Movable Fairing Devices for Vehicle Aerodynamic Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle aerodynamic systems fail to precisely adjust airflow based on natural wind direction, limiting their ability to enhance energy efficiency and aerodynamic performance.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system featuring movable left and right fairing devices and a central air deflector, controlled by a natural wind detection device to adjust positions in response to wind direction, optimizing airflow and reducing air resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed fairing device with a specific shape is used, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the adaptability to different wind directions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidadaptability to wind direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fairing device is designed with movable parts that can change position relative to each other, allowing the fairing to dynamically adjust its shape and orientation in response to different wind directions detected by the natural wind detection device, thereby maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fairing device is divided into multiple independent movable parts that can adjust separately, enabling each segment to respond to wind direction changes independently and collectively achieve better aerodynamic adaptation than a fixed monolithic structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a movable fairing device is used to adjust aerodynamic performance, then the adaptability is improved, but the precision in responding to natural wind direction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to wind conditionsVSAvoidwind direction detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The natural wind detection device provides real-time feedback on wind direction to the control device, which then adjusts the movable parts of the fairing device accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that precisely responds to changing wind conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical wind detection system is replaced with a more precise natural wind detection device that uses advanced sensing technology to accurately detect wind direction, enabling more precise control of the fairing device's movable parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240351643A1Vehicle control system

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a vehicle control system that may improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The vehicle control systems includes: a pair of left and right fairing devices, which are disposed in front of a pair of left and right wheels of the vehicle, and are each movable between a first storage position under the vehicle and a first deployment position protruding from the first storage position toward the lower part of the vehicle; a natural wind detection device disposed on the vehicle to detect the direction of the natural wind relative to the vehicle; and a control device disposed on the vehicle and controlling a pair of left and right fairing devices to move independently in response to the direction of the natural wind.