Rear Wing Linkage Control for Deployable Aerodynamic Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic performance that complies with both on-road legislative constraints and high-performance requirements, such as those on a racetrack, due to the need for adjustable aerodynamic devices that can adapt to different driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable aerodynamic device featuring a rear wing with pivotally coupled linkages and actuators that allow for adjustable distance and pitch angle, enabling the wing to transition between stowed and deployed configurations, and further configurations to optimize airflow and downforce based on driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aerodynamic wing is deployed to improve aerodynamic performance, then downforce and stability are improved, but the device protrudes from the vehicle body violating legislative constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic wing is designed to be movable between deployed and stowed positions. The linkage mechanism with actuators enables dynamic adjustment of the wing position, allowing it to protrude when high aerodynamic performance is needed and retract when legislative constraints apply, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and compliance
2Reliability
If the rear wing element is moved rearwards to increase downforce moment, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: first and second linkages, each with their own actuators. This segmentation allows independent control of the wing's longitudinal position and pitch angle, enabling complex aerodynamic adjustments through coordinated action of simpler, modular subsystems
3Reliability
If the aerodynamic wing is adjusted to optimize airflow direction, then drag reduction is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls aerodynamic performance by changing geometric parameters of the wing - its longitudinal position relative to the vehicle body and its pitch angle. These parameter changes are achieved through coordinated actuation of the linkage mechanism, allowing optimization of airflow direction and drag reduction through precise positional control
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable aerodynamic device for attachment to a vehicle body, the device comprising: an aerodynamic wing configured to extend from a rear surface of the vehicle body; a first linkage pivotally coupled to the aerodynamic wing at a first end and configured to be coupled to the vehicle body at a second end; a first actuator connected to the first linkage at a first end and configured to be coupled to the vehicle body at a second end, the first actuator being configured to actuate the first linkage to move the aerodynamic wing over a range of distances relative to the vehicle body; a second linkage pivotally coupled to the aerodynamic wing at a first end and to the first linkage at a second end; and a second actuator connected to the second linkage at a third end of the second linkage so that, for any distance within the range of distances, the second actuator can actuate the second linkage so that a pitch angle of the aerodynamic wing can be varied.