Shiftable Air-Guiding Device with Multi-State Propeller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-guiding devices for motor vehicles lack versatility in adjusting their propellers to optimize both drag and rear-axle downforce, with fixed or shiftable designs that do not effectively allow for multiple operational states to produce electrical energy or dynamically influence aerodynamic properties.
Innovation Solution
A shiftable air-guiding device with propellers that can operate in three distinct states: fixed, generating throughflow in the direction of travel, and generating throughflow opposed to the direction of travel, allowing for adjustable drag and rear-axle downforce, and enabling electrical energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the air-guiding element is fixed in an extended position, then rear-axle downforce is increased, but drag increases and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air-guiding element is made shiftable between extended and retracted positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of aerodynamic properties. The propeller is also made shiftable and can be positioned relative to the air-guiding element, enabling real-time optimization of downforce and drag based on driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be positioned in front of, on, or behind the air-guiding element to generate throughflow in different directions (with or against the direction of travel), enabling the system to provide both downforce and electrical energy generation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the propeller is fixed in one position, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility and ability to produce electrical energy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller is designed as a movable component that can be shifted between multiple positions (in front of, on, or behind the air-guiding element) and between different operating states (fixed, generating throughflow with direction of travel, generating throughflow opposed to direction of travel), enabling dynamic adaptation to various driving conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the air-guiding element is retracted, then drag is reduced, but rear-axle downforce decreases and aerodynamic control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows preliminary positioning of the air-guiding element and propeller based on anticipated driving conditions. The shiftable design enables the components to be positioned in advance to optimize aerodynamic properties before high-speed or high-load conditions occur, preventing rather than merely responding to suboptimal performance.
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 provides comprehensive control over drag and rear-axle downforce, allowing for reduced drag and increased downforce in various operational states, and enables the production of electrical energy, enhancing the aerodynamic versatility of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the or each propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a second operating state in order to produce a throughflow in the direction of travel, and wherein the or each propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a third operating state in order to produce a throughflow opposed to the direction of travel
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,229 B2, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses an air-guiding device of a motor vehicle with a fixed air-guiding element, wherein said fixed air-guiding element is assigned a propeller which is driven by the relative wind as the vehicle is moving
Data Source
AI summary
An air-guiding device which is arranged in a top rear region of a vehicle and includes an air-guiding element which is shiftable from a retracted inoperative position to an extended operating position, wherein, in both positions, the air-guiding element serves for guiding air in the rear region of the motor vehicle. At least one propeller of the air-guiding device which, together with the air-guiding element, is shiftable between the retracted and extended positions, wherein the propeller, in the extended operating position, is fixable in a first operating state, wherein the at least one propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a second operating state in order to produce a throughflow in the direction of travel, and wherein the at least one propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a third operating state in order to produce a throughflow opposed to the direction of travel.