Deployable Aerodynamic Panel for Vehicle Base Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger vehicles face challenges in achieving aerodynamic contours, leading to increased base drag and reduced fuel economy due to turbulent airflow at the rear, with existing solutions like spoilers increasing drag and being unsightly.
Innovation Solution
A deployable aerodynamic member that remains flush with the vehicle body in both stowed and deployed positions, featuring moveable fin members actuated by a common drive link and actuator, minimizing drag and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance by promoting laminar airflow at higher speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If spoilers or fins are used to reduce base drag, then rear airflow separation is improved, but front drag increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic panel is designed to be movable between a stowed position (flush with body panel) and a deployed position (extending rearward). This dynamic configuration allows the vehicle to have no protruding elements at low speeds (minimizing front drag) while deploying aerodynamic surfaces at high speeds (reducing base drag), thus resolving the contradiction between the two drag components.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If spoilers or fins are used to reduce base drag, then rear airflow separation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel transitions from a flush, aesthetically pleasing appearance at low speeds to an active aerodynamic configuration at high speeds. This dynamic transformation allows the vehicle to maintain aesthetic appeal during normal driving while providing aerodynamic benefits during highway cruising, resolving the contradiction between appearance and performance.
3Loss of energy
If aerodynamic panels are deployed to reduce base drag, then fuel economy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic panel is integrated directly into the vehicle body panel structure, merging the aerodynamic function with the existing bodywork. This integration approach reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate, independent aerodynamic devices, while still providing the fuel economy benefits of reduced base drag.
4Loss of energy
If movable aerodynamic surfaces are used to reduce base drag, then fuel economy improves, but the ability to maintain flush appearance during movement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to move quickly through the transition zone and maintain a flush appearance with the body panel throughout its movement range. By rushing through the potential gap formation and maintaining surface continuity, the system achieves both aerodynamic benefits during deployment and aesthetic appearance during transition, resolving the contradiction between functionality and appearance.
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 enhances fuel economy by reducing base drag without increasing front drag, maintaining a seamless appearance and ensuring the aerodynamic member remains flush with the vehicle body during movement, effectively addressing the limitations of existing aerodynamic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a drive link extending through the at least one through opening and having a first end operatively coupled to the inner surface of the panel and a second end pivotally coupled to a flange on the inner surface of the wall
Implementation Method 2
promoting laminar airflow at higher speeds
Implementation Method 3
the laminar air flow along the side of the vehicle turns into turbulent air flow behind the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
An actuator has a drive member operably coupled with the second end of the drive link, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively pivot the drive link within the through opening
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A deployable applique assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a housing having a wall with at least one through opening extending through the wall and a panel configured to overlie at least a portion of the wall when in a stowed position, with an outer surface of the panel being configured to form a smooth surface with a body panel of the motor vehicle. The assembly includes a drive link extending through the at least one through opening and having a first end operatively coupled to the inner surface of the panel and a second end. An actuator has a drive member operably coupled with the second end of the drive link, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively pivot the drive link to move the panel between the stowed position and a deployed position.