Passive Fluidic Switch for Deployable Vehicle Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gaps between movable aerodynamic bodies on vehicles reduce aerodynamic efficiency due to vortex formation and pressure changes, and active mechanical actuation for bridging these gaps is complex.
Innovation Solution
A passive fluidic switch that uses stagnation pressure from incoming airflow to move aerodynamic bodies between retracted and deployed configurations, leveraging airflow velocity to control the actuation without complex mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active mechanical actuation is used to bridge the gap between aerodynamic bodies, then the gap can be selectively bridged to improve aerodynamic efficiency, but the control system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical actuation systems with a passive fluidic switch that uses airflow-induced pressure differentials to automatically position aerodynamic bodies. The fluidic switch utilizes Bernoulli's principle where higher velocity airflow creates lower pressure, causing the aerodynamic body to be drawn toward regions of higher pressure, thereby eliminating complex mechanical actuators and control systems while maintaining selective gap bridging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic body positioning system serves itself by using the vehicle's own airflow to automatically adjust the position of aerodynamic bodies. The fluidic switch requires no external power source or control signals - it autonomously responds to airflow conditions, with the aerodynamic body moving in response to pressure differentials created by the vehicle's motion through air
2Reliability
If active mechanical actuation is used to actuate aerodynamic bodies, then the bodies can be positioned to optimize aerodynamics, but the control system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a passive fluidic switch that uses airflow-induced pressure differentials to automatically position aerodynamic bodies. The fluidic switch utilizes Bernoulli's principle where higher velocity airflow creates lower pressure, causing the aerodynamic body to be drawn toward regions of higher pressure, thereby eliminating complex mechanical actuators and control systems while maintaining selective gap bridging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using the vehicle's airflow as the actuating medium. The fluidic switch creates pressure differentials through airflow velocity variations, and these pneumatic forces directly move the aerodynamic body without mechanical linkages, motors, or hydraulic systems
3Reliability
If the gap between aerodynamic bodies is permanently bridged, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the ability to adapt to different driving conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the aerodynamic body can automatically transition between retracted and deployed positions based on real-time airflow conditions. The fluidic switch responds to changes in airflow velocity and pressure, enabling the aerodynamic body to adapt its position dynamically rather than being fixed, thus maintaining aerodynamic efficiency across varying driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the position parameter of the aerodynamic body in response to changes in airflow parameters (velocity and pressure). The fluidic switch detects parameter changes in the airflow and translates them into corresponding positional adjustments of the aerodynamic body, enabling adaptation to different driving conditions without active control
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
Enhances aerodynamic efficiency by passively adjusting aerodynamic bodies based on airflow velocity, reducing drag and improving lift or downforce without the need for active control systems.
Implementation Method 1
when the incoming airflow enters the chamber through the first opening stagnation pressure is built up in the chamber, the stagnation pressure applying a force to the aerodynamic body
Implementation Method 2
The aerodynamic bodies may be used to guide the incoming airflow over the vehicle... to optimise the aerodynamics of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
at the edge of an aerodynamic body the airflow may 'fall off' the edge and create a vortex or other turbulent airflow
Implementation Method 4
create a vortex or other turbulent airflow
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Disclosed is a fluidic switch (100) for deploying an aerodynamic body (102) on a vehicle (400), the fluidic switch comprising: a chamber (103) comprising a first opening (104) for receiving incoming airflow (101) at the fluidic switch; and the aerodynamic body restrained to the chamber; wherein the fluidic switch is configured such that, when the incoming airflow enters the chamber through the first opening stagnation pressure is built up in the chamber, the stagnation pressure applying a force to the aerodynamic body so that the fluidic switch moves the aerodynamic body away from the chamber from a retracted configuration towards a deployed configuration.