Adjustable Airfoil System with Shaft End Support for Dynamic Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airfoil mountings for vehicles require significant bulk or complexity to provide necessary rigidity, making them difficult to repair and replace, and lack dynamic adjustability to optimize downforce based on maneuvering conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual airfoil system with dynamically adjustable airfoils, supported by a shaft end support that allows independent rotation of each airfoil, enabled by associated rotation mechanisms and an airfoil system control module, which can autonomously or manually adjust the airfoil angles to optimize downforce on both sides of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid airfoil mountings are used to provide structural support, then the airfoil can maintain desired angle and rigidity, but the mounting structure requires significant bulk and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a shaft end support structure that provides rotational support, airfoil shafts that transmit rotational motion, and mounting brackets that attach to the vehicle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from fixed rigid mountings to a dynamic system where airfoils can rotate about their longitudinal axes. The shaft end support structure enables controlled rotation while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the airfoil angle to be adjusted dynamically based on maneuvering conditions without requiring complex rigid mounting structures.
2Strength
If traditional fixed airfoil mountings are used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but repair and replacement of damaged airfoils becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil assembly is segmented into detachable components including the airfoil itself, the shaft, and the mounting brackets. This allows the airfoil to be easily removed and replaced by detaching it from the shaft and mounting structure, significantly improving ease of repair while the shaft end support maintains structural rigidity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft end support structure serves multiple functions: it provides rotational support for the airfoil shaft, maintains structural rigidity during flight, and enables easy detachment for maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex specialized components, simplifying both the structure and repair processes.
3Device complexity
If fixed angle airfoils are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but dynamic adjustment of downforce based on maneuvering conditions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by enabling the airfoils to rotate about their longitudinal axes through the shaft end support mechanism. This allows the airfoil angle of attack to be changed in response to maneuvering conditions, optimizing downforce dynamically while maintaining relatively simple structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of airfoil angle dynamically. By allowing rotation of the airfoil shafts within the mounting structure, the angle of attack can be adjusted to optimize aerodynamic performance for different maneuvering conditions without fundamentally changing the structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable airfoil system for a vehicle includes a first airfoil shaft, a first airfoil having a first end mounted on the first airfoil shaft, and a first airfoil support structured for mounting to a portion of a vehicle and for rotatably supporting a portion of the first airfoil shaft at a location spaced apart from a first end of the first airfoil shaft. The system also includes a second airfoil shaft, a second airfoil having a first end mounted on the second airfoil shaft, and a second airfoil support structured for mounting to a portion of a vehicle and for rotatably supporting a portion of the second airfoil shaft spaced apart from a first end of the second airfoil shaft. A shaft end support is rigidly coupled to the first airfoil support and the second airfoil support. The shaft end support is structured to rotatably support the first end of the first airfoil shaft and the first end of the second airfoil shaft when the shaft end support is rigidly coupled to the first airfoil support and the second airfoil support.