Reaction panel aerodynamic system for vehicle underbody

Abstract

An aerodynamic system for a vehicle includes a structure. The structure includes a body defining an underbody. A vehicle includes an assembly that moves relative to a vehicle body. A panel system is coupled with the underbody and includes an aerodynamic panel defining an opening and a reaction panel closing the opening. The aerodynamic panel is coupled with the vehicle body at the underbody. The reaction panel moves in response to being contacted by the component and returns to close the opening when being released by the component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to panels for achieving desired external vehicle airflow, and more particularly to underbody panels for vehicles that provide optimized aerodynamics and react to bumps and other events by moving to allow a full range of suspension system travel. Background Art

[0002] The aerodynamic performance of a mobile land vehicle is a factor of various parameters such as drag, downforce, lateral force and lift. These parameters are affected by the vehicle's external shape and features which have an impact on the vehicle's drag coefficient. Drag and lift can be significantly affected by the vehicle's underbody features. Drag and lift tend to increase significantly as operating speed increases.

[0003] Various types of aerodynamic devices and structures can be used to affect changes in the airflow around a vehicle. Airfoils can be used to create pressure differences and are sometimes adapted as wings with smooth, shaped and angled surfaces to reduce drag or create downforce when desired. Air dams can be used to divert air traveling under a vehicle to reduce lift, but may increase the vehicle's total frontal area. Spoilers are designed to reduce lift and increase normal force, but may significantly increase drag. Various devices change / deflect the movement of air over and around the body of a moving vehicle to achieve a desired result. Various aerodynamic devices can be used to achieve a certain purpose, but may also create increased, undesirable drag.

[0004] Therefore, an aerodynamic device configuration that provides optimal performance with respect to lift and drag is desired.Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. Summary of the invention

[0005] Multiple embodiments include an aerodynamic system for a vehicle having a defined structure. The structure includes a vehicle body defining an underbody. The vehicle includes a component that moves relative to the vehicle body. A panel system is coupled to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic panel that defines an opening, and includes a reaction panel that closes the opening. The aerodynamic panel is coupled to the vehicle body at the underbody. The reaction panel moves in response to being contacted by the component and returns to close the opening when released by the component.

[0006] In additional embodiments, the reaction panel is coupled to the aerodynamic panel via a hinge.

[0007] In additional embodiments, a spring is coupled between the reaction panel and the aerodynamic panel.

[0008] In additional embodiments, the aerodynamic panel includes a step and the reaction panel includes a rear side nested within the step.

[0009] In additional embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly including a suspension arm that enables contact through the assembly with the reaction panel.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, the reaction panel includes a front side and a rear side. A hinge couples the reaction panel to the aerodynamic panel and is disposed on the front side.

[0011] In an additional embodiment, the assembly includes a suspension assembly. The wheel assembly is coupled to the structure via the suspension assembly. The reaction panel reacts to movement of the wheel assembly.

[0012] In additional embodiments, the reaction panel and the aerodynamic panel are assembled together as a unit.

[0013] In additional embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension arm that contacts the reaction panel and the suspension arm is operative to separate from and move away from the reaction panel.

[0014] In additional embodiments, a diffuser panel in a panel system, wherein the diffuser panel is disposed behind an aerodynamic panel, wherein the diffuser panel is separated from the reactive panel by the aerodynamic panel.

[0015] In a number of additional embodiments, an aerodynamic system for a vehicle includes a structure of the vehicle including a body defining an underbody. The underbody directs an airflow component beneath the vehicle. An assembly is configured to move relative to the body. A panel system is coupled to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic panel defining an opening and a reaction panel closing the opening. The aerodynamic panel is secured to the body at the underbody. The reaction panel moves in response to being contacted by the assembly and returns to close the opening when released by the assembly. The aerodynamic panel and the reaction panel present a substantially continuous surface without gaps for the airflow component.

[0016] In an additional embodiment, the reaction panel is rotatably secured to the aerodynamic panel by a hinge.

[0017] In an additional embodiment, a spring is connected to the reaction panel and the aerodynamic panel. The spring biases the reaction panel to close the opening.

[0018] In an additional embodiment, the aerodynamic panel includes a step.When the reaction panel closes the opening, the reaction panel includes a rear side that nests within the step.

[0019] In additional embodiments, an assembly includes a suspension assembly including a lower control arm that enables contact through the assembly to the reaction panel.

[0020] In an additional embodiment, the reaction panel includes a front side and a rear side. A hinge couples the reaction panel to the aerodynamic panel. The hinge is disposed on the front side. The rear side is separated from the aerodynamic panel by rotation of the reaction panel about the hinge.

[0021] In additional embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly having a wheel assembly coupled to the structure via the suspension assembly. The reaction panel reacts to a jounce event of the wheel assembly.

[0022] In additional embodiments, the reaction panel and the aerodynamic panel are assembled together as a unit prior to assembly to the vehicle.

[0023] In additional embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly having a lower control arm that moves to contact the reaction panel for movement through the plane of the panel system and to separate from and move away from and over the reaction panel.

[0024] In a number of other embodiments, an aerodynamic system for a vehicle includes a structure of the vehicle including a body defining an underbody. The underbody directs a component of airflow under the vehicle. A suspension assembly moves relative to the body. A panel system is coupled to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic panel defining an opening and a reaction panel closing the opening. The aerodynamic panel is secured to the body at the underbody. The reaction panel is disposed in a position separated from the structure by the aerodynamic panel, moves in response to being contacted by the suspension assembly, and returns to close the opening when released by the suspension assembly. The aerodynamic panel and the reaction panel direct a component of airflow along the underbody and around the suspension system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram showing various embodiments Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of a rear suspension corner of a vehicle;

[0028] Figure 3 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A partial schematic illustration of a rear underbody area of ​​a vehicle;

[0029] Figure 4 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a rear suspension corner region of a vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the reaction panel is in a first state; and

[0030] Figure 5 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A schematic illustration of a partial cross-section of a rear suspension corner region of a vehicle with the reaction panel in a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 , shows an example of a vehicle aerodynamic system 20 as implemented in a vehicle 22. Figure 1 As depicted in FIG. 2 , the vehicle 22 generally includes a structure 24 including a body 26 supported on a wheel assembly 28, such as by a suspension assembly 38. The structure 24 can be of various types that define a physical shape for a desired purpose. The body 26 substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 22 and defines an exterior surface, and the wheel assemblies 28 are each rotatably coupled near respective corners of the body 26. In various embodiments, the vehicle 22 can be a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or an all-wheel drive vehicle with any number of wheels, although other drive arrangements are also contemplated. The vehicle 22 operates using forces generated by traction due to friction between the tires 30 of the wheel assembly 28 and the road 32. The propulsion of the vehicle 22 can be provided by any of a variety of propulsion system types, such as electric, combustion, hybrid, or other.

[0033] As the vehicle 22 moves on the road 32, in this case in a forward direction, an airflow 34 is displaced by the frontal area 36 of the structure 24 / body 26. The airflow 34 is generally divided into a component 40 that travels over the top of the body 26, a component 42 that travels around the left and right sides of the body 26, and an airflow component 44 that travels under the body 26 along the underbody 46. Behind the vehicle 22, the airflow components 40, 42, 44 rejoin the airflow 48 in a wake region 50 that may include turbulence. The airflow 34, 48 and the airflow components 40, 42, 44 generate forces acting on the vehicle, including drag 52, downforce 54, and lift 56. The magnitude of these forces is a function of the external features of the vehicle 22 and the speed of the vehicle 22. The aerodynamic system 20 is configured to reflect the desired effects on the forces. For example, drag 52 can be minimized by the contours of the body 26 to improve efficiency, such as in terms of electric range or fuel economy.

[0034] With respect to the underbody 46, the airflow component 44 may contribute to the drag 52, such as by encountering any downwardly protruding features and any open areas where air may circulate and / or be trapped, thereby creating a parachute effect. Therefore, the aerodynamic system 20 may include a panel system 60 that provides a smooth, relatively flat surface 62 along which the airflow component 44 moves to reduce / minimize drag. The panel system 60 may include a panel 62 located at the underbody 46 near the rear wheel assembly 28 to reduce the drag 52. In addition, the panel system 60 may include a diffuser panel 64. The diffuser panel 64 is configured to reduce the drag 52 and lift 56 near the rear 66 of the vehicle body 26. The diffuser panel 64 is tilted upward in a rearward direction to expand the flow component 44 under the vehicle 22. The accelerated flow component 44 reduces the air pressure near the rear 66 of the vehicle 22, thereby reducing lift. The higher pressure forces air to fill the wake region 50 from under the vehicle 22 to the rear and reduce the drag 52 on the vehicle 22.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 , showing selected aspects of a corner of a suspension assembly 38. The suspension assembly 38 allows the wheel assembly 28 to move vertically relative to the structure 24. In this example, the corner is the rear corner of the vehicle 22, wherein the wheel assembly 28 is suspended from the structure 24 of the vehicle 22 by components of the suspension assembly 38. As shown, the suspension assembly 38 includes a suspension arm 70, which is implemented as a lower control arm. In other embodiments, the suspension arm 70 can take another form, such as multiple arms or another form of link. The suspension arm 70 includes a pivot 72 near its inboard end 74, which is connected to the structure 24 at a point 75, either directly, such as by a pin 76, or indirectly, by an intermediate element / link. Therefore, the inboard end 74 is rotatable, but remains in a generally fixed vertical position relative to the structure 24. The rotation allows the outboard end 78 of the suspension arm 70 to move vertically relative to the structure 24 and relative to the body 26 of the vehicle 22 , and also allows the wheel assembly 28 to move vertically relative to the structure 24 and the body 26 .

[0036] The outboard end 78 of the suspension arm 70 is connected to the wheel assembly 28 by a link 80. The link 80 may include a hub (not shown) having a bearing housing and other components to rotatably connect with the wheel assembly 28. The wheel assembly 28 is also coupled to the structure 24 at a point 82 that is vertically higher than the point 75 so that the suspension assembly 38 prevents the wheel assembly 28 from excessively tilting relative to the vertical. The wheel assembly 28 is coupled to the point 82 by a link 84, which may be one or more suspension arms, or another form of link.

[0037] The suspension assembly 38 includes a spring 86 that holds the structure 24 as a sprung mass on the wheel assembly 28. In this example, the spring 86 is implemented as a coil spring that extends between a point 88 on the structure 24 and a seat 90 on the suspension arm 70. In other embodiments, another type of spring element may be used. An elastic spring seat 92 may be located between the upper end of the spring 86 and the structure 24. In addition, an elastic spring seat 94 may be located between the lower end of the spring 86 and the suspension arm 70. The suspension assembly 38 may include other components, such as a damper (not shown). Due to the movement of the wheel assembly 28 during operation of the vehicle 22, the suspension arm 70 moves up and down relative to the structure 24 and therefore requires clearance with other components to move.

[0038] refer to Figure 3 , the rear portion of the vehicle 22 is shown from below, viewing the rear portion of the underbody 46. The area of ​​the underbody 46 forward of the rear wheel assemblies 28 is covered by a floor 96 of the body 26. The floor 96 is generally located below the passenger compartment of the vehicle 22 and is a relatively flat, clear structure over which air flows with little resistance. The floor 96 extends laterally across the body 26 between the rocker panels 98, 100. In an area 104 of the vehicle 22 rearward from the floor 96 and between the wheel assemblies 28, the body 26 has a raised floor 102 (e.g., Figure 4 ). Region 104 may include various features of vehicle 22. For example, components of suspension assembly 38, rear drive unit, exhaust system components, fuel / energy storage components, and / or other components may be disposed in region 104 depending on the type of powertrain in vehicle 22 and the configuration of the vehicle.

[0039] Due to the features of the vehicle 22 contained in the raised floor 102 and the area 104, various air disturbances, drag, and aerodynamic inefficiencies may occur without the aerodynamic system 20 of the present disclosure. Specifically, the underbody 46 of the vehicle 22, and in this embodiment, the portion thereof rearward of the floor 96, is covered by components of the panel system 60. These components include an aerodynamic panel 106, which may be referred to as a rear drive unit panel in some embodiments, two reaction panels 108, 110, and a diffuser panel 112. The components of the panel system 60 may be formed from a variety of materials, and in the current embodiment, are made from polymer materials to achieve light weight and sufficient rigidity and durability to the environment.

[0040] The area 104 (at its bottom) is generally covered by an aerodynamic panel 106 and reaction panels 108, 110. The aerodynamic panel 106 is fixed to the structure 24 in place, such as to the vehicle body 26, and is substantially disposed at the height of the floor 96 so as to extend rearward thereof. The aerodynamic panel 106 may be fixed by fasteners so that it may be selectively removed. The reaction panels 108, 110 fill / close the openings 118, 120 of the aerodynamic panel 106, respectively, and may be substantially flat and disposed at the same height or substantially the same height as the aerodynamic panel 106. The aerodynamic panel 106 and the reaction panels 108, 110 provide a substantially flat, smooth surface along which the airflow component 44 traveling under the vehicle body 26 along the underbody 46 effectively does so. The reaction panels 108, 110 react to the movement of features of the vehicle 22 and, for example, open upon contact by the moving feature to provide clearance for the moving feature to pass through the panel system 60, as described in more detail below.

[0041] In this embodiment, the aerodynamic panel 106 surrounds each of the reaction panels 108, 110 on three sides. Specifically, the aerodynamic panel 106 extends along the front sides 122, 124, the rear sides 126, 128 and the inner sides 131, 132 of the reaction panels 108, 110, respectively. In this way, the aerodynamic panel 106 defines the openings 118, 120 in a manner that provides a consistent space, and the reaction panels 108, 110 are received in this consistent space and can be maintained at a desired height with minimal or no gaps. In some embodiments, the aerodynamic panel 106 can surround different numbers of sides of the reaction panel 108. For example, the diffuser panel 112 can be provided along the rear side 126, or the aerodynamic panel 106 can surround all sides of the reaction panels 108, 110. The various sides may also be referred to herein as the edges of the reaction panels 108, 110. Surrounding each side of the reaction panels 108 , 110 with the aerodynamic panel 106 provides the ability to have a mating relationship between the panels and enables gaps to be minimized or eliminated to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

[0042] The diffuser panel 112 is disposed behind the aerodynamic panel 106 and cooperates with the aerodynamic panel 106 at the same / substantially the same height, and can be slightly tilted upward to the rear 66 of the vehicle 22 in the rear direction of the aerodynamic panel 106. The diffuser panel 112 can be configured to reduce pressure and reduce lift. In addition, the diffuser panel 112 can prevent the space and structure from producing a parachute effect. The angle of the diffuser panel 112 can be adjusted relative to the horizontal to provide the desired lift reduction amount (down force) without excessively increasing the drag. The airflow component 44 traveling along the underbody 46 under the vehicle body 26 passes through the bottom plate 96, the aerodynamic panel 106 and the reaction panels 108, 110 with little interference and high efficiency, and then passes through the diffuser panel 112 before passing through the rear of the vehicle 22 to the wake zone 50 to obtain beneficial aerodynamics. This provides an optimized underbody 46 having a smooth structure uninterrupted by openings and protruding features, wherein the suspension assembly 38 is hidden from the airflow component 44 under most operating conditions of the vehicle 22 .

[0043] refer to Figure 4 , schematically illustrates a portion of the vehicle 22 surrounding an area 104 in a cross-sectional view, wherein selected portions of the vehicle 22 are shown. The suspension assembly 38, particularly the suspension arm 70 and the spring 86, is disposed in the area 104 below the raised floor 102 and is generally located at an elevation above the panel system 60. Generally, the area 104 is a substantially enclosed space, and the airflow component 44 travels below the panel system 60 without interacting with the space or components within the area 104.

[0044] The reaction panel 108 is arranged in the opening 118 and closes the opening 118. The front side 122 of the reaction panel 108 is connected to the aerodynamic panel 106 by a hinge 130. The rear side 126 of the reaction panel 108 is nested in the step 132 in the aerodynamic panel 106, so that a smooth surface without gaps is provided between the reaction panel 108 and the aerodynamic panel 106 to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. The rear side 126 is not coupled with the aerodynamic panel 106, but is held in place against the aerodynamic panel 106 in the step 132 by a spring 134. The spring 134 extends between the reaction panel 108 and the aerodynamic panel 106, and when a downward force is applied to the reaction panel 108, the reaction panel is allowed to rotate around the hinge 130 (as observed CCW (counterclockwise)). In the current embodiment, the spring 134 is a coil spring. In other embodiments, another type of spring can be used. For example, an extension, torsion or spiral spring, or a flexible element can be used. During operation of the vehicle 22, due to the forces imparted from the road 32, Figure 4The portion of the suspension arm 70 shown in FIG. 1 moves vertically, and the spring 86 expands and contracts, and the suspension arm 70 rotates about the connecting rod 76 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 ). For most operating conditions of the vehicle 22, the suspension arm 70 moves over the reaction panel 108, and the reaction panel remains in its aerodynamically effective position with the rear side 126 abutting against the aerodynamic panel 106 in the step 132. In some embodiments, multiple hinges 130 and / or multiple springs 134 may be used with the reaction panel 108. The configuration and operation of the reaction panel 110 is similar to the reaction panel 108.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , during certain operating conditions of the vehicle 22, such as during a severe jolt event where the wheel assembly 28 moves away from the structure 24, the suspension arm 70 contacts the reaction panel 108, applying a downward force thereto. As a result, the reaction panel 108 overcomes the force applied by the spring 134 and rotates about the hinge 130. The rear side 126 of the reaction panel 108 is separated from the step 132. This allows the suspension arm 70 to enter and / or pass through the opening 118. The reaction panel 108 moves only the amount necessary to accommodate the amount of movement required by the suspension arm 70. The reaction panel 108 can operate as a trap door mechanism that opens to allow movement of the suspension arm 70 and automatically closes when the suspension arm 70 moves back to the area 104 and is released from the reaction panel 108. The reaction panel 108 moves under contact with the suspension assembly 38 (in this embodiment, through the suspension arm 70) and returns to close the opening 118 when released by the suspension assembly 38. The suspension arm 70 is allowed to move vertically below the plane of the panel system 60 when needed and aerodynamic efficiency is optimized. Positioning the hinge 130 at the leading edge (e.g., the front side 122) of the reaction panels 108, 110 avoids the parachute condition, and the reaction panels 108, 110 instead direct the airflow component 44 along their surfaces. The reaction panel 110 operates in a similar manner to the reaction panel 108 to accommodate movement at the opposite side of the vehicle 22.

[0046] The reaction panels 108, 110 are fully supported by and cooperate with the aerodynamic panel 106. The hinge 130 and the spring 134 are connected to the aerodynamic panel 106. As a result, the aerodynamic panel 106 and the reaction panels 108, 110 can be preassembled into a subassembly as a unit and then assembled to the vehicle 22 in one operation. In some embodiments, the spring 134 can be connected between the reaction panel 108 and the structure 24. In some embodiments, the aerodynamic panel 106 can surround all four sides of the reaction panel 108. In some embodiments, the reaction panel 108 can have different shapes to accommodate the size and shape of features (such as the suspension arm 70) that will move through the opening 118. The reaction panels 108, 110 can also accommodate the movement of the suspension arm 70 when the vehicle 22 is raised on the crane and the wheel assembly 28 moves downward away from the vehicle body 26. The reaction panel 108 can be manually opened for inspection and maintenance purposes without removing the panel system 60. In some embodiments, the diffuser panel 112 may be included in a subassembly with the aerodynamic panel 106 and the reaction panels 108, 110 before being assembled to the vehicle 22. In some embodiments, the diffuser panel 112 may be manufactured as a unit with the aerodynamic panel 106. In some embodiments, instead of the spring 134, another biasing mechanism may be used to movably hold the reaction panels 108, 110 closed and allow them to open to provide clearance for the movement of features of the vehicle 22. For example, instead of separate springs, the reaction panels 108, 110 may be made entirely or partially of a flexible material. If trim height adjustments are required for the vehicle 22, they may be made without redesigning the panel system 60. The reaction panels 108, 110 may be located at any point of the underbody 46 of the vehicle 22 to accommodate potential movement of features through the panel system 60. Thus, an aerodynamically efficient underbody 46 is provided, including across the area occupied by the suspension arm 70.

[0047] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An aerodynamic system for a vehicle, comprising: The structure of the vehicle includes a vehicle body defining an underbody; an assembly configured to move relative to the vehicle body; a panel system coupled to the underbody, comprising an aerodynamic panel defining an opening and a reactive panel configured to close the opening, wherein the aerodynamic panel is coupled to the vehicle body at the bottom of the vehicle body, Wherein, the reaction panel is configured to move in response to being contacted by the component, and is configured to return to close the opening when released by the component.

2. The aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein: The reaction panel is coupled to the aerodynamic panel via a hinge.

3. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, comprising a spring coupled between the reaction panel and the aerodynamic panel.

4. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein: The aerodynamic panel includes a step, wherein the reaction panel includes a rear side configured to be nested within the step.

5. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein: The assembly includes a suspension assembly, wherein the suspension assembly includes a suspension arm, and the suspension arm enables contact with the reaction panel through the assembly.

6. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein: The reaction panel includes a front side and a rear side and includes a hinge coupling the reaction panel to the aerodynamic panel, the hinge being disposed on the front side.

7. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein: The assembly includes a suspension assembly and includes a wheel assembly coupled to the structure via the suspension assembly, wherein the reaction panel is configured to react to movement of the wheel assembly.

8. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein: The reaction panel and the aerodynamic panel are assembled together as a unit.

9. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein: The assembly includes a suspension arm configured to contact the reaction panel and configured to separate from and move away from the reaction panel.

10. The aerodynamic panel of claim 1, comprising a diffuser panel in said panel system, wherein: The diffuser panel is disposed behind the aerodynamic panel, wherein the diffuser panel is separated from the reaction panel by the aerodynamic panel.

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