Multi-Step Active Air Skirt for Vehicle Aerodynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active air skirt devices for vehicles have limited aerodynamic improvement capabilities due to only two operational modes, which restrict their ability to effectively correlate with varying vehicle speeds.
Innovation Solution
An active air skirt device with multiple operational steps, featuring a skirt housing, first and second skirts, an actuator, and a power transmission mechanism, allowing the first and second skirts to be operated in multiple modes corresponding to vehicle speed, including retracted, intermediate, and full operating modes, with guidance mechanisms and springs for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional active air skirt devices with only two modes (retracted and full operating) are used, then the device structure is simple, but the aerodynamic characteristics improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air skirt is divided into multiple segments (first air skirt and second air skirt) that can operate independently at different speeds. This segmentation allows the device to provide intermediate operating modes between fully retracted and fully extended, improving aerodynamic adaptability across different speed ranges while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air skirt device transitions from a static two-mode system to a dynamic multi-mode system where the first and second air skirts can be positioned at different extension levels based on vehicle speed. This dynamic operation enables continuous adaptation to varying aerodynamic requirements across different speed ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-step operation is implemented to improve aerodynamic characteristics correlation with speed, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second air skirt is nested within the first air skirt, with the first air skirt extending from the front bumper and the second air skirt extending from the first air skirt. This nested configuration allows multi-step operation capability while minimizing the overall space required and maintaining a compact structure when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple air skirt functions are combined into a single integrated device where the first and second air skirts work together as a unified system. The actuator and control mechanism are shared, allowing coordinated operation that achieves improved aerodynamic correlation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 aerodynamic characteristics by correlating vehicle aerodynamics with speed, improving fuel efficiency and reducing air resistance through precise control of skirt positions, offering improved operational stability and aerodynamic performance across different speed ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring inserted into the first cylinder and having one end supported by a closed top of the first cylinder and the other end supported by the first cylinder rod, the first spring providing elastic force so that the first cylinder rod moves in a direction of being protruded from the first cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a second spring inserted into the second cylinder and having one end supported by a closed top of the second cylinder and the other end supported by the second cylinder rod, the second spring providing elastic force so that the second cylinder rod moves in a direction of being protruded from the second cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
An active air skirt device for a vehicle includes a first skirt and a second skirt, which are operated in multiple steps corresponding to a speed of the vehicle, so as to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.