Active Rear Diffusor Gap Adjustment for Drag and Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active rear diffusors in road vehicles do not adequately adjust aerodynamic characteristics to optimize traction and aerodynamic drag based on operational states.
Innovation Solution
An active rear diffusor with movable air guiding members and an actuating assembly that adjusts the gap width and orientation to optimize aerodynamic performance by transitioning between operating states based on vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air guiding member is used in existing active rear diffusors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to adjust aerodynamic characteristics for different operational states is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rear diffusor is divided into multiple air guiding members (first air guiding member and second air guiding member) arranged successively along the longitudinal axis. Each member can be independently positioned by the actuating assembly, allowing separate control of gap widths to optimize aerodynamic characteristics for different operational states without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air guiding members are made movable by the actuating assembly, which can transition them between different positions to create varying gap widths. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the rear diffusor to adapt its aerodynamic characteristics based on vehicle operational states, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
2Loss of energy
If the gap width between air guiding members is reduced in the first operating state, then aerodynamic drag is reduced for efficient operation, but traction may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating assembly dynamically adjusts the positions of air guiding members based on operational state. In the first operating state, members are positioned to minimize gap widths and reduce drag. In the second operating state, members are repositioned to increase gap widths and enhance downforce for improved traction, allowing the system to optimize for different priorities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters (gap widths) of the rear diffusor based on operational state. By varying the spacing between air guiding members, the system can transition between drag-reduction configuration and traction-enhancement configuration, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements
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 the capability to adjust aerodynamic characteristics for improved traction and reduced drag, allowing for efficient operation across different speeds.
Implementation Method 1
Rear diffusors are established in road vehicles and e.g. help to generate downforces for enhancing traction
Implementation Method 2
help to generate downforces for enhancing traction... improve the aerodynamic characteristics of road vehicles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention concerns an active rear diffusor (10) for a road vehicle (2), the rear diffusor (10) comprising: - a first air guiding member (12) and at least a second air guiding member (14), - an actuating assembly (17), wherein at least a section of the first air guiding member (12) and of the second air guiding member (14) are arranged successively along a longitudinal axis (A) of the road vehicle (2), wherein the actuating assembly (17) is configured to move each of the first and second air guiding member (14) into a first position in which the rear diffusor (10) assumes a first operating state and into a second position in which the rear diffusor (10) assumes a second operating state, and wherein a width of a first gap (34) between the first and second air guiding member (12, 14) is smaller in in the first operating state compared to the second operating state. The invention also concerns an assembly (100) and a road vehicle (2).