Flexible-Frame Ground Sealing Assembly for Vehicle Downforce Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downforce systems in vehicles suffer from air leakage into low-pressure regions, leading to a sudden loss of downforce due to variations in the ground surface, which can result in loss of vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A sealing assembly with a flexible frame and rigid seal elements that form a partial seal with the ground surface, allowing the frame to bend and flex while maintaining contact, reducing air leakage and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sealing strip is used to maintain seal quality, then sealing performance is improved, but the ability to conform to ground surface variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing strip is divided into multiple individual seal elements (e.g., blocks or bricks) that are mounted adjacent to one another on the frame. This segmentation allows the sealing strip to flex and bend as the frame deforms, while each rigid seal element maintains contact with the ground surface, thereby preserving seal quality during ground variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly combines rigid seal elements (made of abrasion-resistant material) with a flexible frame structure. This composite construction allows the frame to deform and conform to ground surface variations while the rigid seal elements maintain their shape and sealing contact with the ground.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible sealing strip is used to conform to ground surface variations, then adaptability is improved, but durability against abrasion and high temperatures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing strip is divided into multiple individual seal elements that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the use of durable, abrasion-resistant materials for each element while the overall assembly remains adaptable through frame deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the sealing assembly have different properties: the frame is made flexible to conform to ground variations, while the seal elements are made rigid and abrasion-resistant to withstand sliding contact with the ground surface. Each component is optimized for its specific function.
3Reliability
If the sealing assembly is made fully rigid to maintain seal integrity, then seal reliability is improved, but the ability to respond to ground surface bumps is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the frame can deform and flex in response to ground surface variations. This allows the sealing assembly to adapt its shape while maintaining seal integrity through the continued contact of seal elements with the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the sealing strip into discrete seal elements mounted on a flexible frame, the system gains dynamic response capability. The frame can bend and flex to accommodate ground bumps while the individual seal elements maintain their sealing function.
4Reliability
If seal elements are made from a single continuous piece of rigid material, then sealing performance is improved, but the flexibility of the overall assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing strip is divided into multiple individual seal elements mounted on the frame, replacing a single continuous rigid piece. This segmentation maintains sealing performance through each element's contact with the ground while enabling the overall assembly to flex and bend as the frame deforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions from a static single-piece structure to a dynamic multi-element construction that can adapt its configuration. The individual seal elements allow the frame to flex and bend while maintaining sealing contact, providing both performance and flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention provides a sealing assembly for forming at least partial seal with a ground surface under a vehicle, the sealing assembly comprising: a frame; and a plurality pf seal elements mounted adjacent to one another on the frame to form a sealing strip, wherein each of the plurality of seal elements is arranged to contact the ground surface and slide along the ground surface; wherein the frame has greater flexibility compared to each of the plurality of seal elements. By forming an at least partial seal with a ground surface under a vehicle, the sealing assembly may reduce air leakage into a low-pressure region formed by a downforce system, which may result in an increased downforce produced by the downforce system. Such an increase in downforce may improve the vehicle's grip on the ground surface, which may improve its ability to travel around bends at high speed, as well as its ability to accelerate and decelerate.