200is shown with a representative D-pillar spoiler200in a retracted or stowed position. In this embodiment, D-pillar spoiler200is shown in the retracted or stowed position such that inner surface208(i.e., on an opposite side from outer surface204) is facing upwards (e.g., towards underside202of rear upper spoiler106, as shown in previous Figures). Support members608, including first member610and second member612, are shown attached or connected to D-pillar spoiler200on inner surface208. For example, one side of each of first member610and second member612is attached to inner surface208along the entire length of first member610and second member612. Additionally, first member610and second member612are connected to linkage606at one end so that first member610and second member612rotate or turn along with linkage606when driven by motor604.

In this embodiment, motor604of deployment mechanism600rotates or turns linkage in a clockwise direction700to cause D-pillar spoiler to pivot or rotate from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. Similarly, reverse motion by motor604drives linkage606in a counter-clockwise direction to cause D-pillar spoiler to pivot or rotate back from the deployed position to the retracted or stowed position.

Referring now toFIG.8, an enlarged view of deployment mechanism600for rotating or pivoting deployable active D-pillar spoilers200is shown with representative D-pillar spoiler200in a deployed position. In this embodiment, motor604of deployment mechanism600has rotated or turned linkage in a clockwise direction to cause D-pillar spoiler to pivot or rotate from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position shown inFIG.8. In this embodiment, outer surface204of D-pillar spoiler200is facing outwards away from vehicle100, as shown in the previous Figures. In one embodiment, motor604rotates or turns linkage606to pivot or rotate D-pillar spoiler200approximately 90 degrees from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. In some cases, D-pillar spoiler200may be rotated or pivoted more or less than 90 degrees (e.g., in a range between 80-110 degrees) in order to reach and fill open area110between rear upper spoiler106and trailing edge112of D pillar102of vehicle100. For example, the amount of rotation may depend on the shape and slope of the vehicle body components, including but not limited to the D-pillar, rear window, and/or rear upper spoiler configurations on any given vehicle.

In some embodiments, an underside of the rear upper spoiler, for example, underside202of rear upper spoiler106, may include corresponding recesses on either side that are configured to receive each D-pillar spoiler in the retracted or stowed position. Referring now toFIGS.9A-9C, views of example embodiments of deployable active D-pillar spoilers being deployed from stowed positions within recesses in underside202of rear upper spoiler106are shown.FIG.9Aillustrates D-pillar spoilers200in a retracted or stowed position on underside202of rear upper spoiler106. For example, D-pillar spoilers200may be in the retracted or stowed positions when vehicle100is parked or when moving at speeds less than the predetermined speed at which D-pillar spoilers are to be deployed.

In this embodiment, each individual D-pillar spoiler, including first D-pillar spoiler502on one side of vehicle100and second D-pillar spoiler504on the opposite side of vehicle100, are folded approximately flat to underside202of rear upper spoiler106in their retracted or stowed positions within corresponding recesses on underside202of rear upper spoiler106. For example, in this embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler502is located within a first recess516on underside202and second D-pillar spoiler504is located within a second recess518on underside202. In an example embodiment, each recess (e.g., first recess516and second recess518) has a shape and size that corresponds and/or conforms to the shape and size of the respective D-pillar spoiler. For example, first recess516has shape and size that corresponds to the size and shape of first D-pillar spoiler502and second recess518has a size and shape that corresponds to second D-pillar spoiler504. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, may be hidden or minimally visible when in the retracted or stowed position so as to provide aesthetically pleasing styling under parked and low speed conditions.

Next,FIG.9Billustrates D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, in an intermediate position between the retracted or stowed position ofFIG.9Aand a fully deployed position shown inFIG.9C. For example, once vehicle100reaches a deployment condition, which may be based on a predetermined speed, as well as other factors, as will be described below, each of first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504are instructed to deploy from the retracted or stowed positions within corresponding recesses516,518to the deployed positions. In an example embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504rotate or pivot outward from within corresponding recesses516,518on underside202of rear upper spoiler106towards open area110formed between rear upper spoiler106and D pillar102. As shown inFIG.9B, first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504are illustrated rotating or pivoting from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position.

FIG.9Cillustrates D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, in their deployed positions on either side of vehicle100. In this embodiment, each of first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504has been rotated or pivoted by a deployment mechanism (described below) that transitions each D-pillar spoiler from within corresponding recesses516,518on underside202of rear upper spoiler106to an upright position filling in open area110on either side of vehicle100. In an example embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504in the deployed positions are spaced from an edge520of rear window108. For example, as shown inFIG.9C, first D-pillar spoiler502is spaced apart by a first distance D1from edge520of rear window108. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers200, including first D-pillar spoiler502and second D-pillar spoiler504, provide improved aerodynamic performance to vehicle100in their deployed positions.

Referring now toFIG.10, a cross-section view of first D-pillar spoiler502on one side of vehicle100is shown in the deployed position. In the deployed position, a bottom edge522of first D-pillar spoiler502is disposed adjacent to D pillar102and/or rear window108. In some embodiments, a gap524may present at the interface between bottom edge522of first D-pillar spoiler502and the outer surface of D pillar102and/or rear window108. In different embodiments, gap524may vary based on aerodynamic optimization for a particular vehicle and may be in a range between 0 mm to 10 mm.

Additionally, in some cases, the size of gap524may not be uniform and may vary along the length of bottom edge522between 0 mm to 10 mm. In one embodiment, a seal or gasket526may be provided along bottom edge522of first D-pillar spoiler502so as to fill in gap524. In some embodiments, seal526may be made of a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber, to allow seal526to flex and fill in variations in the size of gap524along the length of bottom edge522of first D-pillar spoiler502. With this arrangement, first D-pillar spoiler502may be sealed at the interface of the outer surface of D pillar102and/or rear window108to prevent or minimize any airflow at the interface to improve or optimize aerodynamics of vehicle100.

In some embodiments, vehicle100may include a pair of deployment mechanisms for D-pillar spoilers contained within rear upper spoiler106of vehicle100. Referring now toFIGS.11and12, in this embodiment, a pair of deployment mechanisms include a first deployment mechanism600, as described above, on one side of vehicle100and a second deployment mechanism620on the opposite side of vehicle100that is substantially similar to first deployment mechanism600. In an example embodiment, each of first deployment mechanism600and second deployment mechanism620are contained within the body of rear upper spoiler106of vehicle100. In other embodiments, first deployment mechanism600and second deployment mechanism620may be contained within a portion of a tailgate assembly of vehicle100. With this arrangement, first deployment mechanism600is configured to rotate first D-pillar spoiler502from the stowed position shown inFIG.11to the deployed position shown inFIG.12. Similarly, second deployment mechanism620is configured to rotate second D-pillar spoiler504from the stowed position shown inFIG.11to the deployed position shown inFIG.12.

Referring now toFIG.13, an example embodiment of a deployment mechanism, for example, first deployment mechanism600, is shown in detail. In this embodiment, first deployment mechanism600includes electric motor604, described above, that is controlled by a controller1300to operate electric motor604to rotate or turn linkage606to cause the D-pillar spoilers to rotate between the stowed position and the deployed position. In an example embodiment, controller1300may include at least a processor and controller logic configured to implement instructions to control electric motor604. In this embodiment, electric motor604is coupled to a first set of gears1302that are in contact with (e.g., enmeshed with) a second set of gears1304connected to linkage606. With this arrangement, rotation of first set of gears1302by electric motor604turns second set of gears1304which rotate linkage606to rotate or turn the D-pillar spoiler attached to linkage606. In this embodiment, first deployment mechanism600has a compact form contained within a housing1306that is sized and dimensioned to fit inside the body of rear upper spoiler106of vehicle100and/or a portion of a tailgate assembly of vehicle100.

In some embodiments, the deployable active D-pillar spoilers of the present embodiments may be controlled between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position using a deployment control system. Referring now toFIG.14, a block diagram of an example embodiment of a deployment control system900is shown. In some embodiments, deployment control system900may be installed or implemented in a vehicle (e.g., vehicle100, described above) to control actuation of the deployable active D-pillar spoilers (e.g., D-pillar spoilers200, described above) between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. For example, in an example embodiment, deployment control system900may be part of, or in communication with, other systems in the vehicle, such as an engine control unit (ECU) or other control systems for the vehicle. In one embodiment, deployment control system900includes at least a controller logic902comprising at least one processor904and a memory906for storing instructions for implementing deployment and/or retraction of the D-pillar spoilers.

In some embodiments, controller logic902may receive one or more inputs from various sources within the vehicle (e.g., vehicle100) that may be used to detect a deployment condition for sending an instruction to deploy the deployable active D-pillar spoilers (e.g., D-pillar spoilers200), as well as detecting a retraction condition for sending an instruction to retract the D-pillar spoilers. In an example embodiment, the inputs to controller logic902may include, but are not limited to: one or more speed sensors908configured to detect and/or determine a speed of the vehicle (e.g., wheel speed sensors, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, or other sensors typically included on a vehicle that detect or determine a travel speed of the vehicle), one or more temperature sensors910configured to detect or measure an ambient temperature outside of the vehicle, a user override input912configured to allow a user to manually control deployment and/or retraction of the D-pillar spoilers, and/or inputs from performance settings914associated with the vehicle. For example, performance settings914may include options for a sport or performance mode that prioritizes vehicle performance (such as speed or acceleration) or an economy mode that prioritizes fuel efficiency or energy/battery consumption. Controller logic902may also receive inputs from other vehicle sensors, such as a rain or precipitation sensor or a side wind sensor.

In an example embodiment, controller logic902receives inputs from one or more of speed sensors908, temperature sensors910, user override912, and/or performance settings914and. based on the inputs, determines whether to send an instruction to one or more motors916of a deployment mechanism (e.g., motor604of deployment mechanism600, described above) to deploy or retract the D-pillar spoilers. For example, controller logic902may use the received inputs to determine whether a deployment condition or a retraction condition has been met based on predetermined criteria stored in memory906. In one embodiment, the deployment condition may be a predetermined speed of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the deployment condition may be a combination of a predetermined speed and other inputs, such as temperature (from temperature sensor910) and/or performance mode (from performance settings914). In one embodiment, the retraction condition may be a predetermined speed of the vehicle, for example, the same predetermined speed as the deployment condition or a different predetermined speed that is lower than the predetermined speed used for the deployment condition. In other embodiments, the retraction condition may be a combination of the predetermined speed and other inputs such as temperature (from temperature sensor910) and/or performance mode (from performance settings914).

In some embodiments, a user (e.g., the driver of vehicle100) may manually instruct controller logic902to send an instruction to motor916to deploy or retract the D-pillar spoilers via user override912. That is, an input received from user override912may be configured to satisfy a deployment condition or a retraction condition that causes controller logic902to send the corresponding instruction to motor916to deploy or retract the D-pillar spoilers. With this arrangement, a user may have manual control over whether the D-pillar spoilers are in the retracted or stowed position or the deployed condition.

Referring now toFIG.15, a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method1000for controlling deployment of deployable active D-pillar spoilers in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, method1000may be implemented by at least one processor in a vehicle, such as processor904of controller logic902, described above. In an example embodiment, method1000may begin at an operation1002. At operation1002, one or more inputs from vehicle sensors are received at the processor. For example, in one embodiment one or more inputs from speed sensors908, temperature sensor910, user override912, and/or performance settings914may be received at processor904of controller logic902.

Next, method1000includes an operation1004. At operation1004, a deployment condition is detected. As described above, in an example embodiment, the deployment condition may be detected based on a predetermined speed of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle speed (e.g., received from speed sensors908) is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed, then the deployment condition may be detected at operation1004. In one embodiment, the predetermined speed for the deployment condition may be 45 miles per hour. In different embodiments, the predetermined speed for the deployment condition may be set at a higher or lower speed.

In other embodiments, the deployment condition detected at operation1004may include other inputs in combination with the predetermined speed. In one embodiment, an ambient temperature received from temperature sensor910and/or a presence of rain or precipitation from a rain or precipitation sensors may be used in combination with the predetermined speed to determine the deployment condition. For example, the deployment condition may include a minimum ambient temperature in addition to the predetermined speed so that the D-pillar spoilers are not deployed in conditions where ice or freezing rain may cause damage to the D-pillar spoilers or the deployment mechanism. That is, deployment of the D-pillar spoilers (i.e., via instruction sent to the motor) is prohibited when the ambient temperature is below the minimum ambient temperature.

In other embodiments, the deployment condition may be based on other inputs. For example, an input from user override912to manually deploy the D-pillar spoilers may be the deployment condition detected at operation1004. In another embodiment, an input from performance settings914may be used to adjust the predetermined speed at which the D-pillar spoilers are deployed. For example, in a performance mode, the predetermined speed for deploying the D-pillar spoilers may be lower than in other modes so that the best aerodynamic performance is achieved. Similarly, in an economy mode, the predetermined speed for deploying the D-pillar spoilers may be chosen to provide better fuel economy than in other modes. Other factors for detecting a deployment condition may also be provided at operation1004.

Next, once the deployment condition is detected at operation1004, method1000proceeds to an operation1006. At operation1006the motor or motors are instructed to deploy the D-pillar spoilers. For example, at operation1006, processor904of controller logic902may send an instruction to motor916of the deployment mechanism (e.g., motor604of deployment mechanism600) to pivot or rotate D-pillar spoilers200from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position, as shown inFIGS.5A-5CorFIGS.9A-9Cabove.

In some embodiments, after deployment of the D-pillar spoilers at operation1006, method1000may (optionally) further include additional operations configured to determine when to retract the D-pillar spoilers. For example, in this embodiment, method1000includes an operation1008where one or more vehicle sensors are monitored by the processor. In one embodiment, sensors monitored at operation1008may include any of the vehicle sensors previously described, including, but not limited to speed sensors908, temperature sensor910, user override912, and/or performance settings914.

Next, at an operation1010, a retraction condition is detected. For example, in one embodiment, the retraction condition may be detected based on a predetermined speed of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle speed (e.g., received from speed sensors908) is less than a predetermined speed, then the retraction condition may be detected at operation1010. In some cases, the predetermined speed for the retraction condition may be the same as the predetermined speed for the deployment condition. In other embodiments, the predetermined speed for the retraction condition may be different than the predetermined speed for the deployment condition. For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined speed for the retraction condition may be lower than the predetermined speed for the deployment condition. In one embodiment, for example, the predetermined speed for the deployment condition may be 45 miles per hour and the predetermined speed for the retraction condition may be 30 miles per hour. With this arrangement, by setting the predetermined speed for the retraction condition to be lower than the predetermined speed for the deployment condition, a situation where the D-pillar spoilers are repeatedly deployed and retracted as the vehicle speed fluctuates may be avoided.

In other embodiments, the retraction condition detected at operation1010may include other inputs in combination with the predetermined speed. Additionally, as with the deployment condition, an input received from user override912may manually trigger the retraction condition at operation1010so that the user can control whether or not the D-pillar spoilers are retracted or deployed.

In response to detection of the retraction condition at operation1010, method1000includes an operation1012. At operation1012, the motor or motors are instructed to retract or stow the D-pillar spoilers. For example, at operation1012, processor904of controller logic902may send an instruction to motor916of the deployment mechanism (e.g., motor604of deployment mechanism600) to pivot or rotate D-pillar spoilers200from the deployed position to the retracted or stowed position, in reverse of the order shown inFIGS.5A-5CorFIGS.9A-9Cabove. That is, each D-pillar spoiler200is pivoted or rotated from the deployed position back to the retracted or stowed position underneath rear upper spoiler106of vehicle100.

With this arrangement, the deployable active D-pillar spoilers according to the example embodiments described herein are deployed while the vehicle is moving at a predetermined speed to improve aerodynamic performance and are retracted or stowed when the vehicle is parked or operating at low speeds to improve styling appearance.