Repositionable Aerodynamic Deflector for Vehicle Downforce Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic devices for vehicles often generate excessive downforce, leading to inefficient longitudinal drag and reduced vehicle speed, as they fail to optimally allocate downforce according to varying operating conditions, thereby limiting acceleration, braking, and cornering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a repositionable aerodynamic deflector with an actuator and controller that detects performance modes, calculates optimal downforce adjustments to achieve requested lateral acceleration, and balances downforce between the front and rear axles to maximize lateral grip while minimizing drag, using sensors like steering angle and pedal position sensors to determine the necessary downforce and constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If aerodynamic devices generate downforce to increase normal force and traction, then lateral grip is improved, but longitudinal drag increases and vehicle speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic deflector is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator system that changes its position based on real-time vehicle operating conditions. The controller receives inputs from sensors (steering angle, pedal position, lateral acceleration) and actively repositions the deflector to provide optimal downforce only when and where needed, transforming a static aerodynamic component into a dynamic one that adapts to varying traction requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies downforce selectively at different locations along the vehicle's length (front-to-rear allocation) based on local traction needs. By calculating the optimal downforce distribution between front and rear axles, the system ensures that downforce is generated precisely where it is most beneficial for lateral grip, rather than applying uniform downforce throughout the vehicle.
2Reliability
If aerodynamic devices generate excessive downforce to maximize lateral grip, then cornering capability is improved, but acceleration and braking performance are reduced due to drag
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle operating parameters (steering angle, pedal position, lateral acceleration, vehicle speed) and adjusts the aerodynamic deflector position accordingly. By changing the physical parameter of deflector position based on real-time conditions, the system provides high downforce during cornering maneuvers while minimizing downforce during acceleration and braking, thus maintaining lateral grip when needed without sacrificing speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic deflector transitions from a fixed component to a dynamically controlled element that responds to real-time vehicle state changes. The actuator system enables rapid adjustment of deflector position in response to driver inputs and vehicle dynamics, allowing the system to optimize the trade-off between lateral grip and speed performance for each instantaneous operating condition.
3Force
If downforce is generated uniformly across the vehicle, then overall traction is improved, but downforce allocation efficiency is reduced and drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements non-uniform downforce allocation by calculating and applying different downforce amounts at the front and rear of the vehicle based on local traction requirements. The controller determines the optimal front-to-rear downforce distribution ratio considering vehicle dynamics and operating conditions, ensuring that downforce is concentrated at the axles that most need it for lateral grip rather than distributing it uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the downforce allocation ratio between front and rear axles based on changing vehicle conditions. By varying the allocation parameter (front-to-rear distribution ratio) in response to steering angle, lateral acceleration, and other operating parameters, the system optimizes downforce efficiency for each maneuver type, maximizing lateral grip while minimizing total drag.
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
This approach allows for efficient downforce allocation, enhancing lateral grip and reducing drag, thereby improving vehicle performance without excessive downforce generation, ensuring balanced tire forces and optimal traction.
Implementation Method 1
A variety of devices generate additional downward force on a vehicle to increase its normal force by, for example, using the force of oncoming air to push the vehicle downward
Implementation Method 2
Various air dams reduce drag by reducing the rate of air flow under the car, which avoids creating drag caused by structures under the car
Implementation Method 3
The various devices change/deflect air movement over the body of a vehicle in motion to effect desirable outcomes such as increased downward force for improved tire grip
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic deflector on the vehicle is repositionable. An actuator is coupled with the aerodynamic deflector. A controller configured to: detect a performance mode of operation of the vehicle; determine a requested lateral acceleration; calculate a control adjustment of the aerodynamic deflector to generate a downforce to achieve the requested lateral acceleration and maximize lateral grip of the vehicle; and operate the actuator to effect the control adjustment of the aerodynamic deflector to generate the downforce on the vehicle.