Aerodynamic Panel Actuation via Inflatable Bag Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic devices for motor-vehicles are complex and costly, failing to provide a reliable and efficient solution for reducing drag at high speeds while maintaining the ability to overcome obstacles at low speeds.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic device featuring a bag structure inside a cavity between the panel structure and the upper wall, which inflates above a threshold speed to push the panel towards a lowered position, utilizing an airflow duct and dual bag elements to direct airflow and overcome spring resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex aerodynamic device structure is used to ensure reliability and efficiency at high speeds, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid upper wall fixed to the vehicle body, a movable panel structure, spring means for biasing, and a bag structure for aerodynamic actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a bag structure that inflates with compressed air from the vehicle's pneumatic system to push the panel downward. This pneumatic actuation replaces complex mechanical linkages or electronic actuators, simplifying the device structure while ensuring reliable operation at high speeds where aerodynamic forces are sufficient to inflate the bag.
2Loss of energy
If the panel structure is lowered to reduce drag at high speeds, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the ability to overcome road obstacles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable between raised and lowered positions based on vehicle speed. At low speeds, springs maintain the panel in a raised position for obstacle clearance. At high speeds, aerodynamic pressure inflates the bag structure, pushing the panel downward to reduce drag. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and obstacle overcoming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the position parameter of the panel structure based on vehicle speed conditions. The spring force and aerodynamic pressure on the bag structure are adjusted according to speed, with the bag inflating at high speeds to lower the panel and deflating at low speeds to raise the panel, thereby adapting to different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring means are used to maintain the panel in a raised position, then obstacle overcoming capability is improved, but the aerodynamic effect at high speeds is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses aerodynamic pressure as feedback to control panel position. At high speeds, the increased dynamic pressure on the bag structure triggers inflation, which overcomes the spring force and lowers the panel to reduce drag. This feedback mechanism ensures the panel automatically transitions to the optimal position based on real-time aerodynamic conditions, balancing obstacle capability with drag reduction.
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 device achieves improved aerodynamic performance, simplicity, low cost, and reliability by efficiently deploying airflow to lower the panel structure at high speeds and returning it to a raised position at low speeds, ensuring integrity across various travel conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a bag structure arranged inside said cavity between said panel structure and said upper wall for receiving in its interior a portion of said airflow, in such a way that above said predetermined threshold value of the motor-vehicle speed, said bag structure is inflated and pushes said panel structure towards its lowered position
Data Source
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AI summary
Aerodynamic device (1) for a motor-vehicle comprising a panel structure (2) located under the front part of the motor-vehicle and elastically biassed towards a raised position and adapted to be moved towards a lowered position due to an airflow which invests the motor-vehicle during travel. The aerodynamic device (1) comprises a bag structure (5) provided inside of a cavity (C) for receiving in its interior the airflow which invests the motor-vehicle during travel, in such a way that above a predetermined threshold value of the motor-vehicle speed, the bag structure is inflated and pushes the panel structure (2) towards its lowered position.