Aerodynamic system with reactive underbody panels

Abstract

An aerodynamic system for a vehicle, comprising a structure. The structure includes a body, which defines an underbody. The vehicle includes an assembly that moves relative to the body. A fairing system is connected to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic fairing, which defines an opening, and a reactive fairing, which closes the opening. The aerodynamic fairing is connected to the body at the underbody. The reactive fairing moves through the assembly upon contact and returns to close the opening when released by the assembly.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fairings for achieving desirable exterior vehicle airflow, and more particularly to an underbody fairing for a vehicle that provides optimized aerodynamics and responds to impacts and other events by moving to accommodate a full range of the suspension system.

[0002] The aerodynamic performance of a moving land vehicle is comprised of various parameters such as drag, downforce, lateral force, and lift. These parameters are influenced by the vehicle's exterior shape and features, which contribute to the vehicle's drag coefficient. Drag and lift can be significantly influenced by the characteristics of the vehicle's underbody. Drag and lift increase significantly with increasing speed.

[0003] Various types of aerodynamic devices and structures can be used to cause 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, if desired, create downforce. An air deflector can be used to deflect air from the underside of the vehicle, thus reducing lift, but can also increase the overall frontal area of ​​the vehicle. A spoiler is designed to reduce lift and increase normal force, but can also significantly increase drag. The various devices alter / redirect the air movement over and around the body of a moving vehicle to achieve the desired results.Various aerodynamic devices can serve a specific purpose, but can also create increased, undesirable air resistance.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide aerodynamic device configurations for optimal performance in terms of lift and drag. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. DESCRIPTION

[0005] A number of embodiments include an aerodynamic system for a vehicle having a particular structure. The structure includes a body defining an underbody. The vehicle includes an assembly that moves relative to the body. A fairing system is connected to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic fairing defining an opening and a reactive fairing closing the opening. The aerodynamic fairing is connected to the body at the underbody. The reactive fairing moves through the assembly upon contact and returns to close the opening when released from the assembly.

[0006] In further embodiments, the reactive fairing is connected to the aerodynamic fairing by a hinge.

[0007] In further embodiments, a spring is mounted between the reactive fairing and the aerodynamic fairing.

[0008] In further embodiments, the aerodynamic fairing comprises a step and the reactive fairing comprises a rear side that fits into the step.

[0009] In further embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly having a suspension arm that causes contact of the assembly with the reactive fairing.

[0010] In further embodiments, the reactive fairing comprises a front and a rear side. A hinge connects the reactive fairing to the aerodynamic fairing and is located at the front.

[0011] In further embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly. A wheel assembly is connected to the structure via the suspension assembly. The reactive fairing reacts to the movement of the wheel assembly.

[0012] In further embodiments, the reactive fairing and the aerodynamic fairing are assembled as a unit.

[0013] In further embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension arm that contacts the reactive fairing and that can detach and move away from the reactive fairing.

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

[0015] In a number of further embodiments, an aerodynamic system for a vehicle comprises a vehicle structure having a body defining an underbody. The underbody channels an airflow component beneath the vehicle. An assembly is arranged to move relative to the body. A fairing system is connected to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic fairing defining an opening and a reactive fairing closing the opening. The aerodynamic fairing is attached to the body at the underbody. The reactive fairing moves through the assembly upon contact and returns to close the opening when released from the assembly. The aerodynamic fairing and the reactive fairing form a substantially continuous surface with no gaps for the airflow component.

[0016] In further embodiments, the reactive fairing is pivotally attached to the aerodynamic fairing by a hinge.

[0017] In further embodiments, a spring is connected to the reactive fairing and the aerodynamic fairing. The spring biases the reactive fairing to close the opening.

[0018] In further embodiments, the aerodynamic fairing includes a step. The reactive fairing includes a rear side that integrates with the step when the reactive fairing closes the opening.

[0019] In further embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly having a lower control arm that causes the reactive fairing to contact the assembly.

[0020] In further embodiments, the reactive fairing comprises a front and a rear side. A hinge connects the reactive fairing to the aerodynamic fairing. The hinge is located at the front. The rear side separates from the aerodynamic fairing by rotating the reactive fairing around the hinge.

[0021] In further embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly with a wheel assembly connected to the structure via the suspension assembly. The reactive fairing reacts to the impact of the wheel assembly.

[0022] In further embodiments, the reactive fairing and the aerodynamic fairing are assembled into a single unit prior to installation on the vehicle. In further embodiments, the assembly includes a suspension assembly having a lower control arm that moves to engage the reactive fairing, to move through a plane of the fairing system, and to separate from, move away from, and beyond the reactive fairing.

[0023] In a number of other embodiments, an aerodynamic system for a vehicle includes a vehicle structure having a body defining an underbody. The underbody channels an airflow component beneath the vehicle. A suspension assembly moves relative to the body. A fairing system is connected to the underbody and includes an aerodynamic fairing defining an opening and a reactive fairing closing the opening. The aerodynamic fairing is attached to the body at the underbody. The reactive fairing is disposed in a position separated from the structure by the aerodynamic fairing, moves in response to contact by the suspension assembly, and returns to close the opening when released from the suspension assembly.The aerodynamic fairing and the reactive fairing direct the airflow component along the underbody and around the suspension system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0024] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements and wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to various embodiments; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of a rear suspension corner of the vehicle of Fig. 1, in accordance with various embodiments; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, schematic representation of the rear underbody area of ​​the vehicle of Fig. 1, in accordance with various embodiments; Fig. 4 is a schematic, fragmentary sectional view of the rear suspension corner area of ​​the vehicle of Fig. 1 with a reactive cladding in a first state according to various embodiments; and Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the rear suspension corner area of ​​the vehicle of Fig. 1 with the reactive cladding in a second state, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the application and use. 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.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1 shows an example of an aerodynamic vehicle system 20 used in a vehicle 22. As in Fig. 1, the vehicle 22 generally includes a structure 24 having a body 26 supported on wheel assemblies 28, e.g., by a suspension assembly 38. The structure 24 may be of various types that define a physical shape for the desired purposes. The body 26 substantially encloses components of the vehicle 22 and defines exterior surfaces, and the wheel assemblies 28 are each rotatably coupled near a corresponding corner of the body 26. In various embodiments, the vehicle 22 may 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 as a result of traction due to friction between the tires 30 of the wheel assemblies 28 and a road surface 32.The vehicle 22 may be powered by any number of propulsion systems such as electric, combustion, hybrid, or other systems.

[0027] As the vehicle 22 moves along the roadway 32, in this case in a forward direction, the airflow 34 is displaced by the front surface 36 of the structure 24 / body 26. The airflow 34 is generally divided into a component 40 that flows over the top of the body 26, components 42 that extend around the left and right sides of the body 26, and an airflow component 44 that flows beneath the body 26 along the underbody 46. Rearward of the vehicle 22, the airflow components 40, 42, 44 combine to form an airflow 48 in a wake zone 50, which may contain turbulence. The air flows 34, 48 and the air flow components 40, 42, 44 result in forces acting on the vehicle, including a drag force 52, a downforce 54, and a lift force 56. The magnitude of these forces depends on the external characteristics 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, the drag force 52 can be minimized by contouring the body 26 to increase efficiency, e.g., in terms of electric range or fuel consumption.

[0028] Regarding the underbody 46, the airflow component 44 may contribute to the drag force 52 by encountering downwardly projecting features and open areas where air may circulate and / or be trapped, creating a parachute effect. Accordingly, the aerodynamic system 20 may include a fairing system 60 that provides a smooth, relatively flat surface 62 along which the airflow component 44 travels to reduce / minimize drag. The fairing system 60 may include a fairing 62 on the underbody 46 near the rear wheel assemblies 28 to reduce the drag force 52. Additionally, the fairing system 60 may include a diffuser panel fairing 64. The diffuser panel fairing 64 is configured to reduce drag 52 and lift force 56 near the rear 66 of the body 26.The diffuser panel fairing 64 is tilted rearward and upward to expand the flow component 44 below the vehicle 22. The acceleration of the flow component 44 reduces the air pressure near the rear 66 of the vehicle 22, reducing lift. The higher pressure pushes air from the underside of the vehicle 22 rearward and fills the wake zone 50, thereby reducing the drag 52 of the vehicle 22.

[0029] In Fig. 2, selected aspects of a corner of the suspension assembly 38 are shown. The suspension assembly 38 allows the wheel assembly 28 to move vertically relative to the structure 24. In this example, the corner is a rear corner of the vehicle 22, with the wheel assembly 28 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 configured as a lower control arm. In other embodiments, the suspension arm 70 may have a different shape, such as multiple arms or another shape of links. The suspension arm 70 includes a pivot point 72 near its inboard end 74 that is connected to the structure 24 at a point 75, either directly, for example, via a link, or via a pivot point 76. B. by a pin 76, or indirectly by intermediate elements / control arms.The inner end 74 is therefore rotatable but is held in a generally fixed vertical position relative to the structure 24. The rotation allows the outer end 78 of the suspension arm 70 to move vertically relative to the structure 24 and the body 26 of the vehicle 22, and the wheel assembly 28 can also move vertically relative to the structure 24 and the body 26.

[0030] The outer end 78 of the suspension arm 70 is connected to the wheel assembly 28 via a link 80. The link 80 may include a hub (not shown) with a bearing housing and other components for rotatably connecting to the wheel assembly 28. The wheel assembly 28 is also connected to the structure 24 at a point 82 that is vertically higher than point 75 so that the suspension assembly 38 prevents excessive inclination of the wheel assembly 28 from the vertical. The wheel assembly 28 is connected to point 82 by a link 84, which may be one or more suspension arms or another form of linkage.

[0031] The suspension assembly 38 includes a spring 86 that holds the structure 24 as a sprung mass to the wheel assemblies 28. In this example, the spring 86 is embodied as a coil spring extending between a point 88 on the structure 24 and a seat 90 on the suspension arm 70. In other embodiments, a different type of spring element may be used. A resilient spring seat 92 may be disposed between the upper end of the spring 86 and the structure 24. Additionally, a resilient spring seat 94 may be disposed 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 from other components in order to move.

[0032] In Fig. 3, the rear portion of the vehicle 22 is shown from below, showing the rear portion of the underbody 46. The area of ​​the underbody 46 in front of the rear wheel assemblies 28 is covered by a floor pan 96 of the body 26. The floor pan 96 is generally located beneath the passenger compartment of the vehicle 22 and is a relatively flat, transparent structure over which air flows with little resistance. The floor pan 96 extends laterally across the body 26 between the rocker panels 98, 100. In an area 104 of the vehicle 22 located behind the floor pan 96 and between the wheel assemblies 28, the body 26 has a raised floor 102 (in Fig. 4). The area 104 may include various features of the vehicle 22. For example, components of the suspension assembly 38, a rear drive unit, exhaust system components, fuel / energy storage components, and / or other components may be disposed in the area 104, depending on the type of powertrain in the vehicle 22 and the configuration of the vehicle.

[0033] Due to the raised floor 102 and the features of the vehicle 22 contained within the region 104, various air disturbances, drag, and aerodynamic inefficiencies may occur if the aerodynamic system 20 of the present disclosure were not present. In particular, the underbody 46 of the vehicle 22, and in this embodiment, the portion thereof rearward of the floor pan 96, is covered by components of the fairing system 60. These components include an aerodynamic fairing 106, which in some embodiments may be referred to as a rear power unit, two reactive fairings 108, 110, and a diffuser panel fairing 112. The components of the fairing system 60 may be constructed from a variety of materials and, in the present embodiment, are fabricated from a polymer material to provide lightweight performance and sufficient rigidity and durability for the environment.

[0034] The area 104 (at its underside) is generally covered by the aerodynamic fairing 106 and the reactive fairings 108, 110. The aerodynamic fairing 106 is attached to the structure 24, e.g., to the body 26, and is located substantially at the level of the floor pan 96 so that it extends rearward. The aerodynamic fairing 106 may be attached by fasteners so that it is selectively removable. The reactive fairings 108, 110 fill or close the openings 118, 120 of the aerodynamic fairing 106, may be substantially flat, and are arranged at or substantially the same level as the aerodynamic fairing 106.The aerodynamic fairing 106 and the reactive fairings 108, 110 provide a substantially flat, smooth surface along which the airflow component 44 efficiently moves beneath the body 26 along the underbody 46. The reactive fairings 108, 110 respond to the movement of a feature of the vehicle 22 and, for example, upon contact by the moving feature, open to provide clearance for the moving feature to pass through the fairing system 60, as described in more detail below.

[0035] In this embodiment, the aerodynamic fairing 106 surrounds each of the reactive fairings 108, 110 on three sides. Specifically, the aerodynamic fairing 106 extends along the forward sides 122, 124, along the rear sides 126, 128, and along the inner sides 131, 132 of the reactive fairings 108, 110. In this manner, the aerodynamic fairing 106 defines the openings 118, 120 in a manner that provides a consistent space within which the reactive fairings 108, 110 can be received and maintained at the desired height with minimal or no gaps. In some embodiments, the aerodynamic fairing 106 can enclose a varying number of sides of the reactive fairing 108. For example, the diffuser panel fairing 112 may be disposed along the rear side 126, or the aerodynamic fairing 106 may enclose all sides of the reactive fairings 108, 110.The various sides may also be referred to herein as edges of the reactive fairings 108, 110. Enclosing the various sides of the reactive fairings 108, 110 with the aerodynamic fairing 106 provides the ability to control the relationship between the fairings and allows for the minimization or elimination of gaps to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

[0036] The diffuser panel 112 is disposed behind the aerodynamic panel 106 and mates with the aerodynamic panel 106 at the same / substantially the same height and may be slightly angled upward in a direction behind the aerodynamic panel 106 toward the rear 66 of the vehicle 22. The diffuser panel panel 112 may be designed to reduce pressure and lift. Furthermore, the diffuser panel panel 112 may prevent spaces and structures from creating a parachute effect. The angle of the diffuser panel panel 112 may be adjusted relative to the horizontal to achieve the desired lift reduction (downforce) without excessively increasing drag.The airflow component 44, traveling beneath the body 26 along the underbody 46, passes through the floor pan 96, the aerodynamic fairing 106, and the reactive fairings 108, 110 with low disturbance and high efficiency, and then passes through the diffuser fairing 112 for favorable aerodynamics before entering the wake zone 50 behind the vehicle 22. This creates an optimized underbody 46 with a smooth structure uninterrupted by openings and protruding parts, with the suspension assembly 38 extended from the airflow portion 44 under most operating conditions of the vehicle 22.

[0037] In Fig. 4, the portion of the vehicle 22 surrounding the area 104 is schematically illustrated in section, depicting selected portions of the vehicle 22. The suspension assembly 38, and in particular the suspension arm 70 and spring 86, are disposed in the area 104 below the raised floor 102 and generally at a height above the fairing system 60. Generally, the area 104 is a substantially enclosed space, and the airflow component 44 travels beneath the fairing system 60 without interacting with the space or components within the area 104.

[0038] The reactive fairing 108 is disposed within and closes the opening 118. The front side 122 of the reactive fairing 108 is connected to the aerodynamic fairing 106 by a hinge 130. The rear side 126 of the reactive fairing 108 lies in a step 132 in the aerodynamic fairing 106, creating a smooth, gap-free surface between the reactive fairing 108 and the aerodynamic fairing 106 to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. The rear side 126 is not coupled to the aerodynamic fairing 106, but is held in position against the aerodynamic fairing 106 by a spring 134 in the step 132.The spring 134 extends between the reactive fairing 108 and the aerodynamic fairing 106 and allows the reactive fairing to rotate (counterclockwise as viewed) about the hinge 130 when a downward force is applied to the reactive fairing 108. In the present embodiment, the spring 134 is a coil spring. In other embodiments, a different type of spring may be used. For example, a tension, torsion, or coil spring, or a flexible member may be used. During operation of the vehicle 22, the reactive fairing 108 shown in FIG. Fig. 4, the part of the suspension arm 70 shown vertically due to forces emanating from the roadway 32, and the spring 86 expands and contracts, whereby the suspension arm 70 rotates around the connecting member 76 (in Fig. 2). In most operating conditions of the vehicle 22, the suspension arm 70 moves above the reactive fairing 108, which remains in its aerodynamically efficient position at the step 132 with the rear side 126 against the aerodynamic fairing 106. In some embodiments, multiple hinges 130 and / or multiple springs 134 may be used with the reactive fairing 108. The reactive fairing 110 is similarly configured and functions similarly to the reactive fairing 108.

[0039] As in Fig.5, under certain operating conditions of the vehicle 22, such as a high-impact collision in which the wheel assembly 28 moves away from the structure 24, the suspension arm 70 contacts the reactive fairing 108 and exerts a downward force thereon. As a result, the reactive fairing 108 overcomes the force exerted by the spring 134 and pivots about the pivot 130. The rear side 126 of the reactive fairing 108 separates from the step 132. This allows the suspension arm 70 to be guided into and / or through the opening 118. The reactive fairing 108 moves only as far as necessary to accommodate the movement required for the suspension arm 70.The reactive fairing 108 can function as a trapdoor mechanism, opening to allow movement of the suspension arm 70 and closing itself when the suspension arm 70 moves back into the area 104 and disengages from the reactive fairing 108. The reactive fairing 108 moves upon contact by the suspension assembly 38 (in this embodiment, the suspension arm 70) and returns to close the opening 118 when released from the suspension assembly 38. The suspension arm 70 can move vertically below the plane of the fairing system 60 when needed, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency. By locating the hinge 130 at the leading edges (e.g., at the front 122) of the reactive fairings 108, 110, a parachute condition is avoided, and instead the reactive fairings 108, 110 direct the airflow component 44 along their surfaces.The reactive fairing 110 functions in a similar manner to the reactive fairing 108 to compensate for movements on the opposite side of the vehicle 22.

[0040] The reactive fairings 108, 110 are entirely supported by and connected to the aerodynamic fairing 106. The hinge 130 and the spring 134 are connected to the aerodynamic fairing 106. Consequently, the aerodynamic fairing 106 and the reactive fairings 108, 110 can be pre-assembled as a unit in a subassembly and then mounted to the vehicle 22 in one operation. In some embodiments, the spring 134 can provide a connection between the reactive fairing 108 and the structure 24. In some embodiments, the aerodynamic fairing 106 can surround all four sides of the reactive fairing 108. In some embodiments, the reactive fairing 108 can have a different shape to accommodate the size and shape of the member (e.g., the suspension arm 70) that moves through the opening 118.The reactive fairings 108, 110 can also accommodate the movement of the suspension arms 70 when the vehicle 22 is raised on a lift and the wheel assemblies 28 move downward away from the body 26. The reactive fairings 108 can be manually opened for inspection and maintenance without removing the fairing system 60. In some embodiments, the diffuser panel fairing 112 can be included in a subassembly with the aerodynamic fairing 106 and the reactive fairings 108, 110 before being mounted to the vehicle 22. In some embodiments, the diffuser panel fairing 112 can be manufactured as a single piece along with the aerodynamic fairing 106.In some embodiments, a different biasing mechanism may be used instead of spring 134 to movably hold the reactive fairings 108, 110 closed and to open them to provide clearance for movement of a feature of the vehicle 22. For example, instead of a separate spring, the reactive fairings 108, 110 may be made entirely or partially of a flexible material. If adjustments to the height of the vehicle 22 are necessary, these can be made without redesigning the fairing system 60. The reactive fairings 108, 110 may be mounted at any location on the underbody 46 of the vehicle 22 to accommodate possible movement of a feature through the fairing system 60. Accordingly, an aerodynamically efficient underbody 46 is provided, including the area occupied by the suspension arms 70.

[0041] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description is intended to provide one skilled in the art with a convenient guide for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes in the function and arrangement of elements may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

[1] An aerodynamic system for a vehicle comprising: a structure of the vehicle having a body defining an underbody; an assembly configured to move relative to the body; a fairing system coupled to the underbody, comprising an aerodynamic fairing defining an opening and a reactive fairing configured to close the opening, where the aerodynamic panel on the underbody is connected to the body, wherein the reactive shroud is configured to move through the assembly in response to the contact and is configured to return to close the opening when released from the assembly. [2] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the reactive fairing is coupled to the aerodynamic fairing by a hinge. [3] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, comprising a spring mounted between the reactive fairing and the aerodynamic fairing. [4] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the aerodynamic fairing comprises a step, the reactive fairing having a rear side configured to fit within the step. [5] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises a suspension assembly, the suspension assembly comprising a suspension arm that causes the assembly to contact the reactive fairing. [6] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the reactive fairing has a front side and a rear side and includes a hinge connecting the reactive fairing to the aerodynamic fairing, the hinge being located on the front side. [7] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises a suspension assembly and a wheel assembly coupled to the structure via the suspension assembly, the reactive fairing configured to respond to movement of the wheel assembly. [8] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the reactive fairing and the aerodynamic fairing are assembled as a unit. [9] The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein the assembly includes a suspension arm configured to contact the reactive fairing and configured to separate and move away from the reactive fairing. [10] The aerodynamic fairing of claim 1, comprising a diffuser fairing in the fairing system, the diffuser fairing being arranged behind the aerodynamic fairing, the diffuser fairing being separated from the reactive fairing by the aerodynamic fairing.

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