Rotating Spoiler Assembly for Lateral Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic spoiler arrangements for cars are ineffective in controlling wheel traction during high-speed cornering, failing to provide satisfactory lateral downforce and stability.
Innovation Solution
A spoiler assembly with a support structure and body portion that can be rotated with respect to the car's direction of travel and a lateral axis, using hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to apply a horizontal force, thereby preventing skidding and improving traction during cornering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the spoiler is mounted directly to the car body and configured for straight-path aerodynamic anti-lift forces, then the aerodynamic anti-lift force is improved, but the wheel traction control during high-speed cornering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler assembly is configured to be movable relative to the car body, transitioning between a first configuration for straight-path travel and a second configuration for cornering. The body portion can rotate about a longitudinal axis and articulate laterally, allowing dynamic adaptation to different driving conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the spoiler to provide both aerodynamic anti-lift forces during straight travel and lateral downforce during cornering, resolving the contradiction between straight-path performance and cornering traction control.
2Device complexity
If the spoiler uses a fixed orientation mounted to the support structure, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the lateral downforce during cornering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the car and articulate laterally relative to the support structure. This rotational and articulation capability allows the body portion to orient itself to generate lateral downforce during cornering while maintaining a relatively simple support structure mounted to the car body. The dynamic orientation capability resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and lateral downforce generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spoiler assembly includes multiple degrees of freedom for rotation and articulation, then the cornering performance is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connects the body portion to the support structure, enabling rotation about the longitudinal axis and lateral articulation. This dynamic configuration allows the spoiler to adapt to cornering conditions while using a integrated joint system that, while complex, provides the necessary degrees of freedom in a unified manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion serves multiple functions: generating aerodynamic anti-lift forces during straight-path travel and generating lateral downforce during cornering. This multi-functionality justifies the complexity of the joint and actuator system, as the same components enable both straight-path and cornering performance, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
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 spoiler assembly effectively controls wheel traction and prevents skidding during high-speed cornering by applying a horizontal force, enhancing the car's maneuverability and grip.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic spoiler arrangements operative to apply substantial aerodynamic anti-lift forces to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
using hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to apply a horizontal force
Implementation Method 3
the spoiler assembly comprises a joint by means of which the body portion is attached to the support structure, wherein the joint is configured to articulate with respect to the direction of travel of the car and a lateral axis
Implementation Method 4
applying a horizontal force, thereby preventing skidding and improving traction during cornering
Data Source
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AI summary
A spoiler assembly (2) for a car (4) is disclosed. The spoiler assembly (2) comprises a support structure (10) and body portion (30) moveably mounted to the support structure (10). The support structure (10) is configured to be attached to the car (4). The spoiler assembly (2) comprises one or more actuators (14, 14', 16, 16') for changing the orientation of the body portion (30), wherein the body portion (30) is arranged to be rotated with respect to the direction of travel (X) of the car (4).