Movable Wheel Arch Panel for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle designs face challenges in reducing aerodynamic drag and improving airflow management around the wheel arch area, particularly during straight-line travel and turning, which affects fuel efficiency and handling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of movable cover panels adjacent to the wheel arch, which can pivot, translate, or deform in response to vehicle speed and steering movements, using passive and active mechanisms to adjust their position between extended and retracted states, thereby optimizing airflow and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the panel is positioned adjacent to the wheel assembly to reduce aerodynamic drag, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the wheel assembly cannot perform steering movements
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be movable between a first position (adjacent to the wheel assembly for aerodynamic efficiency) and a second position (retracted for steering clearance). The actuator system enables the panel to dynamically adjust its position based on whether the wheel assembly is stationary or performing steering movements, thus resolving the contradiction between drag reduction and steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively moves the panel to the retracted position before steering movements occur by detecting steering commands or predicting upcoming maneuvers. This preliminary action ensures that the panel does not obstruct the wheel assembly during intended steering operations while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during straight-line travel
2Loss of energy
If the panel is fixed in an extended position to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, then drag is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system utilizes the vehicle's existing communication bus and control architecture to receive steering commands and activate the panel actuator. By integrating with the vehicle's native control systems rather than requiring completely independent control mechanisms, the solution reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to move the panel for aerodynamic efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the panel is moved to accommodate wheel steering movements, then handling is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel operates in periodic cycles, alternating between the aerodynamic position during straight-line travel and the retracted position during steering maneuvers. This periodic adjustment ensures that the panel provides aerodynamic benefits during cruising while clearing the wheel assembly during turning operations, thus resolving the contradiction between handling and aerodynamic performance
Data Source
AI summary
A body defines a wheel arch, a wheel assembly is located in the wheel arch, and a panel is located adjacent to the wheel arch and inboard relative to the wheel assembly. An actuator is configured to move the panel between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the panel is adjacent to the wheel assembly in the extended position and the panel is spaced from the wheel assembly in the retracted position. The actuator is configured to move the panel between the extended position and the retracted position in response to a control signal that is generated based on a sensed condition.