Underbody Diffuser Thruster Layout for Zero-Speed Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thruster designs in automobiles are limited by the use of compressed air tanks, which are heavy, bulky, and require frequent refilling, and hot gas thrusters pose safety risks due to their power and potential for damaging objects behind the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a thruster at the beginning of a diffuser on the vehicle's underside, allowing for the use of both cold and hot gas thrusters, which expel air safely away from the vehicle and enhance downforce by mixing with surrounding air, and enabling thrust and downforce generation even at zero speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If compressed air tanks are used to power thrusters, then thrust can be generated, but the vehicle experiences increased weight and requires frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compressed air tank from the system entirely, replacing it with a direct connection to the vehicle's exhaust system. The thruster uses exhaust gases directly from the engine instead of stored compressed air, eliminating the need for heavy storage tanks while maintaining thrust capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust system serves dual purposes: it continues to function as the vehicle's standard exhaust while simultaneously providing pressurized gas for thruster operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compressed air storage systems.
2Power
If hot gas thrusters are used to generate thrust, then power output increases, but safety risks increase due to potential damage to objects behind the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser acts as an intermediary component between the thruster and the external environment. It mixes the hot exhaust gases with cooler ambient air, reducing the temperature of the exhaust plume before it exits, thereby maintaining thrust power while reducing thermal hazards to surrounding objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas by mixing it with cooler ambient air through the diffuser. This parameter change reduces the thermal hazard while preserving the momentum and pressure needed for effective thrust generation.
3Reliability
If a diffuser is used to increase downforce, then aerodynamic grip improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diffuser structure with the thruster housing into a single integrated component. The diffuser serves dual functions: generating downforce through aerodynamic design and housing the thruster mechanism, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates aerodynamic downforce, houses the thruster mechanism, and facilitates exhaust gas mixing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall underbody structure.
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 thruster-diffuser integration provides increased thrust and downforce, enhances grip during acceleration, and ensures safety by directing exhaust away from the vehicle, allowing for sustained performance without the weight and space constraints of compressed air tanks.
Implementation Method 1
The diffuser increases in volume along its length, creating a void that has to be filled by the air passing under the body. This venturi effect means that the flow is accelerated through the throat of the diffuser, creating the desired low pressure
Implementation Method 2
a thruster having an exhaust outlet, wherein the exhaust outlet is disposed at, near or within the diffuser aimed at the tunnel-shaped void, wherein the exhaust outlet is configured to introduce a moving airstream into the diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeled vehicle includes a diffuser affixed directly or indirectly to a frame or formed as part of the frame. The diffuser defines a tunnel-shaped void disposed at a bottom of the vehicle open to the ground surface below. The tunnel starts at a proximal end with a first height and increases to a second height closer to the rear portion. A distal end of the diffuser is open to the rear portion. A thruster is affixed directly or indirectly to the frame, the thruster having an exhaust outlet disposed at, near or within the diffuser aimed at the tunnel-shaped void. The exhaust outlet is disposed a distance away from the distal end of the diffuser, wherein the exhaust outlet is configured to introduce a moving airstream into the diffuser thereby increasing downforce of the wheeled vehicle generated by the diffuser while wheeled vehicle is stationary or moving.