Airflow Inducer Integration for Cooling, Downforce, and Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in simultaneously achieving downward force, cooling, and drag reduction due to the limitations of conventional axial flow cooling fans and filtration/separators, which add weight, require additional components, and degrade performance over time.
Innovation Solution
An air flow inducer system that integrates a compressor, chamber, entrainment nozzle, and exhaust to generate pressurized air flow for cooling and thrust, while tolerating debris and modulating airflow without exposed impellers, using a closed skirt and filter to create downward force and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional axial flow cooling fans are used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but significant pressure drop on inflow side and pressure increase on outflow side cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling fan function with a powered aerodynamic device that generates downforce. The same device that creates downward force on the vehicle also generates high pressure differential and moves large volumes of air for cooling, eliminating the need for separate cooling fans and achieving both cooling and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered aerodynamic device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates downforce for aerodynamic performance, moves large volumes of air for cooling, and creates high pressure differential. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single device capable of both pressure generation and high-volume air flow.
2Reliability
If filtration or separator systems are added to protect the impeller, then the impeller is protected from debris, but added weight and packaging space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtration function from the main airflow path by providing a separate, dedicated filtration system that draws air through a filter before delivering it to the impeller. This separates the debris protection function from the main cooling airflow, protecting the impeller without requiring the main system to carry heavy filtration components in the critical airflow path.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate filtration system acts as an intermediary between the ambient air and the impeller. This intermediary component protects the impeller from debris while allowing the main cooling system to focus on moving large volumes of air, reducing the weight penalty in the critical cooling path.
3Reliability
If filtration or separator systems are added to protect the impeller, then the impeller is protected from debris, but pressure flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow system into separate paths: one path with filtration for impeller protection, and another path for main cooling airflow. This segmentation allows the filtration system to handle only the portion of air needed for impeller protection, minimizing its impact on overall pressure flow while still providing necessary protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is positioned as an intermediary in a separate airflow path, allowing it to protect the impeller without being in the critical high-pressure cooling airflow path. This intermediary positioning minimizes the pressure flow penalty by isolating the filtration function from the main pressure-driven cooling flow.
4Productivity
If additional cooling fans are added to provide cooling, then cooling capacity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling fan function with the powered aerodynamic downforce generation system. By merging these two functions into a single device, the system achieves high cooling air flow volume without adding separate cooling fans, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or improving cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered aerodynamic device is designed to perform multiple functions: generating downforce and providing high-volume cooling airflow. This universality eliminates the need for additional dedicated cooling fans, reducing system complexity while achieving the required cooling performance.
5Productivity
If exposed impeller location is used for air movement, then air flow is generated, but acoustic treatments are required adding mass and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the impeller from the exposed external location and positions it internally within the powered aerodynamic device housing. This extraction eliminates the need for acoustic treatments on exposed impellers, reducing mass and complexity, while the device continues to generate the required air flow volume for cooling through its aerodynamic design.
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 system effectively generates large pressure differentials for cooling and thrust, reduces drag, and maintains performance by blocking outlet restrictions, purging debris, and optimizing airflow without additional fans or filters, enhancing vehicle dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
an air inducer that receives the pressurized air flow and creates a low pressure zone in a chamber
Implementation Method 2
an entrainment nozzle that directs air flow toward heated elements that require cooling
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust that directs air flow exiting the system to provide directional thrust or drag reduction
Data Source
AI summary
An air flow inducer system in a vehicle provides cooling, thrust and drag reduction in the vehicle. It has a source to generate a pressurized air flow. An air inducer receives the pressurized air flow. A chamber is coupled with the air inducer such that the air inducer creates a low pressure in the chamber during flow of the pressurized air. The low pressure chamber is coupled with an underside of a vehicle such that the low pressure creates a downward force on the vehicle. An entrainment nozzle is coupled with the air inducer to direct air flow toward heated elements that require cooling. An exhaust directs air flow exiting the system to provide directional thrust or drag reduction.