Linked Air-Guiding Unit for Adaptive Vehicle Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic systems in vehicles, particularly high-performance cars, lack the ability to dynamically adjust aerodynamic properties to different driving scenarios due to static arrangements of aerodynamic devices, which restricts variability, increases weight, and affects fuel consumption and top speed.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic unit comprising movable first and second air guiding devices connected via a mechanical or magnetic linkage, allowing for adjustable aerodynamic properties through rotational and translational movements, facilitated by actuators and controllers, enabling precise tuning of downforce and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aerodynamic devices (diffusers and air dams) are mounted in a static arrangement, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but the adaptability to different driving scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static aerodynamic devices to movable ones. The diffuser and air dam are designed with movement capabilities, allowing them to change position and orientation according to different driving scenarios. This enables the aerodynamic configuration to be dynamically adjusted between track mode, touring mode, and autonomous mode, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple aerodynamic devices are mounted separately with individual spatial settings, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the diffuser and air dam into a single aerodynamic unit with shared control mechanisms. The control unit coordinates both devices together, and the movement mechanisms are consolidated, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of having both devices. This resolves the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic devices are made movable for active control, then the adaptability to different driving scenarios is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable aerodynamic devices with active control capability, allowing the diffuser and air dam to adjust their positions and orientations based on different driving modes. The movement mechanisms enable the system to optimize aerodynamic performance for track driving, touring, and autonomous operation, directly addressing the adaptability requirement while accepting the necessary weight increase for the movement components.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic unit with a first air guiding device and a second air guiding device is described. The aerodynamic unit is connectable to at least a part of a vehicle for adjusting aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. The aerodynamic unit comprises the first air guiding device. The first air guiding device is configured to be movable for guiding a first air stream. The aerodynamic unit further comprises the second air guiding device. The second air guiding device is configured to be movable for guiding a second air stream. The first air guiding device is rigidly or movably connected to the second air guiding device.