Mobile Rear Wing Geometry for Aerodynamics Without Longer Overhang
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear wings on road vehicles that project beyond the tailgate increase aerodynamic performance but compromise the vehicle's overall dimensions, undermining stylistic aspects.
Innovation Solution
A movable rear wing that can transition between configurations, allowing the central portion to move rearward and rotate, optimizing aerodynamic performance while maintaining a limited rear overhang.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rear wing projects posteriorly beyond the rear edge of the tailgate, then aerodynamic performance is maximized, but the vehicle's overall dimensions increase and stylistic aspects are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wing is designed as a movable component that can transition between different positions. The central portion can move between a retracted position (maintaining compact dimensions) and a projected position (maximizing aerodynamic performance). This dynamic adjustment allows the vehicle to adapt its geometry based on operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and dimensional compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear wing is divided into multiple portions (lateral portions and central portion) that can move independently. The central portion is specifically designed to be movable relative to the lateral portions, allowing selective projection beyond the tailgate. This segmentation enables the aerodynamic elements to be deployed only when needed, maintaining compact storage dimensions when aerodynamic performance is not required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rear wing is made movable to optimize aerodynamic performance, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable central portion is designed to rotate about a horizontal axis, providing a simple rotational mechanism rather than complex translational or multi-degree-of-freedom movements. This rotational dynamic element can be actuated by relatively simple means (manual or automated), achieving adaptability between aerodynamic configurations without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable central portion serves multiple functions: it acts as an aerodynamic element when projected, and as a stylistic component when retracted. The same structural element provides both aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appeal, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
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 aerodynamic efficiency without increasing the vehicle's dimensions, providing versatile rear overhang configurations adaptable to different conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the rear wing performs an aerodynamic function
Data Source
AI summary
Road vehicle having a roll axis, a pitch axis and a yaw axis, and comprises: a tailgate with a rear edge; a rear wing coupled to the tailgate and extending substantially bridge-like along the pitch axis with two lateral portions attached to the tailgate and a central portion; wherein the central portion of the rear wing is movable between: a first configuration wherein the central portion makes with the rest of the rear wing a single seamless aerodynamic surface; and at least a second configuration wherein the movable portion is in a rearward position along the roll axis relative to the rest of the rear wing and comprises a rear edge that projects posteriorly beyond a rear edge of the tailgate such that in the second configuration the rear end of the vehicle's rear overhang is defined by the rear edge of the central portion of the movable wing.