Adjustable Air-Guiding Element for Rear Diffuser Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles lack the ability to optimally adapt their aerodynamic properties and vehicle forces to different driving states, particularly in influencing negative lift forces and aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle is equipped with an adjustable air-guiding element integrated with a rear diffuser, featuring a holding and adjustment device that allows the air-guiding element to pivot about a transverse axis, enabling it to change positions and adapt aerodynamic properties by varying negative lift and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed air-guiding element is used in the rear diffuser, then the structure is simple, but the aerodynamic properties cannot be adapted to different driving states
Solution Approach 1:
The air-guiding element is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to change position between a first operative position (parallel to underbody) and a second operative position (angled to underbody). This dynamic adjustment enables adaptation of aerodynamic properties to different driving states while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through a single pivotable component
Solution Approach 2:
The single air-guiding element serves multiple functions: in the first operative position it generates negative lift for high-speed stability, in the second operative position it reduces aerodynamic drag for fuel efficiency, and can be positioned intermediate for transitional states. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without requiring multiple separate components
2Force
If the air-guiding element is extended down toward the ground, then negative lift forces increase, but aerodynamic drag also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air-guiding element's position is dynamically adjusted based on driving conditions. When extended down (first operative position), it maximizes negative lift for high-speed stability. When retracted or angled up (second operative position), it minimizes aerodynamic drag. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either force or energy loss depending on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The angle of the air-guiding element relative to the underbody is changed as a key parameter. By varying this angle between the first operative position (parallel, maximizing lift) and the second operative position (angled, minimizing drag), the system can adjust the balance between negative lift forces and aerodynamic drag to match different driving states
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 configuration allows for improved driving dynamics during high-speed travel and reduced fuel consumption by optimizing aerodynamic properties, achieving higher negative lift forces and lower aerodynamic drag through adjustable air-guiding elements.
Implementation Method 1
This combination of the rear diffuser and the air-guiding element enables higher negative lift forces than can be realized by using a diffuser or air-guiding element by itself
Implementation Method 2
The air-guiding element additionally deflects the airflow up. Thus, the combination of the rear diffuser and the air-guiding element enables steeper and shorter diffusers to be used without the flow separating
Data Source
AI summary
A rear region of a motor vehicle has an underbody with at least one air-guiding element that is adjustable from a rest position into various operative positions. One operative position increases negative lift and another operative position reduces aerodynamic drag. The air-guiding element is adjustable into the individual operative positions via a central, transversely arranged pivot axis.