Vehicle Cooling Duct with Movable Restriction for Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles face challenges in controlling downforce, which can lead to increased drag, compromised straight-line speed, and aerodynamic instability, particularly during braking and cornering, as existing aerodynamic devices often result in a trade-off between downforce and stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of deployable flaps and adjustable aerodynamic devices, controlled by a dynamic state sensor unit, to actively manage airflow and downforce generation, including the use of movable restrictions and elastic flaps to channel air from high to low pressure regions, allowing for real-time adjustment of downforce based on vehicle speed, braking, and cornering conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If aerodynamic devices such as spoilers are added to increase downforce, then cornering and braking capability is improved, but drag increases and straight line speed is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable aerodynamic devices including deployable flaps and movable restrictions that can change position based on vehicle operating conditions. The flaps can be deployed at different angles and the restrictions can move to control airflow, allowing the system to optimize the balance between downforce and drag in real-time rather than being fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes aerodynamic parameters dynamically by adjusting flap positions, restriction openings, and airflow characteristics based on vehicle speed, braking status, and cornering conditions. This allows optimization of downforce-to-drag ratio across different operating regimes
2Force
If downforce is increased to improve cornering performance, then aerodynamic stability deteriorates due to increased drag and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies aerodynamic devices at specific locations on the vehicle body including front and rear sections, with flaps positioned to affect localized airflow patterns. This distributed approach allows different parts of the vehicle to have different aerodynamic characteristics, improving overall stability while maintaining necessary downforce
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic stability is maintained through dynamic adjustment of flap positions and restriction openings that respond to vehicle motion. The system actively adapts to changing conditions rather than being static, preserving stability across varying speeds and maneuvers
3Speed
If fixed aerodynamic devices are used to generate downforce, then vehicle speed is compromised, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically controllable flaps and movable restrictions that can adjust their position based on sensor inputs detecting vehicle speed, braking, and cornering conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the vehicle to maintain optimal performance across varying driving conditions without being limited by fixed aerodynamic configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic control system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect vehicle dynamic state and feed this information to control the position of flaps and restrictions. This closed-loop control enables real-time adaptation to maintain both speed and downforce according to actual driving conditions
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 solution enables precise control of downforce, maintaining aerodynamic balance, reducing the tendency to dive during braking, and minimizing roll during cornering, thereby enhancing vehicle stability and performance by optimizing airflow and pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a path for air to flow from a region which is at relatively high pressure when the vehicle is in motion to a region underneath the vehicle which is at relatively low pressure when the vehicle is in motion
Implementation Method 2
a resilient elastic restriction arranged to substantially close off the duct, the duct being configured such that motion of the automobile generates a pressure difference across the elastic restriction, the elastic restriction being configured to open when the pressure difference approximately exceeds a predetermined value
Implementation Method 3
a duct providing a path for air to flow from a region which is at relatively high pressure when the vehicle is in motion to a region underneath the vehicle which is at relatively low pressure when the vehicle is in motion
Implementation Method 4
The fast flowing air over the bonnet will create a region of relatively low pressure. The sharp change in curvature of the body of the vehicle towards its rear end will cause the flow to separate from the body in this region, creating a region of low pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile comprising a cooling duct that extends to underneath the automobile to channel cooling air to a component of the automobile when the automobile is in motion is provided. A restriction located within the cooling duct that is moveable from a first position, in which airflow to the component is substantially unimpeded, to a second position in which the airflow to the component is substantially impeded, when the automobile is in motion is further provided. The automobile generates more downforce when the restriction is in the second position versus the first position. A control unit configured to select the position of the restriction to control the downforce generated by the automobile if the temperature of the component is below a predetermined level, and to select the first position for the restriction if the temperature of the component is above the predetermined level, is also provided.