Aerodynamic Underbody Structure for Lower Rear Engine Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high distance between the driving engine and the lower floor in cars results in a relatively high center of gravity, compromising the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of the aerodynamic bottom with a fixed and movable portion in the rear area, connected via an elastic shock absorber, allows the driving engine and center of gravity to be lowered, enhancing aerodynamics by allowing air to flow along the floor and preventing air penetration between the edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the driving engine is fixed at a given distance from the lower floor to allow movement during normal operation, then the engine can move relative to the lower floor, but the center of gravity becomes relatively high, compromising aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic bottom is divided into a fixed front bottom and a movable rear bottom that can assume different positions (first and second positions). This segmentation allows the rear bottom to move with the engine during operation while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency, resolving the contradiction between engine movement capability and aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The rear bottom is designed as a dynamic element that can change position between first and second positions based on engine movement. This dynamic configuration enables the bottom to adapt to engine displacement while preserving aerodynamic characteristics, eliminating the need for a fixed high-distance mounting
2Ease of operation
If the driving engine is mounted in a central rear area at a distance from the lower floor, then the engine can be properly positioned for operation, but the center of gravity is elevated, affecting vehicle stability and aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The movable rear bottom acts as an intermediary element between the engine and the lower floor. It provides a moving reference surface that allows the engine to be mounted at an optimal operational height while the bottom itself moves to compensate, thereby maintaining a lower center of gravity and improving vehicle stability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces movement in the vertical dimension through the movable rear bottom that can shift between first and second positions. This dimensional change allows the engine to operate at an elevated position for ease of operation while the bottom's vertical movement compensates to maintain favorable center of gravity characteristics
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 configuration effectively reduces the center of gravity and improves the aerodynamics of the car by ensuring a smooth airflow, addressing the drawbacks of high center of gravity and aerodynamic inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
The driving engine is fixed to the support frame through the interposition of an elastic shock absorber device, which allows the driving engine to move relative to the lower floor during the normal operation of the car
Data Source
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AI summary
A car is provided with a support frame (2) defining part of a lower floor (3) of the car, with a passenger compartment (4) projecting upwards from the lower floor (3), with a driving engine (12) to move the car, and with an aerodynamic bottom (5), which is at least partly fixed to the support frame (2), defines part of the lower floor (3) and has a fixed portion (16) locked on the support frame (2) and a movable portion (18; 22) locked on the driving engine (12) and movable relative to the fixed portion (16).