Vehicle Airflow Adjusting Apparatus with Plasma Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airflow adjusting technologies around vehicle wheels fail to effectively manage airflow disturbances, leading to increased air resistance, aerodynamic noise, and vibration due to turbulence caused by airflow collisions with wheels.
Innovation Solution
An airflow adjusting apparatus featuring a flap and a plasma actuator that generates airflow obliquely relative to the horizontal plane, positioned underneath the vehicle body and inward from the wheel, to guide and accelerate airflow, reducing turbulence and improving flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a flap is protruded downward from the vehicle body in front of the wheel to suppress relative wind collision, then air resistance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flap structure with the vehicle body as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms. The flap is formed as part of the vehicle body structure, merging the airflow control function with the structural framework to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining the air resistance reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap structure is designed to automatically adjust and adapt to airflow conditions without requiring external control systems. The self-service principle is applied by allowing the flap to naturally respond to relative wind pressures and maintain optimal positioning for airflow suppression, eliminating the need for active control mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active airflow generation devices are used around the vehicle body, then airflow disturbance is reduced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful relative wind that would normally collide with the wheel into a beneficial controlled airflow. By positioning the flap to redirect the relative wind, the system transforms the harmful collision force into a useful airflow control mechanism that reduces turbulence and aerodynamic noise without requiring additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow control function is segmented into distinct regions: the flap structure handles the upper airflow, while the vehicle body geometry manages the lower airflow around the wheel. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function independently, reducing overall energy consumption compared to a unified active airflow generation system.
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 solution effectively reduces air resistance, aerodynamic noise, and vibration by increasing airflow rates and stabilizing airflow around the vehicle, enhancing operational stability across various travel conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow, and provided in an underneath of the vehicle body and vehicle-widthwise inwardly from the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An airflow adjusting apparatus to be provided in a vehicle includes a flap and an airflow generator. The vehicle includes a wheel disposed to be partly protruded downward from a vehicle body of the vehicle. The flap is protruded, in front of the wheel, downward from the vehicle body. The airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow, and provided in an underneath of the vehicle body. The airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow. The airflow moves backward and downward of the vehicle and the airflow moves obliquely relative to a horizontal plane.