Monocoque Floor Layout for Underbody Aerodynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance vehicles face challenges in aerodynamic design due to limited space for aerodynamic devices under the chassis, leading to issues like airflow wash, stall, and increased pitch sensitivity, which affect the control and efficiency of airflow guidance.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic monocoque chassis with a unique floor design that includes a void under the pedal footbox and angled regions, allowing for the integration of aerodynamic devices with a support structure that enables collective movement and individual control of aerodynamic bodies, reducing pitch sensitivity and airflow turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the floor of the chassis is kept low and flat to maintain cabin space, then maximum cabin space is provided, but limited space is available for aerodynamic devices under the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension change by creating a recessed region in the floor that extends downward. This allows aerodynamic devices to be positioned in a lower plane while the rest of the floor remains at its original height, effectively adding a third dimension (depth) to the space available for aerodynamic components without compromising cabin volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor is segmented into two distinct regions: a first region at a higher level that maintains cabin space, and a second recessed region at a lower level that accommodates aerodynamic devices. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between cabin space and aerodynamic device space.
2Reliability
If aerodynamic devices are positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle to guide airflow, then airflow guidance is improved, but pitch sensitivity increases due to larger moment arm
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning aerodynamic devices in a recessed region below the main floor plane, the patent reduces the vertical distance (moment arm) from the vehicle's center of gravity to the aerodynamic force application point. This dimensional change allows effective airflow guidance while minimizing pitch sensitivity, as the aerodynamic forces act closer to the vehicle's rotational axis.
3Force
If the angle of attack of the forward aerodynamic body is increased to improve downforce, then downforce is enhanced, but wash is created in the airflow over the rearward aerodynamic body causing stall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aerodynamic bodies into forward and rearward components positioned at different vertical levels. The forward aerodynamic body operates at a higher angle of attack in the upper flow region, while the rearward body operates at a lower angle of attack in the lower flow region, allowing each to function independently without adverse wash effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Different aerodynamic bodies are given different local qualities through their positioning and orientation. The forward body has a higher angle of attack optimized for downforce generation, while the rearward body has a lower angle of attack optimized for stable airflow guidance, with each configured according to its specific location and flow conditions.
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 solution enhances airflow guidance, reduces stall, and improves control over aerodynamic devices, minimizing drag and maximizing downforce, thereby optimizing vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
Aerodynamic bodies may guide the incoming airflow so as to provide lift and/or downforce forces on the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
Aerodynamic bodies may guide the incoming airflow so as to provide and/or reduce drag forces on the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
guiding the airflow out from the underside of the vehicle, down the sides of the vehicle, so as to increase downforce through a pressure differential between the underside of the vehicle and the free flow
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Disclosed is an aerodynamic monocoque chassis for a vehicle, the aerodynamic monocoque chassis comprising: a main compartment bounded by a plurality of walls and a floor extending between the walls, the floor comprising: a first region, the first region being located at least partially under a pedal footbox of the vehicle; and a second region, the second region located rearwards of the first region; wherein the second region is located lower than the first region thereby forming a void under an underside of the first region.