Patent Application
20250206388
The disclosed subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to an underbody structure of a vehicle that guides airflow along an underside of the vehicle.
Aerodynamic structures are generally mounted on the vehicle at various positions to enable and control an aerodynamic flow of air above the vehicle and along the sides of the vehicle.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an underbody structure for a vehicle for guiding air underneath the vehicle is disclosed. The underbody structure comprises a frame having an arcuate structure with a first surface defining a cavity. The underbody structure also includes a panel arranged inside the cavity and adapted to compress under a compression loading and flex back in response to a removal of the compression loading. The panel is arranged between the frame and an underside of the vehicle in an assembly of the underbody structure to the vehicle.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a vehicle body having an underside arranged facing a surface of travel of the vehicle, and an underbody structure pivotally attached to the vehicle body and disposed underneath the underside of the vehicle body. The underbody structure includes a frame extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle body and configured to pivot between an extended position and a retracted position. The underbody structure also includes a panel attached to the frame and arranged between the frame and the underside of the vehicle. The panel is adapted to compress under a compression loading and flex back in response to a removal of the compression loading to move the frame to the extended position.
In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a vehicle body having an underside arranged facing a surface of travel of the vehicle, and an underbody structure pivotally attached to the vehicle body and disposed underneath the underside of the vehicle body. The underbody structure includes a frame having a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle body and a second end arranged separated from the vehicle body. The frame includes an arcuate structure extending from the first end towards the second end of the frame with a first surface defining a cavity, and a bent structure extending from the arcuate structure to the second end of the frame. The bent structure extends in a vertical direction covering an opening of the cavity defined at an interface of the arcuate structure and the bent structure. The underbody structure also includes a panel attached to the arcuate structure and arranged inside the cavity, contacting the underside of the vehicle body. The panel is adapted to compress under a compression loading and flex back in response to a removal of the compression loading.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows. Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples of
Referring to
Further, as shown, the underbody structure 140 includes a panel 150 arranged between the frame 142 and the underside 128 of the vehicle body in a vertical direction and attached to the frame 142. In some embodiments, the panel 150 is arranged abutting the underside 128 of the vehicle body 120 in the extended position of the frame 142. Accordingly, the panel 150 is compressed upon movement of the frame 142 towards the retracted position from the extended position. To facilitate such a compression and flexing back of the panel 150, the panel 150 may be made of a compressible or deformable material that regains its shape upon removal of the compression force. In some embodiments, the panel 150 may be made of a rubber, plastic or similar material that deforms/compress under force and regain its original shape upon removal of the deforming/compressing force.
To facilitate a retention of the panel 150 with the frame 142, the frame 142 includes an arcuate structure 152 that defines a cavity 154 and the panel is arranged inside the cavity 154 between an upper surface 156 of the arcuate structure 152 and the underside 128 of the vehicle body 120. Further, in some embodiments, shown in
Moreover, in some embodiments, the frame 142 defines at least one hole/drain opening 170 arranged proximate to the interface/junction of the arcuate structure 152 and the bent structure 160 and extending from the upper surface 156 to the lower surface 168 of the frame 142. The at least one hole/drain opening 170 acts as a drainage hole to drain any water or snow or mud or the like, inside a space 172 defined between the bent structure 160 and the panel 150, and thereby prevents accumulation of the water inside the underbody structure 140. Moreover, the second end 146 of the frame 142 is arranged between the front wheel 122 and a rear end of the front bumper 130 in the longitudinal direction.
In some embodiments, as shown in
The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate certain principles and various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the invention is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
