Rotating Wheel Guard Vane for Dynamic Aerodynamic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle aerodynamic improvement structures, such as fixed baffles within wheel guards, fail to optimize aerodynamic forces in response to changes in vehicle speed and steering angle, limiting their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

An active vane system within the wheel guard that rotates based on vehicle speed and steering angle, controlled by an actuator and sensor system, to dynamically adjust its angle and improve airflow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed baffle is installed inside the wheel guard, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aerodynamic characteristics cannot be optimized according to changes in vehicle speed and steering angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic optimization capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed baffle into a rotatable vane that can actively change its angle according to vehicle speed and steering angle. The vane is mounted on a rotational axis and can be rotated by an actuator to optimize aerodynamic characteristics under different operating conditions, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the simple fixed mechanical baffle structure with a more complex mechanical system that includes a rotatable vane, rotational axis, actuator, and controller. This substitution enables the system to actively respond to changing vehicle conditions, trading increased mechanical complexity for improved aerodynamic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an active vane system with actuator and controller is installed, then the aerodynamic characteristics can be optimized according to vehicle speed and steering angle, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic optimization capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect vehicle speed and steering angle, then using this information to control the actuator's rotation of the vane. The controller processes the sensor inputs and adjusts the vane angle accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that continuously optimizes aerodynamic characteristics based on real-time vehicle conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the vane to perform multiple functions: it can rotate to different angles to handle both straight-line driving and steering conditions, and can adjust its position in response to both speed changes and steering angle changes. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address various aerodynamic challenges across different operating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If the vane rotates actively based on vehicle conditions, then fuel efficiency and noise reduction are improved at higher speeds, but the use of energy increases due to the actuator operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidactuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the vane angle parameter in response to changes in vehicle speed and steering angle parameters. The controller adjusts the vane's rotational position based on the detected operating conditions, optimizing aerodynamic performance across different speed ranges and steering states to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system optimizes aerodynamic characteristics by actively varying the vane's angle, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing noise at higher speeds by managing air resistance and rolling resistance.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator configured to provide the first vane with rotational force so as to rotate the first vane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational force: Torque

Implementation Method 2

apparatus for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle... capable of improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle using a wheel guard vane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic characteristics: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS9573637B2Apparatus for improving aerodynamic characteristics of vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle includes a first vane configured to be rotatable on a wheel guard. An actuator is configured to provide the first vane with rotational force so as to rotate the first vane. A controller is configured to receive vehicle speed information and steering angle information of a steering wheel, and to control the operation of the actuator.