Pivoting Downforce Wing Layout for Leaning Wheeled Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycles experience lift during acceleration due to torque exceeding the vehicle's weight, leading to reduced traction and grip, which can be improved by applying downforce to counteract this lift.
Innovation Solution
A system with pivotable downforce generating wings mounted to the wheel supports, controlled by sensors and motors to maintain a horizontal orientation relative to the road surface, ensuring a constant perpendicular downward force vector regardless of vehicle orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If downforce generating wings are mounted to the vehicle body, then downforce is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the downforce generating wings movable rather than fixed. The wings are mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis, allowing their orientation to dynamically adjust as the vehicle leans during turns or experiences body roll. This dynamic configuration enables the wings to maintain an effective angle of attack relative to the support surface, optimizing downforce generation while adapting to changing vehicle orientations without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Anti-weight principle by using aerodynamic downforce to counteract the harmful lift force that occurs during acceleration. When torque from the power unit exceeds the vehicle weight, the front wheels tend to lift; the downforce generating wings create a downward aerodynamic force that counteracts this lift, improving traction and grip on the road surface
2Device complexity
If fixed downforce wings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but downforce effectiveness deteriorates during vehicle lean or roll
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a passive dynamic system where the wings are pivotally mounted to automatically adjust their orientation in response to vehicle motion. As the vehicle frame pivots during leans or body roll, the wings rotate accordingly to maintain a substantially horizontal leading edge and effective angle of attack. This passive adaptation eliminates the need for complex active control mechanisms while preserving downforce effectiveness across varying vehicle orientations
3Force
If active control systems are added to maintain wing orientation, then downforce effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by designing a system where the wings self-adjust their orientation through passive pivotal motion driven by vehicle dynamics themselves. The wings are mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis, and as the vehicle leans or experiences body roll, the wings automatically rotate to maintain their effective angle of attack. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems, reducing device complexity and energy consumption while maintaining downforce effectiveness
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 traction and grip by maintaining a consistent downward force on the wheels, improving driving performance and safety during acceleration, braking, and turning.
Implementation Method 1
The downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface having a leading edge
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame configured to pivot relative to a support surface through both positive and negative roll angles and a wheel support coupled to the frame. The wheel support includes an axle mounting portion. An axle defining an axis of rotation is mounted to the wheel support at the axle mounting portion. A downforce generating system is mounted to the wheel support between the frame and the axle mounting portion. The downforce generating system includes a wing support mounted to the wheel support and a downforce generating wing pivotally mounted to the wing support. The downforce generating wing includes an aerodynamic surface having a leading edge. The downforce generating system is configured to maintain a substantially horizontal orientation of the leading edge relative to the support surface as the frame pivots between the positive and the negative roll angles.