Motor Vehicle Front Surface Airflow Control via Adjustable Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motor vehicle front surfaces with central and side cooling air inlets for engine cooling adversely affect the vehicle's air penetration coefficient (Cx), and existing aerodynamic air inlets have limited impact on reducing this coefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that directs central air from the air inlet towards side parts of the vehicle using a network of air-moving means with adjustable valves and shutters to manage airflow, allowing for optimization of both cooling and aerodynamics by controlling air flow between the central and side air-moving means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If central and side cooling air inlets are provided for engine cooling, then cooling function is improved, but air penetration coefficient (Cx) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine coolingVSAvoidair penetration coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the air inlet system adjustable through valves and shutters that can change their opening/closing state based on driving conditions. The central air-moving means and side air-moving means can dynamically redirect airflow between cooling the engine and improving aerodynamics, allowing the system to adapt between cooling performance and drag reduction depending on whether the engine needs cooling or fuel efficiency is prioritized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow distribution parameter by using valves to control the proportion of air directed to different outlets. The valve between central and side air-moving means adjusts the air flow splitting ratio, enabling optimization of either cooling effectiveness or aerodynamic performance by changing how air is distributed between engine cooling and rearward flow guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If aerodynamic air inlets are added to direct air flow towards side parts, then air penetration coefficient (Cx) is reduced, but cooling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair penetration coefficientVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the side air-moving means to serve dual purposes: it can guide air rearward to improve aerodynamics when the valve is closed, or redirect air to cool the engine when the valve is open. The same structural component (side air-moving means) performs both aerodynamic optimization and cooling functions depending on valve configuration, eliminating the need to choose between the two benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If high pressure air is recovered in the central part, then cooling capacity is improved, but air penetration coefficient (Cx) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidair penetration coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the valve) between the central air-moving means and side air-moving means that mediates the high-pressure air flow. This valve controls whether the high-pressure air from the central inlet is directed to cool the engine or redirected through side passages to improve aerodynamics, allowing optimization of either cooling capacity or drag reduction based on driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system significantly reduces the impact of high central air pressure on the air penetration coefficient (Cx) while allowing for precise management of airflow to prioritize cooling or aerodynamics, enhancing the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.

Implementation Method 1

it comprises at least one valve between the central air-moving means and the side air-moving means, making it possible to adjust the air flow circulating between the central air-moving means and the side air-moving means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 2

a central air inlet formed in the central part of said surface allowing air from outside the vehicle to enter a central air-moving means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10569643B2Motor vehicle front surface with central air inlet and side outlets

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 OPMOBILITY SE

AI summary

Motor vehicle front surface including a central air-moving device, wherein the central air-moving device is connected laterally to at least one side air-moving device leading air from a central part of the front surface towards at least one side part of the vehicle, and in that the front surface comprises at least one valve between the central air-moving device and the side air-moving device, making it possible to adjust the air flow circulating between the central air-moving device and the side air-moving device.