Movable Wheel Liner for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle designs face challenges in reducing aerodynamic drag, particularly due to airflow through the wheelhouse, which increases energy consumption and decreases fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
An active and passive aerodynamic system that includes a movable aerodynamic member, such as a wheel liner, coupled to the suspension system, which adjusts its position based on vehicle operating conditions measured by sensors and controlled by a controller to minimize the open space between the wheel and the wheelhouse edge, thereby reducing drag forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixed body structures are used for aerodynamic features, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic drag is increased due to wheel wake separation zones
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel liner is designed as a movable aerodynamic feature that can dynamically adjust its position between a retracted position (when the wheel is stationary) and an extended position (when the wheel is rotating). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to reduce aerodynamic drag during vehicle operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a relatively straightforward mechanical linkage system coupled to the suspension component.
2Device complexity
If fixed aerodynamic features are used, then device complexity is minimized, but fuel economy deteriorates due to increased energy expenditure overcoming wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic system is designed to automatically adjust the wheel liner position based on wheel rotation without requiring external control systems or additional energy input. The movable wheel liner is coupled to the suspension component such that it passively responds to suspension movement and wheel rotation, enabling the system to improve fuel economy through self-regulating aerodynamic adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the aerodynamic member is positioned close to the wheelhouse edge, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the risk of contact with the wheel increases during suspension deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wheel liner is coupled to the suspension component through a mechanical linkage that enables the liner to dynamically adjust its radial position. When the suspension deflects upward, the linkage causes the wheel liner to retract radially outward, maintaining a safe distance from the wheel. When the suspension is in its lower position, the wheel liner extends radially inward to minimize the gap with the wheelhouse edge, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag while avoiding contact with the rotating wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary automotive vehicle includes a body having a wheelhouse, the wheelhouse including a wheelhouse edge defining a wheelhouse opening, and a wheel disposed in the wheelhouse opening, a suspension system including a suspension component adjacent to the wheelhouse, the suspension component configured to vertically deflect during vehicle operation, an aerodynamic system including an aerodynamic member disposed within the wheelhouse opening and coupled to the suspension component, the aerodynamic member having a first position with respect to the wheelhouse edge and the wheel and a second position with respect to the wheelhouse edge and the wheel, wherein the aerodynamic member moves from the first position to the second position with deflection of the suspension component such that a distance between the aerodynamic member and the wheel is greater when the aerodynamic member is in the second position than when the aerodynamic member is in the first position.