Adjustable Air Deflecting Device for Motor Vehicle Wheel Width Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air guiding devices for vehicles are not adaptable to different wheel widths, leading to complex and costly warehousing and assembly line logistics, as well as suboptimal aerodynamic performance due to inefficient airflow management around the wheels.
Innovation Solution
A method for an adjustable air guiding device with at least two air guide body elements that can be manually adjusted in the transverse direction to match the width of the vehicle wheel, allowing for optimal airflow direction and reduction of aerodynamic drag and lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air guide devices with fixed dimensions are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be adapted to different wheel widths, leading to complex warehousing and assembly line logistics
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device is divided into multiple air guide body elements that can be selectively arranged and combined. This segmentation allows the device to be configured in different widths to match various wheel dimensions, providing adaptability without requiring completely different device designs for each wheel type.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can serve different wheel widths through selective configuration of its elements. A single type of air guide device can be used across multiple vehicle models and wheel configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized device types in warehousing and assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of air guide devices are stocked for different wheel widths, then adaptability to various wheels is achieved, but warehousing and assembly line complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can serve different wheel widths through selective configuration of its elements. A single type of air guide device can be used across multiple vehicle models and wheel configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized device types in warehousing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically adapted during assembly to match the specific wheel width required. This dynamic configurability allows a single device type to replace multiple fixed-size devices, simplifying inventory management and assembly logistics.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-width air guide devices are used, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but aerodynamic performance is suboptimal due to inefficient airflow management
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device is divided into multiple air guide body elements that can be selectively arranged and combined. This segmentation allows the device to be configured in different widths to match various wheel dimensions, providing adaptability without requiring completely different device designs for each wheel type.
Solution Approach 2:
The width and configuration parameters of the air guide device can be changed by selectively arranging its elements. This parameter adjustability enables optimization of airflow management for different wheel widths, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving overall vehicle aerodynamic performance.
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
This solution simplifies storage and assembly by using a single type of air guiding device, reduces air resistance, and improves aerodynamic performance by directing airflow parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, thus enhancing the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency and adaptability to various wheel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the air guide device directs the airflow generated when the vehicle is moving forward past the wheel, particularly a front wheel, and/or along a wheel, particularly a front wheel, in such a way as to minimize flow losses and thus reduce air resistance
Implementation Method 2
to minimize flow losses and thus reduce air resistance. Since it is generally not possible to completely shield the wheel from the airflow, the aim is to direct as much of the airflow as possible past the wheel and/or to align the airflow as parallel as possible to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
An air deflecting device which is for use on the bottom of a motor vehicle (1) in front of a vehicle wheel (12, 13) and which comprises at least one air deflection member (2, 2') is characterized in that the air deflection member (20, 20') includes at least two air deflection member parts (22, 24) which allow the width of the air deflection member (20, 20') in the transverse vehicle direction (y) to be modified.