Bi-directional Spoiler for Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aerodynamic designs for vehicles are optimized for single-direction travel, leading to increased drag when vehicles travel in reverse due to the placement of spoilers, which are not effective when reversed.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional vehicle design featuring two spoilers, one at each end, rotated 180-degrees relative to each other, which promote laminar airflow when leading and airflow detachment when trailing, regardless of travel direction, by incorporating a foil and indentation in the vehicle's body to manage airflow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conventional single-direction spoiler is installed at the rear end of the vehicle, then aerodynamic performance is improved when traveling forward, but drag increases when traveling in reverse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidaerodynamic performance in reverse direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spoiler is divided into two separate segments: a first spoiler at the first longitudinal end and a second spoiler at the second longitudinal end. Each spoiler is optimized for its specific position and orientation, allowing the vehicle to maintain aerodynamic efficiency regardless of travel direction. The segmentation enables each spoiler to function independently based on which end is leading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second spoiler is configured as an inverted or mirror image of the first spoiler, rotated 180 degrees relative to each other. This inversion ensures that when the vehicle reverses direction, the spoiler that was previously at the trailing end becomes the leading spoiler with appropriate geometry, and vice versa, maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance in both directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle body is made longitudinally symmetrical to enable bi-directional travel with equal drag coefficients, then adaptability is improved, but aerodynamic optimization is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-directional travel capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than making the entire vehicle body longitudinally symmetrical, the invention applies local quality by making only the spoiler configuration symmetric. The first and second spoilers are mirror images of each other, positioned at opposite longitudinal ends, while the rest of the vehicle body can maintain its optimized asymmetric shape. This localized symmetry approach preserves overall aerodynamic optimization while enabling bi-directional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If a spoiler is positioned at the trailing end to promote airflow detachment and reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved in forward direction, but the spoiler becomes ineffective or harmful when the vehicle travels in reverse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrag reductionVSAvoidaerodynamic effectiveness in reverse

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-spoiler configuration creates a universal aerodynamic system that performs the same drag-reducing function regardless of travel direction. When traveling forward, the first spoiler acts as the leading spoiler and the second as the trailing spoiler; when traveling in reverse, their roles swap. This multi-functionality ensures reliable aerodynamic performance in both forward and reverse directions without sacrificing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces drag coefficients consistently in both forward and reverse directions, enhancing maneuverability and aerodynamic performance in all directions.

Implementation Method 1

the first spoiler may promote laminar, attached airflow proximate the leading end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 2

the second spoiler may promote detachment of airflow at the trailing end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow detachment: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10472004B1Bi-directional spoiler

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 ZOOX INC

AI summary

A spoiler for a bi-directional vehicle may decrease the drag coefficient for the vehicle regardless of a direction of travel of the vehicle. When the vehicle spoiler is located proximate a leading end of a vehicle, the spoiler may promote laminar attached airflow. In contrast, when the vehicle spoiler is located proximate a trailing end of the vehicle, the spoiler may promote detachment of airflow from the vehicle body.