Mudflap Aero Strake Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mudflaps on vehicles contribute to aerodynamic drag, leading to increased energy expenditure and reduced fuel economy due to wind resistance and turbulence.

Innovation Solution

A mudflap-integrated aerodynamic member featuring an elongated air strake that extends from the mudflap portion to provide a longitudinal aerodynamic benefit, guiding airflow and reducing drag while maintaining the appearance of a traditional mudflap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional mudflap is installed to protect against debris, then the protective function is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases leading to reduced fuel economy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris protectionVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mudflap is divided into two distinct functional segments: a traditional mudflap portion for debris protection and an integrated air strake portion for aerodynamic flow management. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function while working together to reduce overall drag and improve fuel economy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated aerodynamic member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides debris protection like a traditional mudflap while simultaneously managing airflow to reduce drag. The air strake portion guides airflow around the wheel assembly, preventing turbulence and reducing the energy expenditure required to overcome wind resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If an aerodynamic strake is added to reduce drag, then fuel economy is improved, but the appearance and traditional functionality of the mudflap may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidmudflap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air strake is integrated directly with the mudflap portion to form a unified aerodynamic member. The air strake extends from the rear edge of the mudflap and is positioned to work in conjunction with the wheel assembly, creating a cohesive structure that manages airflow while maintaining the essential appearance and function of a traditional mudflap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution effectively reduces vehicle drag and enhances fuel economy by guiding airflow and debris, preserving the functionality and appearance of a traditional mudflap while improving aerodynamic performance.

Implementation Method 1

The elongated air strake is configured to guide airflow traveling fore-to-aft along the vehicle body to provide an aerodynamic benefit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow guidance: Boundary Layer

Data Source

PatentUS11472488B2Mudflap aero strake

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A mudflap-integrated aerodynamic member for improving aerodynamic characteristics of a motor vehicle is described. The motor vehicle includes a vehicle body, a front wheelhouse, and a frame. The mudflap-integrated aerodynamic member includes a mudflap portion configured to attach to the front wheelhouse and cover at least a portion of the front wheelhouse and an elongated air strake attached to and projecting from the mudflap portion. The elongated air strake includes an elongated strake body extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body from an outboard edge contiguous with the mudflap portion to an inboard edge adjacent to the vehicle body.