Active Aerodynamic Element Control for Vehicle Downforce
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle aerodynamic systems face challenges in dynamically controlling active aerodynamic elements to achieve optimal aerodynamic downforce while balancing fuel economy and top speed, often relying on driver-controlled actuation or heuristic rules.
Innovation Solution
A controller is programmed to process dynamic input information, such as braking levels and steering angle, to calculate and command the position of active aerodynamic elements, using tire friction data to determine the necessary aerodynamic downforce, thereby achieving a requested aerodynamic performance operating point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active aerodynamic elements are actively controlled to provide sufficient aerodynamic downforce, then vehicle handling and tire traction are optimized, but device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines the required aerodynamic downforce by processing dynamic input information and tire friction data without requiring driver intervention. The system self-regulates the aerodynamic elements based on real-time vehicle conditions, eliminating the need for complex driver-controlled actuation mechanisms while maintaining optimal vehicle handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors dynamic input information including braking levels, torque requests, and steering angle, then uses this feedback to calculate and adjust the aerodynamic downforce requirements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control of aerodynamic elements while simplifying the overall control architecture through systematic information processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heuristic control rules with cross-calibration are used to control aerodynamic elements, then adaptability to different driving conditions is achieved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adaptability by dynamically changing control parameters based on processed input data. Instead of using multiple fixed heuristic rules, the controller calculates aerodynamic downforce requirements by varying key parameters such as tire friction coefficients and dynamic input values, allowing the system to adapt to different driving conditions through parameter adjustment rather than complex rule sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal system that processes multiple types of dynamic input information (braking, torque, steering) through a single integrated calculation framework. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate heuristic control rules for different conditions, as the same controller architecture handles all driving scenarios through unified parameter-based calculations.
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
This approach allows for automatic and precise control of aerodynamic downforce, enhancing vehicle handling and traction without relying on driver inputs or multiple heuristic rules, optimizing aerodynamic performance in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
The active aerodynamic element is configured to selectively deploy from the body into an oncoming ambient airstream when the vehicle is in motion
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an active aerodynamic element in a vehicle having road wheels with tires in contact with a road surface includes receiving driver input signals and vehicle kinematics data. The driver input signals correspond to a requested aerodynamic performance operating point. Tire coefficients of friction in the longitudinal and lateral directions are provided to the controller. Desired longitudinal and lateral forces acting on the tires are determined using the input signals, kinematics data, and actual force data. Additionally, a desired total aerodynamic downforce for meeting the aerodynamic performance operating point is determined as a function of the tire forces and coefficients. A position of the aerodynamic element(s) is controlled such that the total aerodynamic downforce is achieved. A system includes the aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller. A vehicle includes the body, road wheels, active aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller.