Adjustable Vehicle Splitter Winglets for Dynamic Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic splitters lack the ability to dynamically adjust downforce generation in response to changing vehicle conditions such as cornering, speed, and airflow, which limits their effectiveness in optimizing vehicle traction and stability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable splitter system with winglets that can be selectively shifted transverse to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, controlled by an electronic controller using sensors for yaw rate, wheel speed, airflow velocity, and steering angle, to vary aerodynamic downforce and improve handling and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the splitter area is increased to generate more downforce, then the aerodynamic downforce is improved, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter incorporates movable winglets that can dynamically adjust their position transverse to the longitudinal body axis based on vehicle operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the splitter to optimize the balance between downforce generation and drag reduction, rather than being fixed at a single configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the splitter by shifting the winglets to different positions. This alters the effective splitter area and shape, enabling optimization of the downforce-drag tradeoff for different driving conditions such as cornering, straight-line speed, or varying airflow velocities.
2Reliability
If the splitter area is increased to generate more downforce, then the vehicle traction and cornering abilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter is divided into multiple independent winglet sections that can move individually or in coordinated groups. This segmentation allows complex aerodynamic functions to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex moving structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect vehicle operating conditions (yaw rate, wheel speed, airflow velocity, steering angle) and feeds this information to a controller that automatically adjusts the winglet positions. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies the control complexity by using automated responses to sensor inputs rather than requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the winglets are shifted transverse to adjust downforce dynamically, then the adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable splitter system serves multiple functions: it generates downforce during cornering, reduces drag during straight-line travel, and adapts to various airflow conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single adjustment mechanism that modifies the splitter geometry for different operating modes, reducing the need for multiple specialized mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical linkages with modern actuation methods such as electric motors or pneumatic/hydraulic actuators controlled by an electronic control unit. This substitution simplifies the mechanical complexity while enabling precise, programmable adjustment of the winglet positions based on sensor feedback.
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 enhances vehicle traction and stability by dynamically adjusting downforce, improving cornering abilities and reducing aerodynamic drag, thereby optimizing vehicle performance across different driving conditions.
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.
Implementation Method 2
the first and second winglets are configured to control movement of the ambient airflow relative to the splitter body
Data Source
AI summary
A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter-body side and a second splitter-body side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system has a first winglet operatively connected to a first splitter-body side and a second winglet operatively connected to a second splitter-body side, wherein the first and second winglets are configured to control movement of the ambient airflow relative to the splitter body. A mechanism is configured to selectively shift each of the winglets in a direction transverse to the longitudinal body axis, to thereby adjust the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.