Duct-like Air-guiding Devices for Wheel House Vortex Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles experience high air resistance due to vortices formed around the wheel house, which are not effectively reduced by conventional wheel spoilers and air-guiding devices.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle incorporates duct-like air-guiding devices with exit openings positioned to deflect wind downward, creating a horizontal air curtain that reduces vortices and flow resistance, and features a configuration that accelerates the underbody flow, effectively 'virtually sealing' the wheel house.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If wheel spoilers or air-guiding devices are added to shield the wheel house, then air resistance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air-guiding device merges the wheel spoiler function with the front apron structure. The duct is integrated into the front apron rather than being a separate component, combining aerodynamic flow guidance with the existing body structure to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The air-guiding device performs multiple functions: it guides cooling air to the radiator, deflects relative wind away from the wheel house, and reduces air vortices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate aerodynamic components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving aerodynamic performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If duct-like air-guiding devices are added to guide air flow, then aerodynamics are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is integrated directly into the front apron manufacturing process rather than being a separate assembly step. The air-guiding device forms part of the front apron's structural design, allowing it to be manufactured as a single piece or pre-integrated component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the added aerodynamic functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air outlets are positioned to deflect wind downward, then vortices are reduced, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is positioned specifically in the lower part of the front apron to create a localized downward air jet. This localized flow deflection targets the specific region where vortices form near the wheel house, reducing vortices without creating excessive overall flow resistance by maintaining smooth air flow through the duct
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 design significantly reduces air resistance by minimizing vortices and flow resistance around the wheel house, improving aerodynamics and reducing the vehicle's overall drag.
Implementation Method 1
the air-guiding devices have an air inlet in the region of the front of the vehicle and an air outlet in the region of the underbody... the air flowing through the flow duct exits counter to the direction of travel with a direction component downward
Implementation Method 2
accelerating the underbody flow through a virtual sealing effect
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes a body having a front apron, and an underbody. The body forms at least one left and one right front wheel house for receiving one front wheel each. The air-guiding devices have at least one left flow duct and at least one right flow duct. The at least one left flow duct opens in the underbody in front of the left wheel house. The at least one right flow duct opens in the underbody in front of the right wheel house. The respective exit opening is arranged in front of that region of the respective wheel house which is adjacent to the inner side, which faces the vehicle central plane, of the respective vehicle wheel in the straight-ahead position.