Movable Vehicle Aerodynamic Unit for Drag and Downforce Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic systems in vehicles, such as diffusers and air dams, are typically mounted in a static arrangement, limiting their ability to adjust to different driving scenarios, adding weight, and increasing fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic unit comprising a first and second air guiding device that are both movable, connected via a mechanical or magnetic connection, allowing for adjustable aerodynamic properties through rotational and translational movements, facilitated by actuators and controllers.
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 installation are improved, but the adaptability to different driving scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static aerodynamic devices into movable ones. The diffuser and air dam are equipped with actuators that enable them to change position and orientation dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to different driving scenarios such as racing mode, touring mode, and parking mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing an aerodynamic unit where both the diffuser and air dam can perform multiple functions. They can independently adjust their positions to serve different aerodynamic purposes, and the system can operate in various modes (racing, touring, parking), making the devices universal and adaptable to diverse requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic devices are made movable to adjust to different driving scenarios, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the diffuser and air dam into a single integrated aerodynamic unit. Both devices share common mounting structures, control systems, and actuators, which reduces overall system complexity despite the added movability. The shared infrastructure minimizes the increase in device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic unit is designed with multi-functionality where both the diffuser and air dam can operate independently or in combination, serving multiple aerodynamic functions. This universal design allows the system to achieve high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements serve multiple purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic devices are made movable with actuators, then the adaptability to different driving scenarios is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the aerodynamic devices to move and adjust their positions. The actuators provide the necessary motion capability, allowing the system to adapt to different driving scenarios dynamically, thus achieving the desired adaptability despite the weight penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the diffuser and air dam into a single aerodynamic unit with shared actuators and mounting structures, the patent reduces the cumulative weight that would result from having separate movable devices. The combined design minimizes redundant components while maintaining the adaptability benefits of movability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional aerodynamic devices and control systems are added, then the aerodynamic performance tuning capability is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the aerodynamic devices movable and controllable. The actuators enable real-time adjustment of the diffuser and air dam positions, providing enhanced aerodynamic performance tuning capability. The system can optimize drag and downforce based on driving conditions, improving overall vehicle efficiency despite the energy required for actuation.
Data Source
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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.