Aerodynamic Appendage With Movable Mirror for Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic appendages for motorbikes either compromise aerodynamic downforce or do not provide a functional rearview mirror, failing to meet the needs of both racing and road use.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic appendage with a movable part that can rotate between open and closed positions, serving as a rearview mirror when needed and maintaining downforce generation, connected to the motorbike via a hinge and spherical joint for adjustable orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable part is added to provide rearview mirror functionality, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aerodynamic appendage and rearview mirror into a single integrated structure. The movable part serves dual purposes: it functions as both an aerodynamic element and a rearview mirror, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity despite adding versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as an aerodynamic appendage for downforce generation and as a rearview mirror for visibility, allowing a single component to fulfill roles that would traditionally require separate elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable part is positioned to provide reflecting surface, then rearview mirror functionality is improved, but aerodynamic downforce is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable part that can dynamically adjust its position between a first position for aerodynamic downforce generation and a second position for rearview mirror functionality. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize for one function at a time while maintaining both capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic appendage is divided into a fixed part and a movable part. The movable part can be positioned independently to serve either aerodynamic or mirror functions, allowing the system to segment the functions spatially and temporally to avoid conflict between downforce generation and visibility.
3Ease of operation
If the movable part is connected via hinge and spherical joint, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of hinge and spherical joint connections enables the movable part to be dynamically positioned and oriented according to operational needs. These dynamic connections provide ease of operation by allowing smooth adjustment between different positions and orientations while maintaining structural integrity.
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 appendage effectively generates downforce while providing a rearview mirror functionality without significant loss of aerodynamic performance, enhancing safety and performance in both racing and road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Said movable part has a cross-section shaped as an aerodynamic profile capable of generating a downforce when it is placed in the second position
Implementation Method 2
a movable part provided with a reflecting surface, wherein the movable part is connected to the fixed part by means of a suitable joint such that it can rotate to have a first position in which the reflecting surface is used
Data Source
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AI summary
Aerodynamic appendage (1) comprising: a mounting base (61); a fixed part (2) with an upper surface (2U), a lower surface (2L), a leading edge (2F) and a trailing edge (2R); and a movable part (3) provided with a reflecting front surface (31); the movable part (3) is hinged to the fixed part (2) on one of its leading or trailing edges, so that it can rotate around a corresponding hinge axis (A32), such that the movable part (3) can assume a closed position in which its rear surface (310) opposite the reflecting surface (31) is close to the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2) and an open position in which its rear surface (310) is spaced from the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2) and the front reflecting surface (31) is visible; the mounting base (61) comprises a joint (6) which allows the aerodynamic appendage (1) to be oriented according to a variety of use positions.