Rear Diffusor Sealing Element for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear diffusor units for vehicles do not effectively reduce aerodynamic drag and improve ground adhesion while maintaining simplicity and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A rear diffusor unit comprising a fixed base element, a movable box diffusor element, and a drive device, with a flow-directing sealing element that forms a fluidic seal between the base and diffusor elements, allowing for adjustable positioning to optimize airflow and reduce frictional losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable diffusor element is added to improve aerodynamic performance, then air conduction and ground adhesion are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable diffusor element that can change its angle and position relative to the base element, transitioning between static and dynamic configurations to optimize aerodynamic performance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusor is divided into a fixed base element and a movable diffusor element, allowing independent optimization of each component while reducing the complexity of making the entire structure movable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If a flow-directing sealing element is added to reduce frictional losses, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A flow-directing sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the base element and diffusor element to seal the gap and direct airflow, reducing frictional losses while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized sealing component design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the diffusor element is made movable to optimize airflow, then energy consumption is reduced, but ease of operation and installation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusor element is designed with movable capabilities allowing dynamic adjustment to optimize airflow and reduce energy consumption, while the patent provides specific mounting and actuation mechanisms to facilitate installation and operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances aerodynamic performance by improving air conduction, reducing energy consumption, and increasing driving dynamics, while being easy to install and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

a flow-directing sealing element (26) which forms a fluidic seal between the base element (16) and the diffusor element (18)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic seal:

Data Source

PatentUS10676140B2Rear diffusor unit with a flow-directing sealing element

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A rear diffusor unit includes a base element configured to be mounted in a fixed position on a body of a vehicle; a movable diffusor element; and a drive device with which the movable diffusor element is movable relative to the base element between two end positions. The diffusor element is a box diffusor element having two fixed side walls, a fixed rear wall, and a fixed base.