Resilient Spoiler Body Panel Integration Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle aerodynamic devices disrupt airflow, leading to increased drag due to their discrete nature and edge disruptions, which can cause resistance and hinder air flow over the vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with resiliently deformable spoilers integrated into the body panel, actuated to change positions seamlessly, providing a smoother airflow path by eliminating edge disruptions and allowing for adjustable aerodynamic effects without breaking the vehicle's surface continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If discrete wing elements are used for aerodynamic devices, then aerodynamic effects can be achieved, but edge disruptions occur that increase drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aerodynamic device with the vehicle body panel by forming the spoiler as an integral part of the panel rather than using separate discrete elements. This integration eliminates the leading and rearward edges of separate components that disrupt airflow, while maintaining the aerodynamic functionality of the spoiler.
Solution Approach 2:
The body panel is segmented into a fixed first region and a moveable second region that forms the spoiler. This segmentation allows the spoiler to move independently for aerodynamic adjustment while the integrated formation eliminates edge disruptions at the interface between separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic devices are made moveable to adjust airflow, then aerodynamic effects can be optimized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a moveable spoiler that can transition between retracted and deployed positions to adjust aerodynamic effects. The spoiler is formed from a moveable second region of the body panel that can change position while maintaining integration with the fixed first region, providing dynamic adaptability without excessive structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If separate wing elements are used to form aerodynamic devices, then the devices can be adjusted, but the edges of the elements disrupt airflow and increase resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device is merged with the vehicle body panel as an integral formation, eliminating the leading and rearward edges of separate wing elements. This integration creates a smooth continuous surface that allows airflow to pass without disruption, reducing resistance and energy loss.
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 reduces drag and enhances aerodynamic efficiency by minimizing airflow disruptions, allowing for improved airflow over the vehicle, especially when the spoilers are in the raised position, which can generate downforce and stabilize the vehicle at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a first spoiler that is resiliently deformable between a lowered position and a raised position
Implementation Method 2
the spoiler may form a generally arcuate shape in a longitudinal cross-section when in the raised position... which can generate downforce and stabilize the vehicle at high speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body comprising a first body panel; and a first variable aerodynamic device comprising: a first spoiler that is resiliently deformable between a lowered position and a raised position, the first spoiler being formed from part of the first body panel; and a first actuator configured to move the first spoiler between the lowered position and the raised position.