Underbody Fairing Edge Locking via Intermediary Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The vibration of bottom fairings under a motor vehicle chassis due to air circulation generates noise pollution, particularly when adjacent edges overlap, causing localized collisions and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with non-deformable support members is interposed between the edges of overlapping fairings, providing structural locking to prevent relative mobility and reduce noise by aligning fastening members along the edges and using rigid spacer wedges to compensate for play without increasing the fairings' vertical size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple floor fairings are installed under the platform with overlapping edges to create a continuous aerodynamic line, then the aerodynamic performance and protection are improved, but the vibration of adjacent edges causes localized impacts and noise
Solution Approach 1:
A support member is interposed between the overlapping edges of adjacent floor fairings to prevent direct contact and vibration transmission. This intermediary element absorbs the harmful vibrations and prevents the localized impacts that generate noise, while allowing the fairings to maintain their overlapping configuration for aerodynamic performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If support members are added between fairing edges to prevent vibration and noise, then the noise reduction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed as a discrete, segmented element that can be independently installed between the fairing edges. This segmentation allows the anti-vibration function to be added without requiring a complete redesign of the entire fairing system, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is constructed from inexpensive materials and designed as a simple structural element. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and functional simplicity over complex, expensive solutions, making the noise reduction feature economically viable for mass production.
3Reliability
If the fairings are firmly fixed to the platform to prevent vibration, then the stability is improved, but the vertical bulk of the fairings increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing vertical bulk to achieve better fixation, the support member extends in the longitudinal dimension along the fairing edge. This dimensional shift allows the fixation to be reinforced without compromising the vertical profile of the fairings, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while improving stability.
4Reliability
If additional fastening elements are used to secure the fairings, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration dampener, a structural reinforcement element, and a positioning aid for the fairing edges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized fastening elements, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing cost while improving fixation reliability.
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 effectively limits noise pollution and prevents collisions between fairings, ensuring durable and cost-effective fixation without increasing the vehicle's size or cost, by firmly locking the fairings in position against the platform and each other.
Implementation Method 1
The support members are structurally rigid against the clamping force exerted by the fastening members against the edges of the fairings
Implementation Method 2
vertical support zones of the fastening members against the fairings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for attaching and immobilising a set of two generally planar (L1-T1) underbody fairings (3a, 3b) in position under a platform (2) of a motor vehicle chassis (1). The fairings (3a, 3b) are abutted, one in continuation of the other, by overlapping of the adjacent edges (5a, 5b) thereof. The device comprises attachment members (4) that pass jointly through the edges (5a, 5b) of the fairings (3a, 3b) and that are placed in engagement on the platform (2). The device also comprises structurally non-deformable bearing members (7) interposed between the edges (5a, 5b) of the fairings (3a, 3b), being distributed between vertical (V1) bearing areas (Z1) where the attachment members (4) bear against the fairings (3a, 3b).