Laterally Movable Wing Assembly for Dynamic Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic devices on vehicles are unable to dynamically adjust the position and magnitude of downforce to optimize performance across different driving scenarios, such as cornering, leading to uneven tire loading and increased drag at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A movable wing/aerofoil assembly that can laterally move relative to the vehicle, allowing for dynamic adjustment of downforce by positioning the wing/aerofoil optimally based on vehicle speed, direction, and cornering, using a carriage system with a drive mechanism controlled by sensors and processors to manage the movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic devices are made adjustable in angle and height, then downforce can be optimized for different speeds, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable carriage system that allows the wing/aerofoil to dynamically change its lateral position relative to the vehicle during motion. This dynamic positioning capability enables the aerodynamic device to adapt to different driving scenarios (straight-line driving, cornering, acceleration) without requiring complex angle or height adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving adaptability with reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic device is segmented into a wing/aerofoil component and a movable carriage component. The carriage can independently move laterally along the vehicle body, allowing the wing to be positioned at different locations (centered for straight driving, offset for cornering). This segmentation separates the positioning function from the wing structure itself, simplifying the overall system design
2Ease of manufacture
If aerodynamic devices are fixed to the vehicle, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to optimize downforce distribution during cornering is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed aerodynamic device into a dynamic system by introducing a movable carriage that can laterally reposition the wing/aerofoil along the vehicle body. This allows the device to adapt its position during cornering to optimize downforce distribution on inside wheels, while maintaining a relatively simple fixed mounting structure on the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The movable carriage acts as an intermediary between the fixed vehicle body and the wing/aerofoil. It provides the lateral movement capability while being mounted on the fixed vehicle structure, thus enabling adaptability without compromising the simplicity of the overall installation
3Force
If downforce is increased at high speeds, then traction is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases exponentially and overloads the suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by positioning the wing/aerofoil asymmetrically during cornering rather than maximizing downforce uniformly across all wheels. By directing downforce primarily to the inside wheels where it is most needed for traction, the system achieves adequate grip without generating excessive overall downforce that would create harmful drag and suspension overload at high speeds
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables optimal distribution of downforce during cornering, improving traction and reducing drag at high speeds by allowing the wing/aerofoil to focus downforce on the inside wheels, enhancing vehicle balance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a movable wing/aerofoil assembly for shifting where and how much downforce is exerted on a moving vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A movable wing assembly has a wing capable of moving laterally (left or right) on a vehicle as the vehicle is being driven such the positioning of the wing on the assembly corresponds to the optimum or desired downforce required by the vehicle for the driving action undertaking by the vehicle at that time, e.g. if cornering to the left the wing is positioned to the left on the assembly or if cornering to the right the wing is positioned to the right on the assembly or if driving straight the wing is positioned midway on the assembly. The wing is attached to a carriage moveable on a elongate beam mounted to a vehicle such that the wing is able to move relative to the vehicle as the vehicle is moving.