Adjustable Aerodynamic Splitter for Variable Ground Clearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front splitters for motor vehicles are compromised for street use, resulting in reduced aerodynamic effectiveness due to compromised design for ground clearance and regulatory limitations, making them less effective for race track use.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable aerodynamic front splitter with a body panel featuring a flexible rearward segment and a rigid forward segment, along with adjustable linkages and replaceable extension strips, allows for configuration changes between street and race track settings to optimize airflow and downforce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a front splitter is designed with low ground clearance for optimal aerodynamic performance, then aerodynamic effectiveness and downforce are improved, but the splitter becomes unsuitable for street use due to suspension and body movement over dips and potholes
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter is designed with an adjustable mounting system that allows the ground clearance to be dynamically changed between a low position for race track use and a high position for street use. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the splitter to optimize aerodynamic performance when needed while maintaining suitability for normal road conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of ground clearance from fixed to variable. By providing an adjustable mounting mechanism, the splitter's position relative to the ground can be modified to match different operational requirements, thereby resolving the conflict between aerodynamic effectiveness and adaptability to different road conditions.
2Productivity
If a front splitter is designed to protrude beyond the bumper for enhanced aerodynamic performance, then downforce and airflow control are improved, but the design violates government regulations limiting front splitter protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter incorporates an adjustable mounting system that allows the protrusion distance to be changed. For race track use, the splitter can be positioned to maximize aerodynamic performance with greater protrusion. For street use, the mounting position can be adjusted to comply with government regulations, thus resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and regulatory compliance.
3Manufacturing precision
If a front splitter is designed as a fixed assembly for optimal aerodynamic performance, then manufacturing precision and aerodynamic efficiency are improved, but the device cannot be easily reconfigured for different uses
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter assembly is divided into separate components: the splitter body optimized for aerodynamic performance and an adjustable mounting system. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic portion to be precisely manufactured while the mounting system provides reconfigurability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be adjustable, allowing the splitter to be reconfigured for different uses such as race track or street driving. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains the aerodynamic optimization of the splitter body while adding versatility to the overall assembly.
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
Enables easy reconfiguration for enhanced aerodynamic performance on both public roads and race tracks, increasing front tire grip and reducing lift, while conforming to street vehicle regulations.
Implementation Method 1
It is critical for a splitter's effectiveness that the airflow being directed to the vehicle's undercarriage remains laminar, i.e. smooth. Providing a laminar undercarriage air flow reduces drag and therefore allows the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency to remain generally unaffected.
Implementation Method 2
The overall aerodynamic effect is created usually by slicing the incident air flow by the splitter's forward portion and subsequent management and control of the undercarriage air stream by the splitter's underbody portion. The resultant dynamic down force generally helps the driver to retain control of the vehicle at higher road speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable aerodynamic splitter for a motor vehicle having a rearward flexible segment for attachment to the vehicle body and a forward more rigid segment, wherein the forward segment's leading edge is arranged for selectively attaching thereto an extension strip of a desired width, and at least one pair of adjustable length linkages attaching the splitter to the vehicle body near the leading edge, spaced symmetrically about the vehicle centerline, and arranged to raise or lower the leading edge in response to adjustment of the linkages' length.