Active Aerodynamic Member Control for Fuel Economy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle designs with fixed aerodynamic features are inefficient in adapting to changing operating conditions, such as the attachment of trailers, leading to suboptimal fuel economy due to fixed aerodynamic calibrations that do not account for real-world variations in aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
An active aerodynamic system with a movable member and actuator, controlled by sensors and a controller, which adjusts between multiple positions to optimize aerodynamic profiles based on detected road load and operating conditions, allowing for on-vehicle calibration optimization and adaptation to changes like trailer attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed aerodynamic features are used, then vehicle structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but aerodynamic performance cannot adapt to changing operating conditions leading to suboptimal fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing movable aerodynamic members that can transition between different positions (retracted and extended) to dynamically adjust aerodynamic profiles. The movable member is coupled to an actuator that receives control signals from a controller to move between positions based on detected operating conditions, enabling the system to adapt aerodynamic performance to varying vehicle speeds, acceleration states, and external conditions such as trailer attachment.
2Manufacturing precision
If wind tunnel testing is performed for calibration, then aerodynamic performance can be optimized, but time and expense are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing a calibration system that uses the vehicle's own operating data (road load, vehicle speed, acceleration) to automatically determine optimal aerodynamic member positions. The controller detects vehicle operating conditions and controlable road load, then autonomously controls the actuator to move the movable member to positions that optimize aerodynamic performance without requiring external wind tunnel facilities or manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the feedback principle by using a sensor to detect road load and vehicle operating conditions, then feeding this information back to the controller which adjusts the movable member position accordingly. The system continuously monitors vehicle speed, acceleration state, and road load, and automatically adjusts the aerodynamic member to maintain optimal performance based on real-time feedback from vehicle operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic members are made movable with actuators, then real-time adaptation to operating conditions is possible, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by implementing a controller that integrates multiple functions: detecting vehicle operating conditions (speed, acceleration), determining acceleration states, analyzing road load data, controlling actuator movement, and performing calibration operations. This multi-functional controller consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle includes a body. A movable member with first and second positions having distinct aerodynamic profiles is disposed on an exterior portion of the body. An actuator is coupled to the movable member and configured to actuate the movable member between the first and second positions. A sensor is configured to, during a drive cycle, detect a relative road load between the second aerodynamic profile and the first aerodynamic profile. A controller is configured to, during a drive cycle, control the actuator to move the movable member to the first position in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, to control the actuator to move the movable member to the second position in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, and to, in response to the relative road load being positive, control the actuator to move the movable member to the first position.