FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an air dam for a motor vehicle and more
particularly discloses an air dam integrated with front bumper to
improve aerodynamic performance of vehicle.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
It is well known in motor vehicles that the aerodynamics
characteristics of the vehicle body can be improved by an air dam
mounted underneath the front of the motor vehicle and extending
into proximity with the roadway.
Some existing air dam structures located in the front bumper lower
area will be discussed hereinbelow:
As indicated in fig. 1, there is provision of a separate air-dam
structure (1) which is fitted to the lower flange of the front bumper
(2) by means of screws and snaps.
However, the major disadvantages of the above design are high
cost and time consuming assembly process due to provision of a
separate air dam.
Another known air dam integrated front bumper is illustrated in
fig. 2, wherein air dam (1) is integrated with front bumper (2).
The major limitation of this design is that the raw material of the
skirt air-dam would be same as the front bumper which is less
flexible as compared to separate skirt air-dam part. It is most likely
to interfere with the ground in case of road bumps, while taking
turn and where there is level difference between wheels of LHS and
RHS. In case of interference with the ground during vehicle
movement air dam part may get damaged due to crack at the root
(3) requiring replacement of the complete front bumper. It also gets
damaged at the corner upon being hit by the projectiles on the
road.
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Now reference may be made to the following Patent/Publication:
US 4778212: The application relates to a front bumper molding
for motor vehicles with an integrated bumper wherein lateral
portions of the front bumper molding are designed so that they can
be swung out or extended from a retracted to an extended position,
thus providing an unchanged appearance at a retracted position
when the vehicle is stopped and at low driving speeds and an
especially favorable flow behavior at high vehicle driving speeds,
and wherein lateral portion of the front bumper molding are
located in front of the vehicle front wheels and are designed as
moveable air spoiler elements.
Another air dam is also in existence, which is made of flexible
material that self deploys by flexing to a deployed position to the
road surface in response to the air steam velocity, wherein said air
dam is a separate part and its amount of flex is controlled by the
air velocity.
The above can't fulfill the requirements of present invention for
which it is designed.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Primary object of the present invention is to provide an air dam
integrated with front bumper of vehicle which overcomes
disadvantages associated with the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air dam
integrated with front bumper of vehicle which is simple in
construction and cost effective.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air
dam integrated with front bumper of vehicle which avoids
interference with ground during vehicle movement.
^ Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air dam
integrated with front bumper of vehicle wherein the air dam in not
susceptible to damage in case of contact with ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided an air dam integrated
with front bumper of vehicle to improve aerodynamic performance
of vehicle comprising an aerodynamic elongated member
constituting air dam integrated to lower area of the front bumper
wherein root of air dam is thicker in the longitudinal direction
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more
apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments of
invention and wherein:
FIG. 1 shows: Air dam with front bumper of vehicle as a
separate part according to prior art;
FIG. 2 shows: Air dam integrated with front bumper of vehicle
known in the art;
FIG. 3 shows: Air dam integrated with front bumper of vehicle
according to present invention;
FIG. 4 shows: Rigid and flexible zone of air dam in accordance
with present invention;
FIG. 5 shows: Flexing of air dam in case of contact with ground
in dynamic condition of vehicle according to
present invention;
FIG. 6 shows: Corner of novel air dam of present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE
TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The invention is directed to an air dam structure integrated with
front bumper of vehicle. This design involves integration of an
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aerodynamic elongated member with the front bumper lower area
wherein the aerodynamic elongated member constitutes air dam.
The invention also comprises optimization of skirt air dam in such
a way that the air dam part may not get damaged in case of
contact with the ground though made of bumper raw material.
Referring to fig. 3 in which the front bumper (1) lower area is
integrated to an aerodynamic elongated member (2) i.e. air dam.
For the integrated skirt air-dam shape design, following factors
have been taken into consideration:
- Minimum clearance from the ground in GVW condition to
avoid ground contact;
- Tapered comers to avoid interference with ground while
taking turn by making corner thicker;
- Optimization of basic section of air dam part to avoid its
damage in case of ground interference.
The root (3) of air dam is thicker throughout length of air dam in
longitudinal direction as compared to thickness of the bumper (ti)
and basic thickness of air dam (t2) so as to counter the
shortcomings of prior art.
Now reference may be made to fig. 4 reflecting flexible zone (F) and
rigid zone (R). In order to make the skirt air dam flexible its basic
thickness (t2) is less than the thickness (ti) of front bumper i.e.
t2