Autonomous Vehicle Cabin Airfoil Layout for Lower Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles do not require a driver, allowing for the removal of equipment and fixtures from the cabin, which can be optimized to reduce size and weight, improving aerodynamics and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The cabin of an autonomous vehicle is redesigned by removing components such as the windshield, steering wheel, and driver seat, and incorporating an airfoil extending between the cabin top and bottom to enhance aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cabin is designed to accommodate driver equipment and fixtures, then the vehicle can be operated manually, but the cabin size and weight increase, reducing vehicle efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the driver's seat, steering wheel, and other manual operation equipment from the cabin, extracting only the essential components needed for autonomous operation while eliminating unnecessary weight
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin design parameters are changed to optimize for autonomous operation, including reducing cabin volume by approximately 50% and reconfiguring the internal layout to accommodate sensor arrays and autonomous control systems instead of driver equipment
2Productivity
If the cabin size is reduced for autonomous operation, then vehicle efficiency improves, but the aerodynamic properties may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies aerodynamic shaping to the reduced cabin structure, using curved surfaces and streamlined contours to minimize air resistance and turbulence, ensuring that the compact autonomous cabin maintains optimal aerodynamic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin's geometric parameters are optimized for aerodynamics, including surface curvature, angle of attack, and cross-sectional area distribution, to reduce drag coefficients while maintaining the reduced size necessary for autonomous operation
3Volume of stationary object
If driver equipment and fixtures are removed from the cabin, then cabin volume is reduced, but the cabin structure requires redesign to maintain structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The cabin structure is segmented into functional modules, with the front portion containing sensor arrays and the rear portion providing structural support, allowing the cabin to maintain integrity while accommodating the reduced configuration for autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses sensor systems, and maintains aerodynamic properties, with the front portion serving both as a structural element and a sensor platform
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 design reduces cabin volume by at least 50%, improves aerodynamic properties, and lowers operating costs by reducing fuel consumption and enhancing vehicle efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The airfoil has a substantially rigid front surface and an aerodynamic shape
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The autonomous vehicle includes a plurality of wheels for supporting the autonomous vehicle and a cabin. The cabin is supported by a vehicle frame. The plurality of wheels is attached to connected to the vehicle frame. The cabin has a cabin bottom, a cabin top and a front portion that extends between the cabin bottom and the cabin top. The front portion includes an airfoil that has a substantially rigid front surface and an aerodynamic shape.