Deployable Lateral Diffusers for Vehicle Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle aerodynamic systems fail to efficiently manage airflow around wheels, leading to increased drag and reduced aerodynamic efficiency, especially in varying driving conditions such as on-road and off-road scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of deployable lateral underbody diffusers and rear guide vanes that can move between retracted and deployed positions, controlled by mechanical actuators and an electronic control unit, to optimize airflow and reduce drag by modifying the vehicle's aerodynamic profile based on speed and driving mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed aerodynamic components are used, then aerodynamic efficiency is maintained in normal driving conditions, but aerodynamic performance cannot be optimized for varying driving conditions such as off-road scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the diffuser and guide vanes movable rather than fixed. The diffuser is configured to move between a first position (optimized for on-road aerodynamic efficiency) and a second position (optimized for off-road departure angle), allowing the aerodynamic components to adapt their configuration based on driving conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability directly addresses the contradiction by enabling performance optimization across varying scenarios without requiring a completely separate system for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the diffuser and guide vanes to serve multiple purposes: they function as aerodynamic efficiency optimizers during normal on-road driving, and as departure angle enhancers during off-road scenarios. The same components are used for both aerodynamic drag reduction and ground clearance optimization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If the diffuser is deployed to reduce aerodynamic drag, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be adjusted between different positions. In the first position, the diffuser is deployed to optimize aerodynamic drag reduction for on-road efficiency. In the second position, the diffuser is retracted or repositioned to maximize ground clearance for off-road conditions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism directly resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize for aerodynamic efficiency when needed while preserving ground clearance when required.
3Force
If guide vanes are extended to control airflow under the vehicle, then aerodynamic downforce increases, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide vanes with the diffuser structure, integrating the flow control function into the existing aerodynamic component. Rather than adding separate, independent guide vane mechanisms, the guide vanes are incorporated as part of the diffuser assembly, allowing them to move together and be controlled by the same actuation system. This merging approach reduces overall mechanism complexity while still providing the desired aerodynamic downforce control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vanes are designed to perform multiple functions: they control airflow to generate aerodynamic downforce during normal driving, and they can be adjusted to work in conjunction with the diffuser's repositioned configuration during off-road scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the same guide vane mechanism to serve different aerodynamic purposes without requiring separate control systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in mechanism complexity.
4Loss of energy
If lateral diffusers are deployed to provide aerodynamic downforce, then aerodynamic performance improves, but the vehicle profile is modified which may inhibit operation in off-road scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral diffusers are designed with dynamic deployment capability, allowing them to be extended or retracted based on driving conditions. During on-road driving, the lateral diffusers are deployed to provide aerodynamic downforce and improve stability. During off-road scenarios, the lateral diffusers are retracted to restore the vehicle's original profile and maximize departure angle capability. This dynamic adjustment directly resolves the contradiction by enabling aerodynamic optimization when needed while preserving off-road operational capability when required.
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 enhances aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag, improving airflow management, and allowing for increased departure angles, thereby enhancing performance in different driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The diffuser is typically provided at a rear underbody location and arranged to improve the transition between the high speed airflow under the vehicle with the lower speed airflow behind the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
Guide vanes which extend in a longitudinal direction can be provided on a lower surface of the diffuser further to control airflow under the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
In certain vehicle applications, the diffuser can be used to increase downforce at the rear of the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
Lateral diffusers are most commonly used in high-performance sports cars or racing cars to provide enhanced aerodynamic downforce
Implementation Method 5
The fairings are intended to direct airflow around the front of the wheels and to fill a void behind the wheels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present application relates to a vehicle (501). A first lateral diffuser (579) is provided on a first side of the vehicle (501) and a second lateral diffuser (581) is provided on a second side of the vehicle (501). The first and second lateral diffusers (579, 581) are movably mounted and can be displaced from a retracted position to at least a first deployed position.