Deformable Spoiler Wing Element for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance motor vehicles with spoilers face increased drag and fuel consumption due to the need for complex mechanisms to extend and retract moveable spoilers, which are activated only above a specified speed, and separation edges do not provide the same aerodynamic benefits as wing spoilers.
Innovation Solution
A spoiler with a wing element that remains substantially planar below a specified speed and features aerodynamic profiling only when needed, achieved through a deformable, inflatable element on the lower side, allowing for adjustable aerodynamic profiling based on speed, eliminating the need for complex extension and retraction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the lower side of the wing element has aerodynamic profiling (curvature) to increase downward force, then the ground adhesion and handling performance improve, but the end surface area increases causing increased drag and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The lower side of the wing element is made dynamically deformable through an inflatable bag structure that can change its curvature state based on vehicle speed. Below a specified limit speed, the lower side remains substantially planar to minimize drag. Above the limit speed, the lower side develops aerodynamic profiling to generate downforce, thus dynamically adapting the wing geometry to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature parameter of the lower side is changed based on vehicle speed. By controlling the inflation state of the bag-like structure, the degree of curvature is adjusted: minimal curvature at low speeds to reduce drag, and increased curvature at high speeds to maximize downforce generation.
2Loss of energy
If a moveable spoiler with extension and retraction mechanism is used to deploy aerodynamic effect only above limit speed, then fuel consumption at low speeds is reduced, but the mechanism complexity and device structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical extension and retraction mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead, only the lower side of the wing element is made deformable through the inflatable bag structure, while the upper side and overall wing structure remain fixed and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical deformation mechanism is replaced with a pneumatic system. An inflatable bag-like structure made of elastomer or rubber is filled with compressed air to deform the lower side of the wing element, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators, guides, and control mechanisms required for moveable spoilers.
3Force
If the lower side of the wing element is made deformable to provide aerodynamic profiling only when needed, then the aerodynamic effect at high speeds is optimized, but the structural complexity of the deformable mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bag-like structure made of elastomer or rubber is used to deform the lower side of the wing element. This flexible membrane approach is structurally simple compared to rigid mechanical deformation mechanisms, as it requires only inflation/deflation capability without complex linkages or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable mechanism is implemented using a pneumatic inflation system. The bag-like structure is filled with compressed air through simple inflation/deflation processes, avoiding complex mechanical deformation mechanisms while achieving the required aerodynamic profiling.
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 design reduces fuel consumption at low speeds and provides optimal downforce at high speeds without the complexity of moveable mechanisms, offering a structurally efficient and effective solution for aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic profiling is provided to the lower side of the wing element of the spoiler when the vehicle is operating above the limit speed
Implementation Method 2
achieved through a deformable, inflatable element on the lower side
Data Source
AI summary
A wing element (W) on the spoiler (S) of a motor vehicle is characterized in that the lower side (U′, U″) of the wing element is provided in a manner to substantially planar below a limit speed and therefore has a small end surface in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and an aerodynamic profiling of the lower side, and therefore an increased end surface, is provided above said limit speed.