Active Underbody Panel Linkage for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under-vehicle panel systems fail to effectively reduce aerodynamic drag without compromising low-speed maneuverability and often require expensive active suspension systems or are limited by ground clearance, leading to suboptimal fuel economy and increased mass.
Innovation Solution
An active underbody panel system with a frame structure and deployable panels connected via a linkage assembly, driven by an actuator, which moves between stowed and deployed positions based on speed and object detection to improve aerodynamics while maintaining ground clearance and minimizing mass increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If static under-vehicle panels are set low to improve aerodynamics, then drag reduction is improved, but ground clearance is compromised causing panels to hit objects at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody panel system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, where panels can be deployed or retracted based on vehicle speed and ground conditions. The control system activates panels at high speeds to reduce drag while deactivating them at low speeds to maintain ground clearance, directly resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and operational flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active suspension systems are used to lower the vehicle at high speed to improve aerodynamics, then drag reduction is improved, but system cost and mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the aerodynamic control function from the complex active suspension system. Instead of using the entire suspension system to adjust vehicle height, only the underbody panels are deployed or retracted to achieve aerodynamic benefits. This selective approach maintains ground clearance while reducing drag without requiring expensive active suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The underbody panel system is segmented into multiple independently controllable panels that can be selectively deployed. This segmentation allows precise control over aerodynamic surfaces without moving the entire vehicle chassis, reducing the complexity and cost compared to active suspension systems while achieving similar aerodynamic effects.
3Temperature
If larger cooling systems and grille openings are used to improve cooling efficiency at high speeds, then cooling performance is improved, but vehicle drag increases and fuel economy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody panels are dynamically controlled to optimize both aerodynamics and cooling. At high speeds, the panels create a low-pressure zone that enhances natural air flow through the engine compartment, providing cooling without requiring larger grilles. This dynamic adjustment reduces aerodynamic drag while maintaining cooling efficiency.
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 system enhances aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag and lift, increasing air flow, and maintaining low-speed ground clearance, while being lighter and more cost-effective than active suspension systems, and reduces cooling system size by enhancing mass air flow through the engine compartment.
Implementation Method 1
The airflow at the underside of the vehicle or 'drag' effects fuel economy. A lower aerodynamic efficiency decreases fuel economy, particularly in vehicles with higher ground clearances due to the greater drag under the vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
A deployment/retraction mechanism is provided, such as at least one linkage assembly, connected to the frame structure, which moves the panel(s) generally up and down (or otherwise moved) into the air flow as needed.
Implementation Method 3
An actuator drives the movement of the mechanism, and, therefore the panel(s) operably connected to the mechanism.
Implementation Method 4
increases mass air flow through the engine compartment at high speed
Data Source
AI summary
An active underbody panel system having a frame arrangement mounted under the vehicle and at least one deployable panel moveable between stowed and deployed positions to improve aerodynamics under the vehicle. A deployment/retraction mechanism is provided having a pair of linkage assemblies and driven by an actuator, which allows the deployable panel(s) to be moved automatically downward into the air flow as needed.