Aerodynamic Duct for Vehicle Side Air Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traction-type motor vehicles face challenges in integrating an adequate aerodynamic side air outlet due to limited space between the wheel arch and front door, which is not compatible with mass production and aesthetic design.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle design featuring a movable opening with an aerodynamic device comprising a duct system that channels air from an inlet to an outlet, utilizing an aerodynamic deflector with an oval cross-section air duct, sealed by elastomeric materials, and fixed by lugs or clips, providing both aerodynamic and aesthetic enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a side air outlet is integrated on the front fender of traction-type vehicles, then air evacuation function is achieved, but the limited space between wheel arch and front door prevents adequate design and style treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device is segmented into multiple components: a fixed part integrated into the bodywork and a movable part attached to the opening (sash/door). This segmentation allows the fixed part to provide structural support and aerodynamic function while the movable part can be optimized for aesthetic design and style treatment, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing integration and design quality in limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the air outlet in the upper part of the opening rather than horizontally along the fender. This dimensional change allows effective air evacuation while freeing up horizontal space for better aesthetic design and style treatment of the limited area between wheel arch and front door.
2Productivity
If the air outlet is positioned in the upper part of the opening, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the space between wheel arch and front door is further constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the aerodynamic device into fixed and movable parts, the upper outlet position can be optimized for air evacuation efficiency while the movable part compensates for the reduced horizontal space by providing additional aerodynamic function and maintaining aesthetic appearance in the constrained area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed part is designed with specific aerodynamic properties optimized for air evacuation through the upper outlet, while the movable part has different local qualities optimized for the constrained space and aesthetic requirements. This local differentiation allows high productivity in air evacuation while adapting to limited available space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable opening with aerodynamic deflector is used, then both aerodynamic function and aesthetic function are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the aerodynamic deflector function with the movable opening (sash/door) itself, rather than adding a separate complex device. The opening serves dual purposes: as a structural/aerodynamic element and as a stylistic/aesthetic element, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable opening is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing aerodynamic flow control, enabling style treatment, and allowing adaptability between closed and open positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing versatility.
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
Effectively evacuates air from the wheel arch and engine compartment while enhancing the vehicle's style and dynamic character, suitable for mass production and conventional vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an aerodynamic device comprising at least one duct channeling a flow of air between an air inlet secured to the structure and an air outlet secured to the opening
Implementation Method 2
the aerodynamic deflector comprises upper and lower parts extending respectively above and below the air outlet over an area representing at least 50% of the height of the box
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising a structure (2) and at least one opening leaf (3) that is able to move with respect to the structure (2), between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that the vehicle (1) comprises an aerodynamic device comprising at least one duct (41) that channels a flow of air between an air inlet (42) conjoint with the structure (2) and an air outlet (43) conjoint with the opening leaf (3), passing through a junction region (5) located at an interface between the structure (2) and the opening leaf (3).