Active Deflector for Vehicle Wheel Arch Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflection devices for motor vehicle wheels are limited in reducing aerodynamic drag and are prone to damage from obstacles, with fixed deflectors offering only partial effectiveness and vulnerability to damage from crossing obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A deflection device with a deployable and retractable deflector, equipped with air passage shutters and an actuator that deploys and retracts based on speed thresholds, positioned upstream of the wheel to reduce drag and protect against damage, featuring rotatable and adjustable deployment to minimize aerodynamic resistance and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a fixed deflector is placed in front of the wheel, then turbulence within the wheel arch is reduced, but the deflector is likely to be damaged when crossing obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the deflector movable rather than fixed. The deflector can rotate between a deployed position (extending forward to reduce turbulence) and a retracted position (parallel to the ground to avoid obstacles). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between turbulence reduction and damage resistance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an external fairing is installed to reduce turbulence from the outside, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the fairing has limited effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable deflector that can be deployed or retracted based on vehicle speed and obstacle conditions. Unlike a static external fairing, this dynamic system can extend forward at high speeds to maximize turbulence reduction effectiveness, and retract when obstacles are detected, providing adaptability that overcomes the limited effectiveness of fixed fairings.
3Loss of energy
If the deflector is deployed to reduce drag at high speeds, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the deflector may be damaged by obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the deflector rotatable and controllable. The system deploys the deflector forward at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and energy loss, but can quickly retract it to a parallel position when obstacles are detected or during low-speed operation, preventing damage while maintaining energy efficiency during normal high-speed driving.
4Reliability
If a deployable deflector is used to protect against damage, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics through a rotatable deflector mechanism controlled by an actuator. This dynamic system provides protection against damage by retracting the deflector when needed, while the complexity is managed through a relatively simple rotational mechanism compared to more complex active suspension or aerodynamic systems. The benefit of improved reliability outweighs the moderate increase in 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
The device effectively reduces aerodynamic drag and protects against damage by dynamically deploying and retracting the deflector in response to speed and obstacles, maintaining minimal impact on the vehicle's reference surface and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
The aerodynamics of a motor vehicle is an important characteristic because it influences, among other things, fuel consumption
Implementation Method 2
Air reaching the wheel arch flows primarily through the narrow space between the wheel and the arch. It is known that this creates turbulence around the wheel's rotation, generating aerodynamic drag
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates in particular to a deflection device capable of being attached upstream, in relation to the air flow, of a motor vehicle wheel (WHL), the device comprising a deflector (SPL) and an actuator (ACT), the actuator (ACT) being arranged to extend and retract the deflector (SPL) in front of said wheel (WHL).