Chevrolet Patents New Air Deflector for the Corvette Convertible

We got word that another new patent application has been approved by the USPTO for Chevrolet. This is an interesting one as the patent drawings show the C7 Corvette but like the previous ones shared, this is technology that will most likely be found on the C8 mid-engine Corvette due to the timing of the filing.

The new patent is essentially an extended airfoil which can extend upward from the top of the windshield header frame to reduce occupant air fluttering and reduce vehicle drag. A description of the issue and how the airfoil works are found in the patent publication:

As the convertible travels at speed in open-air mode, air separates from the vehicle as it passes over the vehicle windshield thereby forming a wake region. The wake region may adversely impact the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle in a variety of ways relative to enclosed-cabin mode. For example, the wake region results in decreased pressure at the aft of the vehicle may inhibit functioning of an aft spoiler or similar device and may increase drag on the vehicle. As a result, when the vehicle is in open-air mode, the aerodynamic balance between front and rear wheels may differ from when in enclosed-cabin mode.

An airfoil is disposed at an upper portion of the windshield of the vehicle. As the vehicle travels at speed in open-air mode, the airfoil directs air back toward the body of the vehicle, thereby forming a turbulent wake region of reduced size relative to that of known vehicles. As a result, various aspects of the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle are improved relative to known vehicles, resulting in more consistent performance between open-air and enclosed-cabin modes.

You can view and download the patent for the Air Deflector for Convertible Automotive Vehicle here.

With this patent being directly related to the previous patents surround the Corvettes aerodynamics, you have to believe that Corvette engineers have been spending a lot of time in the wind tunnel testing the various body models and seeing how they perform. It also gives credence to the idea that the C8 mid-engine Corvette will indeed come in both coupe and convertible forms.

Source:
USPTO.gov

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