Active Aerodynamic Elements for Vehicle Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with active aerodynamic elements face a trade-off between increased aerodynamic downforce for improved handling and increased aerodynamic drag, particularly at high speeds, which can be challenging to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a motor, active aerodynamic elements, driver input sensors, and a controller to regulate these elements based on both feedforward signals from driver inputs and feedback signals from vehicle performance sensors, allowing for dynamic adjustment of aerodynamic downforce during motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If active aerodynamic elements are deployed to increase aerodynamic downforce, then handling and response are improved, but aerodynamic drag increases particularly at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active aerodynamic elements that can dynamically change shape and/or reposition themselves in response to detected driver inputs and vehicle conditions. The controller regulates these elements to provide variable downforce levels, allowing the system to adapt aerodynamic characteristics in real-time based on driving style and performance requirements, thereby optimizing the downforce-drag tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the aerodynamic elements (shape, position, orientation) based on detected driver inputs such as steering angle, accelerator position, and brake lever position. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system can increase downforce during aggressive driving maneuvers while reducing drag during normal driving conditions.
2Reliability
If aerodynamic elements are adjusted to improve handling, then cornering performance increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback signals from multiple sensors including steering wheel sensors, accelerator device sensors, and brake lever sensors to detect actual driver inputs and vehicle behavior. This feedback loop enables the controller to regulate active aerodynamic elements in real-time, improving cornering performance while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedforward signals from driver input sensors to anticipate desired vehicle behavior before the maneuver is fully executed. By regulating aerodynamic elements in advance based on detected driver intent, the system prepares the vehicle for upcoming cornering or braking maneuvers, improving response time without requiring overly complex real-time adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances handling and response by accurately adapting aerodynamic forces to driver inputs and vehicle conditions, improving cornering performance and reducing lap times while maintaining control and consistency across different driving styles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one active aerodynamic element configured to generate a variable amount of aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a motor for propelling the vehicle and at least one active aerodynamic element configured to generate a variable amount of aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle also includes at least one driver input sensor configured to detect a driver input and generate a feedforward signal indicative of a desired behavior of the vehicle. The vehicle additionally includes a controller in communication with the at least one driver input sensor and the at least one active aerodynamic element and configured to regulate the at least one active aerodynamic element at least partially in response to the feedforward signal. A method for controlling such an active aerodynamic element and a system for controlling an aerodynamic downforce on a vehicle are also disclosed.