Pivotable Rear Diffuser for Dynamic Lift and Drag Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle rear diffusers fail to effectively manage vehicle lifting effect and aerodynamic drag, limiting driving performance.
Innovation Solution
A rear diffuser with a positionally fixed front part and a pivotable rear part that can adjust its angle of operation, allowing control over negative lift force and aerodynamic drag by pivoting about a transversely running axis, with actuation options for electrical or pneumatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the diffuser rear part is positioned in the upwardly folded operative position, then negative lift force is increased, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser rear part is designed to be pivotable about a transverse axis, enabling dynamic adjustment between upwardly folded (high negative lift) and downwardly unfolded (low drag) positions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize the trade-off between negative lift force and aerodynamic drag based on driving conditions, resolving the contradiction by making the aerodynamic characteristics adaptable rather than fixed
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the diffuser rear part is positioned in the downwardly unfolded operative position, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but negative lift force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable rear part allows switching to a downwardly unfolded position that reduces aerodynamic drag while maintaining adequate negative lift force through the optimized diffuser geometry and pivot axis position at approximately 1/3 of the diffuser length from the front
3Device complexity
If a fixed diffuser design is used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different driving conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into a positionally fixed front part and a pivotable rear part, allowing the rear section to be independently adjusted. This segmentation enables adaptability to different driving conditions while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as only the rear portion requires actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable rear part transforms the fixed diffuser design into a dynamic system that can adapt to varying driving conditions. The simple pivot mechanism about a transverse axis provides versatility without significantly increasing device complexity
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
Enables optimized control of lift forces and aerodynamic drag, improving driving performance by adjusting the diffuser's position based on speed and driving state, with minimal space requirements and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the diffuser is configured and operative to intervene actively in the driving performance of the vehicle... exerts a force on the vehicle by means of an air flow that flows on the lower side of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser is arranged at the rear of a vehicle in the region of the underbody and has a fixed front part and an adjoining, pivotable rear part. Negative and positive lift effects and aerodynamic drag effects are obtained by adjusting pivotable rear part between an upwardly pivoted position and a downwardly pivoted position.