Dual Underbody Panel Segmentation for Steering Aerodynamics

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underbody panels for motor vehicles do not effectively optimize aerodynamics during steering movements, leading to increased air resistance and fuel consumption due to the need for a single, pivoting panel element that moves with every wheel pivot, resulting in excessive load changes and air turbulence.

Innovation Solution

A dual underbody panel system where two elements are pivotable relative to each other, with only one moving with the wheel during each steering direction, reducing load changes and maintaining effective sealing against vehicle components, thereby improving aerodynamics by minimizing air turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-piece underbody panel element is used that pivots with the wheel during every steering movement, then the wheel coverage is maintained, but the number of load changes increases and air turbulence worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel coverageVSAvoidload changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The underbody panel is divided into two separate pivotable elements instead of using a single one-piece element. Each element can be independently positioned relative to the wheel, allowing one element to remain stationary while the other moves during steering. This segmentation reduces the frequency of load changes and minimizes air turbulence while maintaining continuous wheel coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a one-piece underbody panel element is used that pivots with the wheel during every steering movement, then the wheel coverage is maintained, but air turbulence increases and aerodynamics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel coverageVSAvoidair turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The underbody panel is divided into two separate pivotable elements instead of using a single one-piece element. Each element can be independently positioned relative to the wheel, allowing one element to remain stationary while the other moves during steering. This segmentation reduces the frequency of load changes and minimizes air turbulence while maintaining continuous wheel coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If longer sealing surfaces are used to seal the underbody panel against wheel-housing components, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the complexity of the sealing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The underbody panel is divided into two separate pivotable elements instead of using a single one-piece element. Each element can be independently positioned relative to the wheel, allowing one element to remain stationary while the other moves during steering. This segmentation reduces the frequency of load changes and minimizes air turbulence while maintaining continuous wheel coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10479423B2Underbody panel for a motor vehicle, in particular passenger vehicle, and motor vehicle having an underbody panel

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG

AI summary

An underbody panel for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, has at least one first underbody panel element which is arranged in a region of a pivotable vehicle wheel and moves with the wheel during a pivoting movement of the wheel and at least one second underbody panel element which is arranged in the region of the wheel and which is pivotable with the wheel during a pivoting movement of the wheel in the opposite direction.