Inflatable Plenum Skirt With Active Gap Control for Vehicle Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs, particularly ultra-high performance electric vehicles, face limitations in acceleration, braking, and cornering due to insufficient tractive force, which can be addressed by creating a low-pressure region under the vehicle to enhance tire adhesion, but require precise control of airflow and gap maintenance between the vehicle and road surface.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle plenum skirt with an inflatable skirt extending downward from the underside, controlled by limiting actuators and a compressor, maintains a consistent gap and low-pressure region using onboard sensors and a controller to adjust the skirt's position and shape, retracting when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rigid skirt with large fans is used to create low pressure region, then downward force is generated, but the skirt is susceptible to impact damage and cannot maintain constant gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid skirt panels with flexible inflatable bellows structures that can withstand impact forces while maintaining the sealing function. The flexible material allows the skirt to absorb curb impacts without turning or breaking, directly resolving the reliability issue while preserving the downforce generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces actively controlled suspension and adjustable skirt positioning mechanisms that dynamically maintain a constant gap between the skirt and road surface during various driving conditions. This dynamic control system ensures the skirt remains at the optimal distance for generating downforce while adapting to road undulations and vehicle loading changes
2Force
If the skirt is extended downward to maintain precise gap, then tire adhesion is improved, but ground clearance is reduced and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an actively controlled suspension system that dynamically adjusts the vehicle body height and skirt position in real-time. During normal operation, the system maintains the skirt close to the road surface for optimal downforce, but can rapidly retract or raise the vehicle body when obstacles are detected, thereby protecting the skirt from damage while preserving tire adhesion benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective features such as recessed skirt mounting positions and impact-absorbing materials that cushion the skirt against potential curb strikes. These pre-designed protective measures reduce the severity of impacts before they reach critical components, allowing the skirt to operate closer to the road surface without proportionally increasing damage risk
3Length of moving object
If the skirt is retracted at high speeds, then ground clearance is improved, but downward force generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an actively controlled suspension and skirt positioning system that dynamically adjusts the skirt extension based on vehicle speed and driving conditions. At high speeds where aerodynamic downforce is sufficient, the system retracts the skirt to improve ground clearance. At lower speeds where mechanical downforce is needed for optimal tire adhesion, the system extends the skirt to maintain the precise gap for effective low-pressure region generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the skirt system with the active suspension control architecture, allowing the same control system to manage both suspension height and skirt positioning. This multi-functional approach enables coordinated adjustment of ground clearance and downforce generation, optimizing vehicle performance across different operating conditions without requiring separate control systems
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
Enhances tire adhesion and maintains consistent downward force across various driving conditions, preventing damage and providing additional ground clearance as needed, thus improving vehicle stability and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
By evacuating air from this region and restricting the flow of back air, via control of this air gap, creates a zone of low pressure that pushes the car toward the ground
Implementation Method 2
A compressor is utilized to inflate the skirt. The compressor is coupled with an inlet of the skirt
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle plenum skirt has an inflatable skirt that extends downward from an underside of a vehicle toward the ground. A plurality of limiting actuators maintain a gap between the vehicle underside and a road surface.