Deployable Aerodynamic Element With Elastic Sheet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive aerodynamic elements lack the ability to dynamically adjust their surface area in response to varying vehicle operating conditions and environmental factors, such as speed and temperature, which limits their effectiveness in optimizing aerodynamics across different scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A deployable aerodynamic element utilizing an elastic sheeting system that expands and contracts with a movable frame, allowing the element to transition between a stowed and deployed position, thereby increasing its surface area and enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed aerodynamic element is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the surface area cannot be adjusted to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic element employs a movable frame that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the element to dynamically adjust its surface area. The frame includes movable components that enable deployment and stowing operations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operating conditions such as vehicle speed and aerodynamic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple segments including a first portion, second portion, and third portion that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent movement of different frame sections, enabling the aerodynamic element to change its configuration and surface area by adjusting the relative positions of these segmented components.
2Area of moving object
If the aerodynamic element is extended to increase surface area, then aerodynamic performance improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame portions are configured to nest within each other when the aerodynamic element is in the stowed position. The first portion, second portion, and third portion can be arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes the space occupied and simplifies the overall structure when full surface area is not required, while still allowing extension to increased surface area when needed.
3Area of moving object
If elastic sheeting is used to cover the frame, then the aerodynamic surface is achieved, but visibility of vehicle features may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sheeting material is applied selectively to specific portions of the frame rather than covering the entire structure uniformly. This allows the aerodynamic surface to be formed where needed while leaving other areas, such as regions near brake lights, uncovered to maintain visibility and communication of vehicle status to surrounding traffic.
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 elastic sheeting system enables adaptive aerodynamics by increasing the surface area of the aerodynamic element, improving drag reduction and downforce, while maintaining visibility of essential vehicle features like brake lights, and can be automatically or manually controlled based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more portions of the elastic sheeting may be attached to the body of the vehicle and other portion(s) of the elastic sheeting may be attached to the movable frame. As the frame is moved away from the body of the vehicle, the sheeting may expand to provide the aerodynamic element with a larger surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable aerodynamic element for a vehicle includes a frame forming at least a portion of a periphery of the aerodynamic element and elastic sheeting configured to extend between the frame and a body of the vehicle. The frame is movable with respect to the body of the vehicle such that the aerodynamic element is deployable between a stowed position in which the elastic sheeting of the aerodynamic element has a first surface area and a deployed position in which the elastic sheeting of the aerodynamic element has a second surface area that is greater than the first surface area.