A New Innovation in Aerodynamics: Ford’s Deployable Dive Planes

Introduction

Dive planes are a common feature in high-performance cars, providing increased downforce and improved aerodynamic balance. However, Ford is taking this concept to the next level with their patent application for deployable dive planes. Unlike traditional fixed dive planes, Ford’s design allows for adjustment based on various vehicle parameters. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the way aerodynamic aids are utilized in performance vehicles.

The Concept of Deployable Dive Planes

According to Ford’s patent application, their deployable dive planes would be controlled by actuators, enabling them to move and adjust their position as necessary. These deployable versions offer greater flexibility compared to fixed aerodynamic devices, which only work optimally under specific conditions. Much like the retractable rear wings found in many performance cars, Ford’s deployable dive planes can be raised or lowered depending on the desired outcome.

Benefits and Applications

The proposed deployable dive plane system aims to optimize drag, lift, and other aerodynamic properties, ultimately improving both customer confidence and vehicle capability. The ability to adjust the dive planes based on specific vehicle parameters allows for a more tailored approach to optimizing aerodynamics. While it remains to be seen if this innovation will appear in future Ford production vehicles, the possibilities are vast, especially for high-performance electric vehicles where maximizing range through drag reduction is crucial.

Expanding the Boundaries of Aerodynamics

Ford’s exploration of deployable dive planes showcases their commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive aerodynamics. By challenging the conventional fixed dive plane design, Ford is paving the way for innovations that improve performance and efficiency simultaneously. This technology has the potential to enhance not only Ford vehicles but also the broader automotive industry.

The Future of Deployable Dive Planes

While the use of deployable dive planes is still in the patent application stage, Ford’s expertise in high-performance vehicles makes it likely that this innovation will find its way into future car models. The advantages of adjustability and flexibility offered by deployable dive planes are undeniable, and their implementation can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of vehicles.

Conclusion

As car manufacturers strive to deliver high-performance vehicles with improved aerodynamics, Ford’s deployable dive planes present an exciting new prospect. This innovation has the potential to optimize drag, lift, and other aerodynamic properties, providing both customer confidence and enhanced vehicle capability. While its future implementation remains uncertain, the concept of deployable dive planes has undoubtedly sparked interest and excitement within the automotive industry.

Dive planes are becoming more common in high-performance cars as a way to increase downforce. However, a Ford patent application suggests an even more sophisticated version of these aerodynamic aids. The proposed deployable dive planes can be adjusted based on different vehicle parameters and controlled by actuators. This innovation aims to optimize drag, lift, and other aerodynamic properties, benefiting customer confidence and vehicle capability. While the future of deployable dive planes in production vehicles is uncertain, their potential impact on performance and efficiency is significant.

Dive planes are becoming more common in high performance cars as a way to increase downforce, but a Ford patent application suggests a more sophisticated version of these aerodynamic aids.

Rather than being fixed in place like normal dive planes, the patent application describes deployable versions that could be adjusted based on different vehicle parameters. The movement would be controlled by actuators, according to the application, which was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on June 8, 2023, but originally filed on December 7, 2021.

Mounted on the front corners of a vehicle, dive planes can generate additional downforce and help with the car’s aerodynamic balance. Because they stick out of the body at a perpendicular angle, they look a bit like miniature versions of underwater dive planes, which seems to be where the name comes from.

However, as Ford points out in the patent application, any fixed aerodynamic device will only work properly under certain conditions. Having swooping planes that can deploy when needed and retract at other times offers greater flexibility, a bit like the retractable rear wings now common on performance cars. TO bugatti chiron You can raise your rear wing for maximum downforce or lower it to reduce drag, so why not do the same for dive planes?

That seems to be what the blue oval is looking for here. The app says the proposed deployable dive plane system could be used to “optimize drag, lift, and other aerodynamic properties,” benefiting “both customer confidence and vehicle capability with less compromise.”

However, as with all patent material, there is no guarantee that deployable dive planes will appear on a future Ford production vehicle. However, Ford is no stranger to high-performance vehicles, so there’s likely no shortage of potential applications for this idea. It could be a good fit for high-performance electric vehicles, where the drag-reducing benefits of retractable dive planes would be especially relevant to maximizing range.