Segmented Air Guiding Device for Hatchback Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hatchback vehicles experience high aerodynamic drag and lifting forces due to air flow patterns, which existing air guiding devices fail to effectively address while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
Innovation Solution
An air guiding device with two pivotable elements connected by separate hinge mechanisms, allowing for adjustable air deflection angles to optimize aerodynamics and appearance, featuring a two-part design that adapts to vehicle speed and contour, reducing drag and lift at the rear axle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single air guiding element is used with limited construction depth, then the device can be easily pivoted into an inoperative position, but the aerodynamic effectiveness is reduced due to insufficient air deflection surface
Solution Approach 1:
The air guiding device is divided into two separate air guiding elements (first and second elements) that can be independently pivoted. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to aerodynamic effectiveness while maintaining individual control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and aerodynamic performance.
2Device complexity
If air guiding devices are mounted on the vehicle rear with small construction depth, then the structure is simple and easy to pivot, but the downwardly sloping rear surface and air flow are inhibited only at the rear end, reducing aerodynamic benefit
Solution Approach 1:
By using two separate air guiding elements instead of a single large structure, the device maintains structural simplicity and ease of pivoting while increasing the total effective surface area for air deflection, thereby improving aerodynamic performance without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two air guiding elements are arranged in a stepped configuration along the rear surface of the vehicle, utilizing the depth dimension more effectively. This arrangement allows the elements to work together to redirect air flow over a larger portion of the rear surface, enhancing aerodynamic benefit while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Productivity
If a large air guiding structure is used to improve aerodynamics, then air deflection effectiveness increases, but the external appearance is adversely affected by dominating structures
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with two smaller air guiding elements distributed along the rear surface creates a less dominating visual appearance compared to a single large structure, while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness through the combined action of both elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guiding elements are positioned at specific locations along the rear surface rather than forming a continuous large structure. This localized arrangement reduces visual dominance while effectively addressing air flow issues at critical regions, balancing aerodynamic performance with aesthetic considerations.
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 device improves aerodynamics and traction by adjusting its position based on vehicle speed, reducing drag and lift while maintaining a sleek appearance, enhancing driving performance and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
Air flowing over the body of a hatchback vehicle is directed down in the rear region and therefore results in a relatively high aerodynamic drag
Implementation Method 2
results in a relatively high aerodynamic drag and in an increased lifting force in the region of the rear axle
Implementation Method 3
A first hinge mechanism connects the first air guiding element hingedly to a rear of the vehicle, and a second hinge mechanism connects the second air guiding element hingedly to the first air guiding element
Data Source
AI summary
An air guiding device for a vehicle has a first air guiding element and a second air guiding element. A first hinge mechanism connects the first air guiding element hingedly to a rear of the vehicle, and a second hinge mechanism connects the second air guiding element hingedly to the first air guiding element.