Adjustable Wind Deflector for Vehicle Stability and Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile designs face challenges in improving driving behavior, particularly at higher speeds, due to limitations in aerodynamic efficiency and stability, which are not adequately addressed by current adjustable body elements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of adjustable wind conducting elements, such as wheel wind elements and fins, that can be aligned or extended to enhance track stability and reduce air resistance, specifically by being adjustable based on steering angle and speed, and can be mechanically or electronically controlled to optimize airflow around wheels and the vehicle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adjustable body elements like rear spoilers are used to improve handling, then roadholding is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the body elements adjustable based on driving conditions. The control unit activates specific body elements depending on vehicle speed, steering angle, and driving mode to optimize the balance between roadholding and aerodynamic drag. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide stability when needed while minimizing drag during normal driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by selectively activating different body elements based on operating conditions. The control unit monitors vehicle speed, steering angle, and driving mode to determine which body elements should be activated, thereby changing the aerodynamic parameters dynamically to resolve the contradiction between roadholding and drag.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wind deflectors are added to improve directional stability, then tracking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing body elements that serve multiple functions. The same body elements can act as wind deflectors for directional stability, aerodynamic modifiers for drag reduction, and stability enhancers for roadholding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by selectively activating specific body elements based on local driving conditions. Rather than having all body elements constantly active or permanently installed, the control unit activates only the necessary elements in specific locations based on real-time conditions, optimizing directional stability while minimizing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple body elements are activated to optimize aerodynamics, then handling is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of body elements required to achieve the desired handling characteristics under current driving conditions. The control unit evaluates the situation and activates the minimum necessary elements rather than all available elements, thereby optimizing handling while minimizing energy consumption from the actuators.
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 significantly improves driving stability and aerodynamics at higher speeds by reducing turbulence and promoting a laminar airflow, enhancing directional stability and reducing air resistance, while also allowing for a long-tail effect that improves handling and safety.
Implementation Method 1
achieves the most laminar flow around a wheel possible
Implementation Method 2
reduces unwanted turbulence behind the wheel and below the underbody
Implementation Method 3
increase the force of contact with the ground at the rear
Implementation Method 4
influence the negative pressure prevailing on the underside of the vehicle in such a way that the rear lift on the vehicle is also reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an automobile (10) with a body and at least one adjustable body element. According to the invention, at least one body element is designed as a wind deflector (20) to increase driving stability and is adjustable between a retracted position and a stabilizing position.