Central Aerodynamic Channel Layout for Low-Drag Vehicle Powertrains
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road vehicle powertrain configurations limit aerodynamic design, restricting air flow management, consumption optimization, and aesthetic qualities due to the central placement of motors/engines, which occupy a significant longitudinal area.
Innovation Solution
A road vehicle design featuring a central aerodynamic channel with the powertrain system positioned transversely alongside the channel, utilizing electric actuators and motors arranged near the vehicle's bottom, allowing air flow and cooling, and maintaining a low center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the powertrain system is arranged centrally along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, then the center of gravity is lowered and motion transmission is simplified, but the aerodynamic design is limited and air flow management is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain system is segmented into modular electric actuators distributed at the corners of the vehicle rather than centrally located. This segmentation allows the central longitudinal space to be freed for aerodynamic channels while maintaining the powertrain's functional distribution, resolving the contradiction between centralized weight placement and aerodynamic design freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain components are repositioned from a longitudinal central arrangement to a transverse corner distribution. This dimensional change in component layout allows the central area to be dedicated to aerodynamic channels while corner placement maintains effective weight distribution and power transmission to wheels
2Ease of operation
If the powertrain system occupies the central longitudinal area of the vehicle, then motion transmission is simplified, but the front impact area increases and aerodynamic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain is divided into separate electric actuator modules positioned at vehicle corners rather than a centralized motor. This segmentation reduces the continuous central occupancy, allowing aerodynamic channels to flow through the center while each corner module maintains direct connection to wheel drive functions
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain components are extracted from the central longitudinal space and relocated to transverse corner positions. This extraction clears the central path for aerodynamic channels, reducing front impact area while corner placement preserves motion transmission capability to the wheels
3Stability of the object's composition
If the powertrain system is positioned centrally, then weight distribution is optimized, but design freedom and aesthetic qualities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized powertrain is segmented into distributed electric actuator modules at the corners. This segmentation maintains weight distribution stability through corner placement while freeing the central area for aerodynamic and aesthetic design variations
Solution Approach 2:
The corner-positioned electric actuators serve multiple functions: weight distribution, power transmission to wheels, and aerodynamic flow management. This multi-functionality replaces the single centralized powertrain, providing both stability and design freedom
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
Improves aerodynamic efficiency, reduces front impact area, enhances performance through downforce, and maintains a low center of gravity without increasing unsprung masses, while allowing for simpler manufacturing and design freedom.
Implementation Method 1
a central aerodynamic channel (17) arranged at least partially under the passenger compartment (3) along a central longitudinal axis (A) of the road vehicle (1)
Implementation Method 2
The motors/engines are usually arranged, because of their weight, as centrally as possible and as close as possible to the vehicle floorboard, so as to lower the centre of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Road vehicle comprising: four wheels, at least a pair of them being drive wheels; a passenger compartment configured to accommodate at least a driver; a vehicle body comprising a front portion and a rear portion relative to the passenger compartment along a travel direction; a powertrain system; a central aerodynamic channel at least partially arranged under the passenger compartment along a central longitudinal axis of the road vehicle; wherein the central aerodynamic channel seamlessly extends from a first aperture arranged in the area of the front portion to a second aperture arranged in the area of the rear portion of the vehicle body; wherein the powertrain system is at least partially arranged laterally to the central aerodynamic channel.