Elastically Deformable Air Guiding Element for Laminar Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air guiding devices for motor vehicles do not effectively ensure laminar flow guidance, which limits the aerodynamic efficiency of downstream components like diffusers.
Innovation Solution
An air guiding device featuring an elastically deformable sheet-like element, actuated by pneumatic tension bands, that changes shape to achieve laminar flow guidance in the extended operating position, enhancing the aerodynamic performance of downstream components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid air guiding device is used, then the structure is dimensionally stable, but it cannot adapt to different operating conditions and achieve optimal laminar flow guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using an elastically deformable sheet-like element instead of a rigid structure. This element can change its shape and curvature in response to pneumatic actuation, allowing the air guiding device to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining dimensional stability through controlled deformation. The elastic material enables the device to transition between different aerodynamic configurations dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the air guiding element from rigid to elastically deformable. This allows the curvature and shape parameters of the element to be adjusted dynamically through pneumatic pressure changes, enabling optimal laminar flow guidance under varying operating conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If an elastically deformable sheet-like element is used, then adaptability and laminar flow guidance are improved, but dimensional stability and geometric reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through the elastic properties of the sheet-like element, which naturally resists deformation and tends to return to its original shape. This elastic feedback mechanism provides inherent dimensional stability while still allowing controlled deformation for laminar flow guidance. The elastic tension acts as a restoring force that maintains geometric reliability during and after actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements the flexible shells and thin films principle by using an elastically deformable sheet-like element as the core air guiding structure. This flexible element can be actuated to achieve the desired curvature for laminar flow guidance while its elastic properties ensure it returns to a stable configuration, maintaining dimensional stability despite its deformability.
3Reliability
If a spoiler lip is used for air guiding, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot provide effective laminar flow guidance downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid spoiler lip with an elastically deformable sheet-like element that can be actuated to create the precise curvature needed for laminar flow guidance. This flexible element maintains the structural simplicity and reliability of a spoiler while adding the capability to optimize airflow downstream through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static spoiler lip into a dynamic air guiding element that can change its shape and curvature in response to actuation signals. This dynamic capability allows the element to provide effective laminar flow guidance downstream by adapting its geometry to optimize airflow, while maintaining the structural reliability of a simple spoiler configuration.
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 ensures reliable and dimensionally secure laminar flow guidance, improving the effectiveness of aerodynamically acting geometrical features such as diffusers by maintaining a specific curvature for optimal airflow.
Implementation Method 1
an air guiding element (13) which, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, is formed by a spoiler lip (14) and an elastically deformable sheet-like element (15)
Implementation Method 2
An air guiding device featuring an elastically deformable sheet-like element, actuated by pneumatic tension bands
Implementation Method 3
the sheet-like element serves for laminar flow guidance or the outer contour thereof ensures laminar flow guidance
Data Source
AI summary
Air guiding device (12) of a motor vehicle has an air guiding element (13) extending in the region of a forward structure part (11) of the motor vehicle completely or partially over the width thereof. An actuating element (16) can displace the air guiding element (13) between an extended operating position in which the air guiding element (13) has an aerodynamic air guiding effect, and a retracted inoperative position in which the air guiding element (13) has substantially no aerodynamic air guiding effect. The air guiding element (13) is formed at least in certain portions from an elastically deformable sheet-like element (15) whose outer contour can be brought into shape in such a way that the sheet-like element (15) ensures laminar flow guidance.