Rolling Diffuser Ramp With Moving Surface for Low-Ride Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive diffuser systems in motor vehicles do not effectively enhance downforce while minimizing drag, particularly at varying ride heights, limiting their performance in slow to medium speed corners.
Innovation Solution
A rolling diffuser ramp with a moving conveyor belt surface driven by an electric motor, which enhances downforce by accelerating airflow and strengthening vortices, maintaining optimal performance across different ride heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a stationary diffuser is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but downforce production is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary diffuser into a moving system. A conveyor belt mechanism moves the diffuser ramp surface in the direction of airflow, creating a dynamic interaction between the moving surface and the airflow. This movement generates additional downforce through enhanced vortex formation and pressure differential, while the conveyor belt system (comprising motor, pulleys, and belt) provides the necessary mechanical complexity to enable this dynamic function.
2Force
If the diffuser ride height is lowered to increase downforce, then downforce increases, but flow blockage occurs at very low heights
Solution Approach 1:
The moving diffuser ramp surface creates a dynamic flow control mechanism that prevents boundary layer stagnation. The motion of the ramp surface actively interacts with the airflow, maintaining higher flow velocities even at low ride heights by generating stronger vortices and preventing flow separation. This dynamic action allows the system to operate effectively at ride heights that would otherwise cause flow blockage in stationary diffusers.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt-driven moving ramp surface introduces a controlled mechanical motion that creates periodic disturbances in the boundary layer. This motion enhances mixing and prevents the formation of stagnant low-speed regions that would occur in stationary diffusers at low ride heights, thereby maintaining airflow speed and downforce production.
3Force
If passive flow control mechanisms are used, then the system is simple, but downforce enhancement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active flow control system where the diffuser ramp surface moves in the direction of airflow through a conveyor belt mechanism. This active motion dynamically alters the pressure distribution and vortex formation along the diffuser, creating stronger and more sustained downforce compared to passive geometric modifications. The system uses a motor and pulley mechanism to drive the conveyor belt, enabling continuous adjustment of flow characteristics.
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 rolling diffuser ramp increases downforce by 7-10% with minimal drag increase, improving vehicle stability and reducing lap times, especially in slow to medium speed corners.
Implementation Method 1
The diffuser induces a venturi effect with the inlet constricting the underbody airflow into the diffuser and the diverging cross section expanding the airflow into a larger exit area
Implementation Method 2
These vortices originate at the spanwise ends of the diffuser inlet or kick point and extend along the longitudinal sides of the diffuser. They are generated as a result of airflow traveling from a region of high pressure outside the diffuser to a region of low pressure within the diffuser
Implementation Method 3
mounted as a conveyor belt on two pulleys driven by an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
Aerodynamic downforce is generated by an automobile diffuser located on the aft section of a motor vehicle's underbody. The upsweeping inclination of the diffuser ramp wall enables the expansion of airflow traveling through the diffuser to induce suction underneath the motor vehicle—thereby enhancing traction between the tires and road surface. However, moving (or rolling) the diffuser ramp wall in the airflow direction further increases suction and airflow speed underneath the vehicle and through the diffuser. As a result, downforce in-turn is enhanced.