Retractable Active Wing Apparatus with Cover Panel System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging constraints and aerodynamic drag issues hinder the effective deployment and stowage of retractable active wings in vehicles, particularly in aerodynamically optimized sports cars, where space is limited and drag reduction is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A compact active wing apparatus with a wing assembly that deploys upwardly using lifting arms and a cover panel system, featuring a single actuator for reversible deployment and expansion, which reduces complexity and aerodynamic drag while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a retractable wing is provided to generate down force, then traction is enhanced, but packaging constraints make stowing problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly is nested within a recess formed in the vehicle body when in the stowed condition. The cover panel covers this recess, creating a compact integrated appearance. When deployed, the wing assembly emerges from the recess while the cover panel moves to cover the wing, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appearance throughout the transition.
2Force
If a retractable wing is provided to generate down force, then traction is enhanced, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is designed to move with the wing assembly, covering the wing when deployed and revealing the recess when stowed. This creates a smooth aerodynamic surface in both states, minimizing drag. The lifting arms are positioned to protrude through apertures in the cover panel, allowing controlled deployment while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for wing deployment and cover panel operation, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is used to perform multiple functions: deploying the wing assembly, operating the cover panel, and positioning the infill cover panels. The actuator is coupled to the lifting arms through a mechanical linkage system that translates actuator motion into coordinated movement of all components, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality.
4Force
If the wing assembly is made large for aerodynamic effectiveness, then down force is improved, but stowage volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly is designed to expand in the lateral dimension when deployed, increasing its aerodynamic surface area. The infill cover panels are positioned to slide between the lifting arms, allowing the wing to achieve a large span while maintaining a compact stowage profile within the vehicle body recess.
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 apparatus allows for a compact stowed condition with a large aerodynamic surface area in the deployed state, reducing drag and enhancing traction, while the single actuator simplifies deployment and stowage, and the cover panel system minimizes aerodynamic disturbance.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the lifting arms about the first and second ends causes lifting of the wing assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least two lifting arms, each having respective first and second ends, the second end of each lifting arm being pivotably coupled to the wing assembly, the first end of each lifting arm being pivotably coupled to a lifting arm anchor portion
Implementation Method 3
the infill cover panels being slidably coupled to the cover panel and slidably movable between open and closed conditions
Implementation Method 4
a rear mounted wing for generating a down force when the vehicle is travelling at speed. The down force increases the force between wheels of the vehicle and the driving surface
Data Source
AI summary
An active wing apparatus for a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a deployable wing assembly and a lifting means for lifting the assembly when the assembly is deployed. The lifting means comprises two lifting arms each having a first end pivotably coupled to a mounting portion, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wing assembly. The apparatus further comprises a cover panel below the wing assembly arranged to be raised and lowered. The lifting arms are configured to protrude through apertures in the cover panel to enable connection of the wing assembly to the body of the vehicle. The cover panel further comprises a pair of infill cover panels slidably coupled to the cover panel and movable between open and closed conditions. When the apparatus is in a stowed condition, the infill panels assume an open position, and when in a deployed condition, the infill panels assume a closed position.