Deformable Surface Control for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively control and manipulate surface drag and resonance in vehicles and objects moving through environmental media, leading to inefficiencies in motion control and energy consumption, particularly in varying environmental conditions and crosswinds.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising deformable surfaces with sensors and actuators that dynamically alter surface geometry to control fluid flow, induce or cancel resonance, and modulate skin friction, using actuators and sensors to generate surface waves and deformations in orthogonal directions to manage drag and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing technologies are used to control surface drag and resonance, then vehicle motion control and energy consumption are managed, but control effectiveness is insufficient particularly in varying environmental conditions and crosswinds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the surface geometry dynamically deformable through actuators that can change the surface shape in real-time. This allows the vehicle surface to adapt its drag characteristics and resonance properties dynamically in response to varying environmental conditions such as crosswinds, thereby simultaneously improving control effectiveness and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by using sensors to detect environmental conditions and actuators to modify surface geometry parameters. This closed-loop parameter adjustment enables the system to optimize control effectiveness across different environmental conditions by continuously adapting surface drag and resonance characteristics
2Reliability
If deformable surfaces with actuators are used to dynamically alter surface geometry, then control over fluid flow and resonance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a integrated system where sensors and actuators work together to perform multiple functions: detecting environmental conditions, controlling fluid flow, managing resonance, and adjusting drag. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a unified control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor environmental conditions and vehicle surface state, then using this information to drive actuators that adjust the surface geometry. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables effective control of fluid flow and resonance while managing system complexity through intelligent coordination of components
3Use of energy by moving object
If surface deformation is used to control drag and turbulence, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using deformable surface structures that can be actuated to change geometry. These flexible surface elements are more manufacturable than rigid complex structures while still providing the necessary deformation capability to control drag and turbulence, thereby improving energy efficiency without excessive manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic surface deformation to reduce drag and improve energy efficiency during vehicle motion. The deformable surface allows the vehicle to optimize its aerodynamic characteristics in real-time, reducing energy consumption while the modular actuator system keeps manufacturing complexity manageable
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 approach reduces aerodynamic drag, enhances control over vehicle motion, and improves energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting surface interactions with the fluid, allowing for better steering and braking capabilities while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
deforming the surface of the body to cancel or induce the resonance of the at least one portion of the body by changing forces on the surface of the body due to the deformation of the surface
Implementation Method 2
receiving data from the at least one sensor associated with at least one of a body, environmental conditions, or a surface of the body
Implementation Method 3
using actuators and sensors to generate surface waves and deformations in orthogonal directions to manage drag and turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is described generally for producing surface deformations on a surface of a body. The system and method relate to a first surface being a surface of the body exposed to the fluid flow and at least one actuator affecting deformation of the first surface. A control system providing control commands to the at least one actuator is provided and a sensor providing environmental characteristic information to the control system is also provided.