Movable Rear Wing Geometry for Variable Rear 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 and aesthetic appeal in certain conditions.
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 minimal rear overhang and aesthetic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rear wing projects posteriorly beyond the rear edge of the tailgate, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the vehicle's rear overhang increases and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wing is designed with a movable central portion that can dynamically adjust its position along the roll axis. The central portion transitions between a retracted position (aligned with tailgate rear edge) and an extended position (projecting beyond the tailgate), allowing the system to optimize between aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appearance based on operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The rear wing is divided into lateral portions (fixed to the tailgate) and a central portion (movable). This segmentation allows the central portion to independently adjust its position relative to the tailgate rear edge, enabling selective extension to improve aerodynamics only when needed without permanently increasing the vehicle's rear overhang
2Reliability
If the rear wing projects posteriorly beyond the rear edge of the tailgate, then aerodynamic function is maximized, but overall vehicle dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central portion of the rear wing can dynamically extend rearward beyond the tailgate edge to maximize aerodynamic function during high-speed or performance-critical operations, then retract to minimize the vehicle's overall dimensions during normal parking or aesthetic-sensitive conditions
3Reliability
If the central portion of the rear wing is made movable to adjust position, then aerodynamic optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central portion is made movable along the roll axis through a mechanical linkage system that allows translation between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability enables aerodynamic optimization by adjusting the wing's effective rear overhang based on speed, load, or operational mode without requiring complete redesign of the wing structure
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the wing into fixed lateral portions and a movable central portion, the complexity is localized to only the central section. This segmentation allows the majority of the wing structure to remain simple and static, while only the central portion requires actuation mechanisms, thereby minimizing overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Road vehicle having a roll axis, a pitch axis and a yaw axis, wherein the road vehicle 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 wherein the rear edge of the tailgate defines the rear end of the vehicle's rear overhang; 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 the 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.