Multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automobile aerodynamics test
By using a multi-channel water mist smoke generator and a multi-stage branch pipe design, the problems of short smoke generation duration and poor visualization effect of traditional wind tunnel simulation devices are solved, achieving efficient, safe and accurate results for automotive aerodynamic testing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STAR WHALE (GUANGZHOU) TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Traditional wind tunnel simulation devices suffer from problems such as short smoke generation duration, short service life, and poor visualization effects due to their smoke generation structure.
It adopts a multi-channel water mist smoke generation structure, with a water mist smoke generation device built into the base, combined with a multi-level branch pipe to form a pipe array that covers the entire surface of the vehicle. With the help of a transparent PVC shell and a diversion net, it can achieve uniform airflow distribution and clear visualization.
It significantly improves the duration and visualization of the test, ensures uniform airflow distribution, reduces the risk of high temperature, and enhances the stability and accuracy of the test.
Smart Images

Figure CN224189482U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of testing devices, and in particular to a multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing. Background Technology
[0002] Vehicle wind tunnel testing is a testing method used to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of automobiles. By simulating airflow under different speeds and conditions, wind tunnel testing helps engineers optimize vehicle design, improve fuel efficiency, reduce noise, and enhance handling and stability. This type of testing plays a crucial role in the automotive development process.
[0003] In existing technologies, automotive aerodynamic testing typically relies on traditional wind tunnel simulation devices. However, traditional smoke generation methods (glycerol heating wires) are insufficient for long-term experiments, lasting only a little over one minute. Heating the heating element for more than two minutes can lead to a decrease in its lifespan or even burnout. Furthermore, the glycerol heating wire operates in a high-temperature environment, posing a risk of burns and safety hazards. Additionally, in low-temperature environments, glycerol fumes easily condense on the inner walls of the ducts, adhering to them and eventually clogging them. These devices may not provide sufficient visualization of airflow.
[0004] In view of this, this technical solution proposes a multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing. It adopts a water mist smoke generation structure, which can generate multiple independent airflows. The water mist smoke generation technology clearly demonstrates the laminar flow phenomenon in different areas when the airflow passes through the car model, thereby judging the car's wind resistance capability. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art. Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide a multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing, aiming to solve the problems of short duration, short service life, and weak visualization effects caused by the smoke-generating structure of traditional wind tunnel simulation devices in the prior art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing, comprising a main body of the simulation device consisting of a base, a first smoke generator, a second smoke generator, an outer casing, and a water mist smoke generator.
[0007] The base is equipped with a platform for placing a vehicle. The first smoke generator and the second smoke generator are arranged sequentially towards the vehicle. A water mist smoke generator is installed inside the base.
[0008] The first smoke generating device includes a main pipeline connected to the water mist smoke generating device. One end of the main pipeline is connected to a primary branch pipe, and the primary branch pipe is connected to each secondary branch pipe. Each secondary branch pipe extends towards the vehicle to form a pipe array that can completely cover the vehicle.
[0009] The outer casing is disposed on the outside of the vehicle, and one end is connected to one side of the outer casing of the second smoke generating device. The second smoke generating device includes a diversion mesh disposed inside the outer casing. The water mist smoke generating device blows water mist through the second smoke generating device toward the vehicle in sequence through the first-level diversion pipe, the second-level diversion pipe and the through-pipe array.
[0010] As a further improvement of this invention, the outer shell is a transparent PVC cover structure.
[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the base end is provided with a fixing groove, and the bottom of the outer shell and the first smoke generating device are both provided with fixing seats for docking and fixing with the fixing groove.
[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model, both ends of the base are provided with end caps, and the end caps are embedded with transparent mesh.
[0013] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the conduit array is composed of conduits, and the number of conduits on each secondary branch pipe is at least 4, and the number of secondary branch pipes arranged is at least 3.
[0014] As a further improvement of this invention, the through-pipe array and the secondary branch pipe are detachably connected.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0016] This technical solution significantly optimizes testing performance through the combined design of multi-stage branch pipes and a water mist smoke generator. The base houses the water mist smoke generator, forming a through-pipe array via the main pipe, first-stage branch pipes, and second-stage branch pipes, covering the entire vehicle surface. The water mist particles are fine and pose no high-temperature risk, allowing for stable operation over extended periods and clearly demonstrating laminar airflow details. The transparent PVC shell, in conjunction with the distribution net of the second smoke generator, ensures more uniform airflow distribution and full visibility throughout the testing process. The modular design of the base's end fixing grooves and mounting bases ensures rapid and accurate positioning of the shell and the first smoke generator, preventing vibration-induced displacement. The end caps with transparent mesh balance airflow and block debris, enhancing testing stability. Each second-stage branch pipe in the through-pipe array connects to at least four through-pipes, with at least three groups arranged in total. Combined with a detachable design, this allows for dense coverage of various areas of the vehicle body while enabling flexible layout adjustments or rapid maintenance, balancing comprehensive testing with ease of maintenance. After comprehensive improvements, this solution addresses the problems of low smoke generation efficiency, poor safety, and insufficient visualization associated with traditional technologies, providing a more efficient, safe, and accurate solution for automotive wind resistance testing. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the technical solutions of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is the main body of the simulation device in this utility model.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a preliminary disassembly diagram of the main body of the simulation device in this utility model.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the through-tube array in this utility model.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the second smoke generating device in this utility model.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water mist smoke generator in this utility model.
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the main body of the simulation device in this utility model.
[0024] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the fixing seat and fixing groove in this utility model.
[0025] label name label name 1 Main body of the simulation device 12 Second smoke generating device 10 base 120 shell 100 Platform 121 Diversion network 101 Fixed slot 1122 Fixed base 11 First smoke generating device 13 outer casing 110 Supervisor Road 14 End cap 111 Primary branch pipe 140 Through net 112 Secondary branch pipe 15 Water mist smoke generator 113 Through-pipe array Detailed Implementation
[0026] as follows:
[0027] Please see the appendix Figure 1-7 ,
[0028] The main structure includes a simulation device body (1) consisting of a base (10), a first smoke generator (11), a second smoke generator (12), an outer casing (13), and a water mist smoke generator (15). The base (10) has a platform (100) for placing a vehicle. The first smoke generator (11) and the second smoke generator (12) are arranged sequentially towards the vehicle. The base (10) contains a water mist smoke generator (15). The first smoke generator (11) includes a main pipeline (110) connected to the water mist smoke generator (15). One end of the main pipeline (110) is connected to a primary branch pipeline (111). The branch pipe (111) is connected to each secondary branch pipe (112). Each secondary branch pipe (112) extends towards the vehicle to form a through pipe array (113) that can completely cover the vehicle. The outer cover (13) is located outside the vehicle and one end is connected to the outer shell (120) of the second smoke generator (12). The second smoke generator (12) includes a diversion net (121) located inside the outer shell (120). The water mist smoke generator (15) blows water mist through the second smoke generator (12) toward the vehicle in sequence through the primary branch pipe (111), the secondary branch pipe (112) and the through pipe array (113).
[0029] The working principle is as follows:
[0030] This technical solution significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of automotive aerodynamic testing. Traditional wind tunnel simulation devices use glycerin heating wires to generate smoke, which has problems such as short duration (only 1-2 minutes), easy burnout of the heating core, high temperature safety hazards, and pipe condensation blockage, and insufficient airflow visualization. To address these shortcomings, this solution improves upon the design by combining multi-stage branch pipes with a water mist smoke generator (15). The base (10) integrates the water mist smoke generator (15), which is connected to the first-stage branch pipe (111) through the main pipeline (110), and then branched to multiple second-stage branch pipes (112), ultimately forming a pipe array (113) covering the entire surface of the vehicle. The water mist diffuses evenly through multiple channels, can operate stably for a long time without high temperature risks, and the water mist particles are finer, which can clearly show the laminar flow state of the airflow and improve the visualization accuracy. The outer shell (13) is made of transparent PVC material and is connected to the outer shell (120) of the second smoke generator (12). An internal diversion net (121) is set to further optimize the airflow distribution, which facilitates real-time observation of the testing process. The base (10) has end caps (14) with permeable mesh (140) at both ends to ensure airflow and prevent external interference. The modular design of the fixing slot (101) and the fixing base (1122) allows for quick installation and positioning of the outer shell (120) and the first smoke generating device (11), reducing assembly errors. The through-pipe array (113) and the secondary branch pipe (112) are detachably connected, facilitating maintenance and adjustment of the pipe layout. Each secondary branch pipe (112) is connected to at least 4 through pipes, and the overall arrangement is no less than 3 groups to ensure airflow coverage without dead angles. Compared with traditional technologies, this solution solves the pain points of low smoke generation efficiency, high maintenance costs, and poor visualization effects through structural innovation, providing a more reliable, safe, and efficient solution for automotive wind resistance testing.
[0031] The assembly and disassembly process can be,
[0032] During assembly, the base (10) is fixed in the test area to ensure that the platform (100) is level for placing the vehicle under test. The water mist smoke generator (15) is embedded inside the base (10) and connected to the power supply and water supply lines. One end of the main pipeline (110) is connected to the outlet of the water mist smoke generator (15), and the other end is connected to the first-level branch pipe (111) and the second-level branch pipe (112) in sequence to form a multi-level branch structure. The end of the second-level branch pipe (112) is connected to the through pipe array (113) through a detachable interface to ensure that each second-level branch pipe (112) extends at least 4 through pipes to cover the vehicle surface. The outer shell (120) (transparent PVC material) of the second smoke generator (12) is connected to the outer cover (13) on one side. Connect the other side and align and clamp it with the fixing groove (101) at the end of the base (10) through the fixing seat (1122) to ensure that the diversion net (121) is located inside the outer shell (120). Surround the vehicle and the pipe array (113) with the outer cover (13) and seamlessly connect with the outer shell (120) of the second smoke generator (12) to form a closed test environment. Install end caps (14) at both ends of the base (10) to ensure that the transparent net (140) is embedded in the end cap (14) for balancing the airflow and filtering external impurities. Start the water mist smoke generator (15) and check the uniformity of the smoke output of the pipe array (113). Observe the effect of the diversion net (121) on the airflow distribution through the transparent cover and adjust the pipeline connection to the optimal state.
[0033] When disassembling, turn off the water mist smoke generator (15), remove the power and water supply connections, remove the end caps (14) at both ends of the base (10), separate the mesh (140) for subsequent operations, loosen the connecting buckle between the outer cover (13) and the second smoke generator (12), move the entire cover out of the test area, remove the fixing seat (1122) at the bottom of the outer shell (120) from the fixing groove (101) of the base (10), and take out the second smoke generator (12) with the diversion mesh (121). Loosen the detachable interface between the through pipe array (113) and the secondary branch pipe (112), disassemble the through pipe and the secondary branch pipe (112) layer by layer, separate the primary branch pipe (111) from the main pipe (110), disconnect the connection between the main pipe (110) and the water mist smoke generator (15), remove the water mist smoke generator (15) from the base (10), clean the residual water mist and pipes, remove the vehicle model on the platform (100), clean the surface of the base (10), and complete the disassembly.
[0034] Reference Appendix Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the outer shell (120) is a transparent PVC cover structure.
[0035] The main function of the transparent PVC enclosure is to allow testers to directly observe the airflow dynamics on the vehicle surface. The transparency of the enclosure (120) allows for real-time monitoring of the water mist's flow path, laminar flow state, and uniformity of distribution around the vehicle, thus enabling accurate assessment of wind resistance performance. Simultaneously, the lightweight and durable PVC material protects the internal smoke-generating device from interference and does not obstruct the view, ensuring a clear and efficient testing process.
[0036] Reference Appendix Figure 7 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base (10) is provided with a fixing groove (101) at the end, and the bottom of the outer shell (120) and the first smoke generating device (11) are provided with fixing seats (1122) for docking and fixing with the fixing groove (101).
[0037] The fixing groove (101) at the end of the base (10) cooperates with the fixing seat (1122) of the outer shell (120) and the first smoke generating device (11) to quickly and accurately align and lock the position of the components, avoiding installation misalignment or loosening. This simplifies the assembly process, reduces manual adjustment time, ensures that the connection of each device is stable during testing, prevents structural misalignment due to vibration or airflow impact, and improves overall reliability and test repeatability.
[0038] Reference Appendix Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the base (10) is provided with end caps (14) at both ends, and a transparent mesh (140) is embedded on the end caps (14).
[0039] The end caps (14) at both ends of the base (10) are fitted with transparent mesh (140), which can block external dust or debris from entering while ensuring smooth airflow, avoid interfering with the test results, and maintain the internal pressure balance of the device (simulating the real state), thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the test.
[0040] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tube array (113) is composed of tubes, and the number of tubes on each secondary branch tube (112) is at least 4, and the number of secondary branch tubes (112) arranged is at least 3.
[0041] The conduit array (113) connects to at least four conduits through each secondary branch pipe (112), and the total number of secondary branch pipes (112) is no less than three sets, ensuring that the water mist can densely and evenly cover all areas of the vehicle surface (such as the front, body and rear of the vehicle), avoiding airflow leakage or uneven distribution. The multi-channel design improves the testing accuracy, and the conduit layout can be flexibly adjusted for different vehicle models.
[0042] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the through-tube array (113) and the secondary branch tube (112) are detachably connected.
[0043] The through-pipe array (113) and the secondary branch pipe (112) are detachably connected, which allows the pipe layout to be flexibly adjusted according to different vehicle models or testing requirements. At the same time, it facilitates quick disassembly and cleaning, replacement of blocked parts, reduces maintenance time and cost, and ensures long-term stable operation of the water mist delivery channel.
[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and do not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings under the concept of the present utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing, characterized in that, The main body of the simulation device consists of a base, a first smoke generating device, a second smoke generating device, an outer casing, and a water mist smoke generating device. The base is equipped with a platform for placing a vehicle. The first smoke generator and the second smoke generator are arranged sequentially towards the vehicle. A water mist smoke generator is installed inside the base. The first smoke generating device includes a main pipeline connected to the water mist smoke generating device. One end of the main pipeline is connected to a primary branch pipe, and the primary branch pipe is connected to each secondary branch pipe. Each secondary branch pipe extends towards the vehicle to form a pipe array that can completely cover the vehicle. The outer casing is disposed on the outside of the vehicle, and one end is connected to one side of the outer casing of the second smoke generating device. The second smoke generating device includes a distribution net disposed inside the outer casing. The water mist smoke generating device blows water mist through the second smoke generating device toward the vehicle in sequence through the first-level branch pipe, the second-level branch pipe and the through pipe array.
2. The multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamics testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell is a transparent PVC cover structure.
3. The multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamics testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base end is provided with a fixing groove, and the bottom of the outer shell and the first smoke generating device are both provided with fixing seats for docking and fixing with the fixing groove.
4. The multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the base are provided with end caps, and the end caps are embedded with transparent mesh.
5. The multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conduit array is composed of conduits, and each secondary branch pipe has at least 4 conduits, and the secondary branch pipes are arranged in at least 3 rows.
6. The multi-channel wind tunnel simulation device for automotive aerodynamic testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through-pipe array and the secondary branch pipe are detachably connected.