Flexible Wheel-Well Closure System for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel-well closure systems for motor vehicles fail to effectively improve aerodynamics due to gaps and discontinuities created by traditional rigid cover systems, especially when steering, which compromises airflow and increases fuel consumption, particularly in heavy trucks with larger gaps and narrower tires.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cover system secured to the wheel arch, utilizing a rotating annular part and a radially extending arm with contact elements that push the cover outside the wheel-well during steering, eliminating direct contact and maintaining a smooth surface to enhance aerodynamics without penetrating the well.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid cover system is used to close the wheel-well, then aerodynamics is improved, but the system fails to maintain continuity during steering movements causing gaps and discontinuities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidcontinuity of cover surface during steering

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible cover made of elastomeric material that can deform and stretch during steering movements. This flexible membrane maintains continuous coverage of the wheel-well opening while accommodating the lateral displacement of the wheel, eliminating gaps and discontinuities that would occur with rigid covers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the cover to stretch and deform in response to steering movements. The flexible material enables the cover to adapt its shape during vehicle operation, maintaining aerodynamic continuity while the wheel moves laterally within the wheel-well.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is secured directly to the wheel arch, then aerodynamics is improved, but the cover may penetrate inside the wheel-well during steering movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidposition of cover relative to wheel-well

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support structure with an arm as an intermediary element between the wheel arch and the flexible cover. This arm is pushed by the rotating wheel during steering movements, which in turn stretches the cover outward, preventing the cover from penetrating inside the wheel-well while maintaining its aerodynamic function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical attachment of the cover to the wheel arch with a indirect mechanism involving a support arm that is actuated by the wheel rotation. This substitution allows the cover position to be controlled passively through the mechanical interaction between the wheel and support structure, rather than through direct rigid mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single suspension system is used for the cover, then device complexity is reduced, but the cover cannot maintain proper position during steering movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of suspension elementsVSAvoidcover position stability during steering

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure with the arm is designed to be self-actuating, utilizing the force from the rotating wheel during steering movements to automatically stretch and position the flexible cover. This eliminates the need for additional active suspension mechanisms, motors, or complex linkage systems while maintaining proper cover positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system improves aerodynamic efficiency by maintaining a continuous surface around the wheel-well, reducing fuel consumption and soiling, and is adaptable for various vehicle types, including heavy trucks, by ensuring the cover does not penetrate during steering movements, thus enhancing airflow and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the cover is made of a flexible material and is secured to the wheel arch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11352068B2Wheel-well closure system for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle comprising such a system

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

A wheel-well closure system for a motor vehicle has a wheel-arch delimiting a wheel-well and a wheel mounted in the wheel-well, the system comprising: a support structure connected to the wheel-arch; and a cover connected to the support structure and covering the wheel-well; wherein the cover is made of a flexible material and is secured to the wheel arch; wherein the system comprises a continuous annular part secured to the wheel facing the cover and rotating with the wheel about a horizontal axis; and wherein the support structure comprises an arm extending radially in front of the continuous annular part and against the cover, a steering movement of the wheel about a vertical axis causing the continuous annular to push the support structure and stretch the cover outside the wheel-well.