Pivotable Air Guide for Vehicle Underbody Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing underbody panel separation edges in motor vehicles are prone to wear and damage due to infringement of boundary surfaces, leading to frequent replacement and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An underbody structure with a passively pivotable air guiding element that retracts behind the underbody panel upon contact with an obstacle, reducing wear and damage to the separation edge by allowing it to yield and move into a protected space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separation edge is made aerodynamically effective by infringing the boundary surfaces, then the aerodynamic behavior is improved, but the separation edge is prone to wear and damage from ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide is designed with passive pivotability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. In normal operation, it maintains an aerodynamically effective position protruding from the underbody panel. Upon obstacle contact, it passively pivots backward to a protected position, reducing wear and damage to the separation edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide is pre-configured with pivot capability and positioned to protrude from the underbody panel before any obstacle contact occurs. This preliminary setup allows it to immediately yield and pivot backward upon contact, preventing damage without requiring active sensing or control systems.
2Reliability
If the separation edge protrudes to achieve flow separation, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the separation edge contacts obstacles and suffers wear
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide transitions from a static protruding structure to a dynamic one that can pivot. It maintains its aerodynamically effective protruding position during normal operation but can passively rotate backward when obstacles are detected through contact forces, thereby avoiding wear and damage while preserving flow separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide uses the force from obstacle contact itself to trigger the protective action. The contact force that would normally cause wear instead activates the passive pivot mechanism, causing the air guide to automatically retract into a protected position without requiring external sensing or actuation systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the separation edge is designed as a sacrificial part to withstand ground contact, then durability is improved, but aerodynamic effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide combines the benefits of both approaches by being dynamically positioned. It protrudes to maintain aerodynamic effectiveness during normal operation, extending its functional service life. When obstacles are contacted, it passively pivots backward to protect the separation edge from wear, ensuring long-term durability without sacrificing aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide changes its spatial parameter (position relative to the underbody panel) based on operating conditions. In normal conditions, it maintains a protruding position for optimal aerodynamic performance. Upon obstacle contact, it changes position by pivoting backward, protecting the separation edge while maintaining the ability to return to its aerodynamically effective position.
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
Significantly improves the wear behavior of the separation edge, delaying or avoiding the need for replacement, and enhances the aerodynamic protection of the vehicle, making it more economical and durable.
Implementation Method 1
The air guide is passively pivotable back at least in sections behind a plane formed by a carriageway-side outer side of the underbody panel such that the separation edge is capable of yielding upon contact with an obstacle
Implementation Method 2
The air guide is assigned to the underbody panel and has at least one separation edge for bringing about a flow separation
Data Source
AI summary
An underbody structure for a motor vehicle has: at least one underbody panel; and at least one air guide. The air guide is assigned to the underbody panel and has at least one separation edge for bringing about a flow separation. The air guide is passively pivotable back at least in sections behind a plane formed by a carriageway-side outer side of the underbody panel such that the separation edge is capable of yielding upon contact with an obstacle in order to avoid damage.