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Old 06-14-2011, 08:18 AM   #92 (permalink)
wwkayaker
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Carmel, IN
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Kayak hauler - '05 Mitsubishi Lancer ES
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khafra View Post
I know there has to be a simply engineered solution I'm missing, but how do you get a spring-loaded flap to open under low pressure and close under high pressure?
Put the spring to where it is pushing back towards the car on the top side with the bottom side being the part that swings against the air movement. I will try to draw it for you but I only have the basic keyboard functions so bare with me.

..........spring=/
................../o=fulcrum
incoming air=/ =radiator side of air dam



The springs could be mounted on the ends of the air dam and be attached by some metal to the fulcrum. Be sure to reinforce the entire thing to prevent any bending under the pressure. You will have to test different springs to find the right one that will be open at less than the speed at which you want it to be fully open. Also, the spring side of the lever will have to be covered to prevent the air pressure from pushing on it unless the entire air dam is on the incoming air side of the lever.

Last edited by wwkayaker; 06-14-2011 at 08:19 AM.. Reason: not lining up
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khafra (06-14-2011)