Patent Publication Number: US-2023159114-A1

Title: Deployable Active D-Pillar Spoiler for Vehicles

Description:
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. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG.  1    is a representative view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a representative view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a representative view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler transitioning between a retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a representative view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in the process of transitioning between a retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 C  is a representative view of an example embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler that has transitioned from a retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a deployment mechanism for a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of an example embodiment of a deployment mechanism for a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged view of an example embodiment of a deployment mechanism for a deployable active D-pillar spoiler rotating into a deployment position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a representative view of an alternate embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler transitioning between a retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a representative view of the alternate embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in the process of transitioning between a retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a representative view of the alternate embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler that has transitioned from a retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional side view of the alternate embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is an alternate embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is the alternate embodiment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler that has transitioned from the retracted position to a deployed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a representative view of an example embodiment of a deployment mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a deployment control system including controller logic for controlling deployment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method for controlling deployment of a deployable active D-pillar spoiler in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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 to  FIG.  1   , a vehicle  100  on which example embodiments of deployable active D-pillar spoilers may be installed is shown. In an example embodiment, vehicle  100  is 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&#39;s A pillar is located on either side of the vehicle&#39;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, vehicle  100  includes a D pillar  102  located at the rear of vehicle  100  behind a rear side window  104  on one side of vehicle  100 . While not shown in this embodiment, vehicle  100  also includes a corresponding D pillar located on the opposite side of vehicle  100 . In an example embodiment, vehicle  100  also includes a rear upper spoiler  106  located above a rear window  108  of vehicle  100 . Rear upper spoiler  106  includes a spoiler body that extends between a first end on one side of vehicle  100  and a second end at the opposite side of vehicle  100 . In some cases, rear upper spoiler  106  may have an upper surface that is continuous with an upper surface of a roof of vehicle  100 . That is, the upper surface of rear upper spoiler  106  and the upper surface of the roof of vehicle  100  may form an uninterrupted uniform surface on the top of vehicle  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the deployable active D-pillar spoilers of the present embodiments are in a stowed or retracted position located on the underside of rear spoiler  106 . In an example embodiment, open area  110  formed on either side of the rear of vehicle  100  between rear spoiler  106  and a trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102  (or the associated side panel) running along the perimeter of rear window  108  may cause higher aerodynamic drag for vehicle  100 . For example, reverse air flow  114  on rear window  108  while vehicle  100  is moving may interact with the corner vertex of open area  110  (i.e., the point where rear spoiler  106  and D pillar  102  meet) to create end vortices  116  of air that reduce the overall effectiveness and/or aerodynamic performance of rear spoiler  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , the deployable active D-pillar spoilers of the present embodiments are shown in a deployed position. In this embodiment deployable active D-pillar spoilers  200  (also referred to herein as “D-pillar spoilers  200 ”) are shown disposed within open area  110  on either side of the rear of vehicle  100  between rear spoiler  106  and trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102  running along the perimeter of rear window  108 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , vehicle  100  includes two D-pillar spoilers  200 , one on each side of vehicle  100 . 
     In an example embodiment, D-pillar spoilers  200  are deployed from the stowed or retracted position located on an underside  202  of rear spoiler  106  to the deployed position shown in  FIG.  2   . For example, in some embodiments, D-pillar spoilers  200  are deployed using a deployment mechanism (described below) that is configured to rotate or pivot the D-pillar spoilers  200  from the stowed or retracted position on underside  202  of rear spoiler  106  to the deployed position at trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102  in response to vehicle  100  reaching a predetermined speed. In other embodiments, the deployment mechanism may be configured to translate the D-pillar spoilers  200  outwards and then rotate or pivot the D-pillar spoilers  200  downward to the deployed position. In still other embodiments, the deployment mechanism may be configured to translate the D-pillar spoilers  200  longitudinally rearward from the D-pillar  102 . In additional other embodiments, the deployment mechanism may be configured to rotate the D-pillar spoilers  200  downward about a pivot or rotation axis that is approximately aligned along a transverse direction of vehicle  100  (e.g., from a left side to a right side of vehicle  100 ). 
     In an example embodiment, an outer surface  204  of each D-pillar spoiler  200  is substantially continuous or uninterrupted with a side surface  206  of D pillar  102  of vehicle  100  on each side when D-pillar spoilers  200  are in the deployed position. Inner surfaces  208  of D-pillar spoilers  200  (disposed on the opposite side from outer surface  204 ) face inwards towards each other and rear window  108 . D-pillar spoilers  200  act as an extension of side surface  206  and rear upper spoiler  106  to assist with attenuating and redirecting the airstream caused by airflows on rear window  108  and may further act to reduce vortices extending from the tip or edge of rear upper spoiler  106  (e.g., end vortices  116 , shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , rear airflow  210  travels upwards towards rear upper spoiler  106  and D-pillar spoilers  200  and is directed back downwards in a smooth manner without creating end vortices  116 , as in  FIG.  1   . Additionally, D-pillar spoilers  200  provide increased air pressure on rear window  108  by containing and recirculating the airflows on rear window  108  backwards instead of allowing the airflows to leak outwards at open area  110 . This configuration acts to improve overall aerodynamic performance by reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicle  100  as it is moving at or above the predetermined speed at which the D-pillar spoilers  200  are deployed. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers  200  provide 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 spoilers  200  may in the form of a panel having a triangular shape configured to fit or fill in open area  110  between rear upper spoiler  106  and trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102 . 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 spoilers  200  may 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 to  FIG.  3   , a side view of vehicle  100  with deployable active D-pillar spoilers  200  in the stowed or retracted position is shown. As shown in this embodiment, a roof  300  of vehicle  100  has an upper surface  302  that is continuous with an upper surface  304  of rear upper spoiler  106  so as to form an uninterrupted uniform surface on the top of vehicle  100 . When D-pillar spoilers  200  are in the stowed or retracted position on the underside of rear upper spoiler  106 , open area  110  where rear upper spoiler  106  intersects or meets with trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102  running along the perimeter of rear window  108  allow airflows across rear window  108  to exit along either side and the tip or edge of rear upper spoiler  106  can create end vortices  116  of air that cause higher aerodynamic drag for vehicle  100  and reduce the overall effectiveness and/or aerodynamic performance of rear spoiler  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , a side view of vehicle  100  with deployable active D-pillar spoilers  200  in a deployed position is shown. In example embodiments, D-pillar spoilers  200  are located within open area  110  on either side of the rear of vehicle  100  between rear spoiler  106  and trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102  running along the perimeter of rear window  108 . In this embodiment, D-pillar spoiler  200  includes a top edge  400  that is configured to contact or be disposed adjacent to a bottom edge of the underside of rear upper spoiler  106 . D-pillar spoiler  200  also includes a bottom edge  402  that is configured to contact or be disposed adjacent to trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102 . D-pillar spoiler  200  also includes a rear edge  404  that extends from the underside of rear upper spoiler  106  towards trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102 . With this configuration, top edge  400 , bottom edge  402 , and rear edge  404  of D-pillar spoiler  200  form the triangular shape of D-pillar spoiler  200 . 
     In some embodiments, edges of D-pillar spoiler  200  may be arranged so as to be flush with the other vehicle body components, including top edge  400  being flush along the bottom edge of the underside of rear upper spoiler  106  and bottom edge  402  being flush along trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102 . In other embodiments, small gaps or spaces may be provided between the edges of D-pillar spoiler  200  and 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 in  FIG.  4   , rear edge  404  of D-pillar spoiler is approximately aligned with a rear lip  406  of rear upper spoiler  106 . That is, the dimensions of D-pillar spoiler  200  are configured so as to fill in open area  110  formed between the underside of rear upper spoiler  106  and trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102 . For example, in one embodiment, top edge  400  may have a substantially similar length as the length of the portion of rear upper spoiler  106  that extends over rear window  108  (e.g., approximately 300 mm). However, in other embodiments, the dimensions of D-pillar spoiler  200  may vary. For example, in some cases, top edge  400  of D-pillar spoiler  200  may extend past rear lip  406  of rear upper spoiler  106  so that top edge  400  of D-pillar spoiler  200  has a length that is greater than the length of rear upper spoiler  106 . In other cases, top edge  400  of D-pillar spoiler  200  may be shorter than rear lip  406  of rear upper spoiler  106  so that top edge  400  of D-pillar spoiler  200  has a length that is less than the length of rear upper spoiler  106 . It should be understood that the dimensions of D-pillar spoiler  200  may scale with the size and dimensions of rear upper spoiler  106 . 
     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 to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , views of example embodiments of deployable active D-pillar spoilers being deployed are shown.  FIG.  5 A  illustrates D-pillar spoilers  200  in a retracted or stowed position on an underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106 . For example, D-pillar spoilers  200  may be in the retracted or stowed positions when vehicle  100  is 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 spoiler  502  on one side of vehicle  100  and a second D-pillar spoiler  504  on the opposite side of vehicle  100 , are folded approximately flat to underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  in their retracted or stowed positions. That is, in the retracted or stowed position, first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  are arranged underneath rear upper spoiler  106  such that the inner surfaces (e.g., inner surface  208 , shown in  FIG.  2   ) of each individual D-pillar spoiler are approximately parallel to the surface of underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106 . 
     In some embodiments, underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  may 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 spoiler  502  is folded flat along a first area  506  on underside  202  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  is folded flat along a second area  508  on underside  202 . In an example embodiment, each flat area (e.g., first area  506  and second area  508 ) has a shape and size that corresponds to the shape and size of the respective D-pillar spoiler. For example, first area  506  has shape and size that corresponds to the size and shape of first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second area  508  has a size and shape that corresponds to second D-pillar spoiler  504 . With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , 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.  5 B  illustrates D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , in an intermediate position between the retracted or stowed position of  FIG.  5 A  and a fully deployed position shown in  FIG.  5 C . For example, once vehicle  100  reaches 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 spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  are instructed to deploy from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. In an example embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  rotate or pivot outward from underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  towards open area  110  formed between rear upper spoiler  106  and D pillar  102 . As shown in  FIG.  5 B , first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  are illustrated rotating or pivoting from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. 
       FIG.  5 C  illustrates D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , in their deployed positions on either side of vehicle  100 . In this embodiment, each of first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  has been rotated or pivoted by a deployment mechanism (described below) that transitions each D-pillar spoiler from underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  to an upright position filling in open area  110  on either side of vehicle  100  so that outer surface  204  of each D-pillar spoiler is substantially continuous or uninterrupted with side surface  206  of D pillar  102  of vehicle  100  on each side. With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , provide improved aerodynamic performance to vehicle  100  in their deployed positions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , a deployment mechanism  600  configured to move or transition D-pillar spoilers  200  between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position is shown. In an example embodiment, each individual spoiler of D-pillar spoilers  200  may be associated with a separate deployment mechanism  600  that is configured to rotate or pivot the spoiler between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. In other embodiments, both D-pillar spoilers  200  on each side of vehicle  100  may 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 mechanism  600  is located within rear upper spoiler  106  and arranged with a pivot or rotation axis  602  that is approximately aligned along a longitudinal direction of vehicle  100  (e.g., from the front end to the rear end of vehicle  100 ). In some embodiments, pivot or rotation axis  602  may also be angled slightly downwards away from the roof of vehicle  100 . In further embodiments, pivot or rotation axis  602  may also be angled slightly inwards or outwards with respect to a longitudinal centerline of vehicle  100 . 
     In an example embodiment, deployment mechanism  600  includes a motor  604  configured to rotate or turn a linkage  606  that is connected or attached to D-pillar spoilers  200  by one or more support members  608 . By action of motor  604  rotating or turning linkage  606 , D-pillar spoilers  200  may be rotated or pivoted between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. In this embodiment, support members  608  include a first member  610  and a second member  612  connected or attached to inner surface  208  of D-pillar spoilers  200  (i.e., on the back side of D-pillar spoilers  200  opposite outer surface  204 ). Support members  608 , including first member  610  and second member  612 , are approximately perpendicular to linkage  606  so as to translate the rotational movement of linkage  606  from motor  604  to the pivoting or rotating motion that transitions D-pillar spoilers  200  between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. 
     In this embodiment, support members  608  include two support members (e.g., first member  610  and second member  612 ). In other embodiments, support members  608  may 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 spoilers  200 . In addition, in cases where the material used to form the panel of D-pillar spoilers  200  is a flexible material (including, for example, fabric), support members  608  may include a frame or other structure that defines a perimeter of the D-pillar spoiler  200  to provide its triangular shape. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , an enlarged view of an example embodiment of deployment mechanism  600  for rotating or pivoting deployable active D-pillar spoilers  200  is shown with a representative D-pillar spoiler  200  in a retracted or stowed position. In this embodiment, D-pillar spoiler  200  is shown in the retracted or stowed position such that inner surface  208  (i.e., on an opposite side from outer surface  204 ) is facing upwards (e.g., towards underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106 , as shown in previous Figures). Support members  608 , including first member  610  and second member  612 , are shown attached or connected to D-pillar spoiler  200  on inner surface  208 . For example, one side of each of first member  610  and second member  612  is attached to inner surface  208  along the entire length of first member  610  and second member  612 . Additionally, first member  610  and second member  612  are connected to linkage  606  at one end so that first member  610  and second member  612  rotate or turn along with linkage  606  when driven by motor  604 . 
     In this embodiment, motor  604  of deployment mechanism  600  rotates or turns linkage in a clockwise direction  700  to cause D-pillar spoiler to pivot or rotate from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. Similarly, reverse motion by motor  604  drives linkage  606  in 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 to  FIG.  8   , an enlarged view of deployment mechanism  600  for rotating or pivoting deployable active D-pillar spoilers  200  is shown with representative D-pillar spoiler  200  in a deployed position. In this embodiment, motor  604  of deployment mechanism  600  has 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 in  FIG.  8   . In this embodiment, outer surface  204  of D-pillar spoiler  200  is facing outwards away from vehicle  100 , as shown in the previous Figures. In one embodiment, motor  604  rotates or turns linkage  606  to pivot or rotate D-pillar spoiler  200  approximately 90 degrees from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. In some cases, D-pillar spoiler  200  may 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 area  110  between rear upper spoiler  106  and trailing edge  112  of D pillar  102  of vehicle  100 . 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, underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106 , may include corresponding recesses on either side that are configured to receive each D-pillar spoiler in the retracted or stowed position. Referring now to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , views of example embodiments of deployable active D-pillar spoilers being deployed from stowed positions within recesses in underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  are shown.  FIG.  9 A  illustrates D-pillar spoilers  200  in a retracted or stowed position on underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106 . For example, D-pillar spoilers  200  may be in the retracted or stowed positions when vehicle  100  is 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 spoiler  502  on one side of vehicle  100  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  on the opposite side of vehicle  100 , are folded approximately flat to underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  in their retracted or stowed positions within corresponding recesses on underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106 . For example, in this embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler  502  is located within a first recess  516  on underside  202  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  is located within a second recess  518  on underside  202 . In an example embodiment, each recess (e.g., first recess  516  and second recess  518 ) has a shape and size that corresponds and/or conforms to the shape and size of the respective D-pillar spoiler. For example, first recess  516  has shape and size that corresponds to the size and shape of first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second recess  518  has a size and shape that corresponds to second D-pillar spoiler  504 . With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , 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.  9 B  illustrates D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , in an intermediate position between the retracted or stowed position of  FIG.  9 A  and a fully deployed position shown in  FIG.  9 C . For example, once vehicle  100  reaches 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 spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  are instructed to deploy from the retracted or stowed positions within corresponding recesses  516 ,  518  to the deployed positions. In an example embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  rotate or pivot outward from within corresponding recesses  516 ,  518  on underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  towards open area  110  formed between rear upper spoiler  106  and D pillar  102 . As shown in  FIG.  9 B , first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  are illustrated rotating or pivoting from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position. 
       FIG.  9 C  illustrates D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , in their deployed positions on either side of vehicle  100 . In this embodiment, each of first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  has been rotated or pivoted by a deployment mechanism (described below) that transitions each D-pillar spoiler from within corresponding recesses  516 ,  518  on underside  202  of rear upper spoiler  106  to an upright position filling in open area  110  on either side of vehicle  100 . In an example embodiment, first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504  in the deployed positions are spaced from an edge  520  of rear window  108 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  9 C , first D-pillar spoiler  502  is spaced apart by a first distance D 1  from edge  520  of rear window  108 . With this arrangement, D-pillar spoilers  200 , including first D-pillar spoiler  502  and second D-pillar spoiler  504 , provide improved aerodynamic performance to vehicle  100  in their deployed positions. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , a cross-section view of first D-pillar spoiler  502  on one side of vehicle  100  is shown in the deployed position. In the deployed position, a bottom edge  522  of first D-pillar spoiler  502  is disposed adjacent to D pillar  102  and/or rear window  108 . In some embodiments, a gap  524  may present at the interface between bottom edge  522  of first D-pillar spoiler  502  and the outer surface of D pillar  102  and/or rear window  108 . In different embodiments, gap  524  may 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 gap  524  may not be uniform and may vary along the length of bottom edge  522  between 0 mm to 10 mm. In one embodiment, a seal or gasket  526  may be provided along bottom edge  522  of first D-pillar spoiler  502  so as to fill in gap  524 . In some embodiments, seal  526  may be made of a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber, to allow seal  526  to flex and fill in variations in the size of gap  524  along the length of bottom edge  522  of first D-pillar spoiler  502 . With this arrangement, first D-pillar spoiler  502  may be sealed at the interface of the outer surface of D pillar  102  and/or rear window  108  to prevent or minimize any airflow at the interface to improve or optimize aerodynamics of vehicle  100 . 
     In some embodiments, vehicle  100  may include a pair of deployment mechanisms for D-pillar spoilers contained within rear upper spoiler  106  of vehicle  100 . Referring now to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , in this embodiment, a pair of deployment mechanisms include a first deployment mechanism  600 , as described above, on one side of vehicle  100  and a second deployment mechanism  620  on the opposite side of vehicle  100  that is substantially similar to first deployment mechanism  600 . In an example embodiment, each of first deployment mechanism  600  and second deployment mechanism  620  are contained within the body of rear upper spoiler  106  of vehicle  100 . In other embodiments, first deployment mechanism  600  and second deployment mechanism  620  may be contained within a portion of a tailgate assembly of vehicle  100 . With this arrangement, first deployment mechanism  600  is configured to rotate first D-pillar spoiler  502  from the stowed position shown in  FIG.  11    to the deployed position shown in  FIG.  12   . Similarly, second deployment mechanism  620  is configured to rotate second D-pillar spoiler  504  from the stowed position shown in  FIG.  11    to the deployed position shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , an example embodiment of a deployment mechanism, for example, first deployment mechanism  600 , is shown in detail. In this embodiment, first deployment mechanism  600  includes electric motor  604 , described above, that is controlled by a controller  1300  to operate electric motor  604  to rotate or turn linkage  606  to cause the D-pillar spoilers to rotate between the stowed position and the deployed position. In an example embodiment, controller  1300  may include at least a processor and controller logic configured to implement instructions to control electric motor  604 . In this embodiment, electric motor  604  is coupled to a first set of gears  1302  that are in contact with (e.g., enmeshed with) a second set of gears  1304  connected to linkage  606 . With this arrangement, rotation of first set of gears  1302  by electric motor  604  turns second set of gears  1304  which rotate linkage  606  to rotate or turn the D-pillar spoiler attached to linkage  606 . In this embodiment, first deployment mechanism  600  has a compact form contained within a housing  1306  that is sized and dimensioned to fit inside the body of rear upper spoiler  106  of vehicle  100  and/or a portion of a tailgate assembly of vehicle  100 . 
     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 to  FIG.  14   , a block diagram of an example embodiment of a deployment control system  900  is shown. In some embodiments, deployment control system  900  may be installed or implemented in a vehicle (e.g., vehicle  100 , described above) to control actuation of the deployable active D-pillar spoilers (e.g., D-pillar spoilers  200 , described above) between the retracted or stowed position and the deployed position. For example, in an example embodiment, deployment control system  900  may 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 system  900  includes at least a controller logic  902  comprising at least one processor  904  and a memory  906  for storing instructions for implementing deployment and/or retraction of the D-pillar spoilers. 
     In some embodiments, controller logic  902  may receive one or more inputs from various sources within the vehicle (e.g., vehicle  100 ) 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 spoilers  200 ), 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 logic  902  may include, but are not limited to: one or more speed sensors  908  configured 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 sensors  910  configured to detect or measure an ambient temperature outside of the vehicle, a user override input  912  configured to allow a user to manually control deployment and/or retraction of the D-pillar spoilers, and/or inputs from performance settings  914  associated with the vehicle. For example, performance settings  914  may 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 logic  902  may also receive inputs from other vehicle sensors, such as a rain or precipitation sensor or a side wind sensor. 
     In an example embodiment, controller logic  902  receives inputs from one or more of speed sensors  908 , temperature sensors  910 , user override  912 , and/or performance settings  914  and. based on the inputs, determines whether to send an instruction to one or more motors  916  of a deployment mechanism (e.g., motor  604  of deployment mechanism  600 , described above) to deploy or retract the D-pillar spoilers. For example, controller logic  902  may use the received inputs to determine whether a deployment condition or a retraction condition has been met based on predetermined criteria stored in memory  906 . 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 sensor  910 ) and/or performance mode (from performance settings  914 ). 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 sensor  910 ) and/or performance mode (from performance settings  914 ). 
     In some embodiments, a user (e.g., the driver of vehicle  100 ) may manually instruct controller logic  902  to send an instruction to motor  916  to deploy or retract the D-pillar spoilers via user override  912 . That is, an input received from user override  912  may be configured to satisfy a deployment condition or a retraction condition that causes controller logic  902  to send the corresponding instruction to motor  916  to 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 to  FIG.  15   , a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method  1000  for controlling deployment of deployable active D-pillar spoilers in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, method  1000  may be implemented by at least one processor in a vehicle, such as processor  904  of controller logic  902 , described above. In an example embodiment, method  1000  may begin at an operation  1002 . At operation  1002 , one or more inputs from vehicle sensors are received at the processor. For example, in one embodiment one or more inputs from speed sensors  908 , temperature sensor  910 , user override  912 , and/or performance settings  914  may be received at processor  904  of controller logic  902 . 
     Next, method  1000  includes an operation  1004 . At operation  1004 , 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 sensors  908 ) is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed, then the deployment condition may be detected at operation  1004 . 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 operation  1004  may include other inputs in combination with the predetermined speed. In one embodiment, an ambient temperature received from temperature sensor  910  and/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 override  912  to manually deploy the D-pillar spoilers may be the deployment condition detected at operation  1004 . In another embodiment, an input from performance settings  914  may 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 operation  1004 . 
     Next, once the deployment condition is detected at operation  1004 , method  1000  proceeds to an operation  1006 . At operation  1006  the motor or motors are instructed to deploy the D-pillar spoilers. For example, at operation  1006 , processor  904  of controller logic  902  may send an instruction to motor  916  of the deployment mechanism (e.g., motor  604  of deployment mechanism  600 ) to pivot or rotate D-pillar spoilers  200  from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position, as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  or  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  above. 
     In some embodiments, after deployment of the D-pillar spoilers at operation  1006 , method  1000  may (optionally) further include additional operations configured to determine when to retract the D-pillar spoilers. For example, in this embodiment, method  1000  includes an operation  1008  where one or more vehicle sensors are monitored by the processor. In one embodiment, sensors monitored at operation  1008  may include any of the vehicle sensors previously described, including, but not limited to speed sensors  908 , temperature sensor  910 , user override  912 , and/or performance settings  914 . 
     Next, at an operation  1010 , 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 sensors  908 ) is less than a predetermined speed, then the retraction condition may be detected at operation  1010 . 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 operation  1010  may include other inputs in combination with the predetermined speed. Additionally, as with the deployment condition, an input received from user override  912  may manually trigger the retraction condition at operation  1010  so 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 operation  1010 , method  1000  includes an operation  1012 . At operation  1012 , the motor or motors are instructed to retract or stow the D-pillar spoilers. For example, at operation  1012 , processor  904  of controller logic  902  may send an instruction to motor  916  of the deployment mechanism (e.g., motor  604  of deployment mechanism  600 ) to pivot or rotate D-pillar spoilers  200  from the deployed position to the retracted or stowed position, in reverse of the order shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  or  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  above. That is, each D-pillar spoiler  200  is pivoted or rotated from the deployed position back to the retracted or stowed position underneath rear upper spoiler  106  of vehicle  100 . 
     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. 
     While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.