Configurable Rear Underbody Diffuser for Adjustable Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
High performance automobiles face challenges in generating optimal downforce while minimizing drag, as existing underbody diffuser systems are complex, costly, and require dynamic adjustments that increase the vehicle's cross-sectional area, disrupting airflow and increasing drag.
Innovation Solution
A configurable rear underbody aerodynamic diffuser with vertically extending panel strakes and extensions that can be easily coupled and decoupled, using pre-impregnated fiber composite materials for the strakes and lower-cost materials for extensions, allowing for adjustable width configurations suitable for street and track driving without complex systems, thereby maintaining smooth airflow and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic systems are used to raise and lower underbody panels to match driving conditions, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into separate, removable vertical panel extensions that can be independently attached or detached from the main diffuser body. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be quickly reconfigured for different driving conditions without complex dynamic systems - simply attach extensions for track use or remove them for street use.
2Force
If underbody panels are lowered to increase downforce, then downforce generation is improved, but drag increases due to increased cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser configuration is made dynamically adjustable through simple removable extensions rather than complex mechanical systems. The extensions can be quickly added or removed to optimize the diffuser's vertical extent for specific driving conditions, allowing optimal balance between downforce and drag without permanent structural changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If vertical strakes are positioned closer to the road surface, then turbulent interaction between channels is reduced, but vulnerability to damage from road imperfections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical panel extensions are designed as inexpensive, easily replaceable components that can be made from lower-cost materials. If damaged from contact with road imperfections, these extensions can be quickly removed and replaced without affecting the main diffuser structure or incurring significant cost, ensuring continuous operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complicated dynamic systems are implemented to adjust underbody panels, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser system is segmented into simple, independent components that can be manufactured separately using straightforward processes. The removable extensions are designed as discrete parts that attach to the main diffuser through simple coupling mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing and assembly processes required by dynamic adjustment systems.
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 provides adjustable downforce generation suitable for both street and track environments without increasing drag, allowing for quick and cost-effective replacement of damaged components, ensuring optimal airflow and stability without the need for complex dynamic systems.
Implementation Method 1
Underbody diffusers are useful in generating such aerodynamic downforce. Such vehicle underbody diffusers use vertical strakes to create airflow channels. Smooth airflow through the channels speeds up as the area increases toward the rear of the vehicle generating downforce on the rear wheels
Implementation Method 2
Vertical strakes that are positioned closer to the road surface are better at limiting turbulent interaction between the channels. Limiting cross channel turbulent airflow is desirable because such cross channel turbulent airflow disrupts the smooth airflow in the channels, which slows airflow speed reducing the resulting downforce
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple vertical panel strakes extend from a rear underbody of the automobile in a street configuration. Multiple vertical panel extensions include extension coupling elements designed to removably couple the vertical panel extensions to the plurality of vertical strakes in a track configuration. When the rear underbody aerodynamic diffuser is in the street configuration, the plurality of vertical panel extensions are uncoupled from the plurality of vertical panel strakes and the vertical panel strakes have an overall width that extends a vertical street distance. When the rear underbody aerodynamic diffuser is in the track configuration, the plurality of vertical panel extensions are removably coupled to the plurality of vertical panel strakes and the combined vertical panel strakes and vertical panel extensions have an overall width that extends a vertical track distance that is greater than the vertical street distance.