Ford patents deployable dive plane
Dive planes are becoming more common in performance vehicles as a way to increase downforce, but Ford's patent application suggests a more sophisticated version of these aero aids.
The patent application describes a deployable version that can be adjusted based on different vehicle parameters, rather than being fixed in place like a regular dive plane. published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on June 8, 2023, originally filed on 2021 According to the application filed on December 7, 2021, the movement is controlled by an actuator.
Dive planes attached to the front corners of a vehicle can generate additional downforce and aid in the aerodynamic balance of the vehicle. Because they protrude vertically from the vehicle's body, they look like a miniature version of a submarine dive plane, hence the name.
However, as Ford states in its patent application, fixed aerodynamic devices only function properly under certain conditions. Having a dive plane that can be deployed when needed and retracted at other times provides greater flexibility, such as the retractable rear spoiler currently common on performance cars. The Bugatti Chiron's rear wing can be raised for maximum downforce or lowered to reduce drag.
That seems to be what the Blue Oval is aiming for here. According to the application, the proposed deployable dive plane system can be used to "optimize drag, lift, and other aerodynamic characteristics" and will benefit "both customer confidence and less compromised vehicle capabilities."
However, as with all patent materials, there is no guarantee that deployable dive planes will be included in future Ford production vehicles. Nevertheless, Ford's familiarity with performance vehicles means that there will be no shortage of potential uses for this idea. It could be suitable for performance EVs, where the drag reduction benefits of retractable dive planes are particularly relevant for maximizing range.
