Adjustable Vehicle Splitter for Dynamic Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic splitter systems for vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust downforce generation in response to changing vehicle conditions such as yaw rate, wheel speed, and airflow velocity, which limits their effectiveness in enhancing traction and cornering performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable splitter system with a mechanism that allows the second splitter portion to rotate and shift relative to the first splitter portion, controlled by an electronic controller using sensors for wheel speed, yaw rate, and airflow velocity, to vary the angle and position of the splitter axis, thereby adjusting the aerodynamic downforce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed splitter system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the aerodynamic downforce cannot be adjusted in response to changing vehicle conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The second splitter portion is made movable relative to the first splitter portion through a mechanism that allows rotation and shifting, enabling real-time adjustment of the splitter axis angle and position to optimize aerodynamic downforce under varying vehicle conditions such as speed, yaw rate, and airflow velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter is divided into multiple independent portions - a first splitter portion that is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body and a second splitter portion that is movable relative to the first. This segmentation allows the second portion to be independently controlled and adjusted while the first portion remains stationary, providing adaptability without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second splitter portion is made movable to adjust downforce, then adaptability improves, but the mechanism complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect vehicle conditions including wheel speed, yaw rate, and airflow velocity, and communicate this information to an electronic controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically regulate the mechanism and adjust the second splitter portion's position and angle, enabling adaptive control without requiring manual intervention and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators. The electronic controller receives input from sensors detecting vehicle conditions and automatically actuates the mechanism to adjust the splitter, replacing complex mechanical linkages with electronically controlled actuation for easier and more precise operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and electronic control are added, then the system can dynamically adjust to vehicle conditions, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller and sensor system are integrated with existing vehicle systems, utilizing the vehicle's existing electronic architecture, power supply, and communication networks. The sensors detect multiple parameters (wheel speed, yaw rate, airflow velocity) that are already monitored by vehicle control systems, allowing the splitter adjustment function to leverage existing multi-functional systems rather than requiring completely separate dedicated systems.
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 effectively adjusts aerodynamic downforce in real-time to improve vehicle traction and cornering stability by optimizing airflow management during motion, enhancing the vehicle's handling and stability at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the airstream is brought to stagnation at the front of the vehicle above the splitter by an air dam, causing an area of high pressure. Below the splitter, the airstream is redirected away from the stagnation zone and is accelerated, causing the pressure to drop. Thus reduced, the pressure below the splitter combined with the high pressure above the splitter, creates downforce at the front end of the vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
A splitter system for a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion includes first and second splitter portions. The first splitter portion is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The second splitter portion is mounted to the first splitter portion. The first and second splitter portions together are configured to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system also includes a mechanism arranged between the first and second splitter portions. The mechanism is configured to vary position of the second splitter portion relative to the first splitter portion to thereby control movement of the oncoming ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body and vary a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce.