Split Wheel Fairing Structure for Lower Aerodynamic Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
The range of electric motor vehicles is limited due to the high energy consumption caused by increased aerodynamic drag from downforce aerodynamic surfaces, which is proportional to the drag coefficient, and this limits their performance, especially in racing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a fairing that covers the tire and is fixed to the hub carrier, reducing aerodynamic drag without affecting the downforce coefficient, allowing for high-speed travel and increased range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If downforce aerodynamic surfaces are used to increase vertical load on tyres, then grip and maximum travel speed in bends is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separate functional components: the wheel assembly itself and the fairing as a distinct aerodynamic element. This segmentation allows the fairing to be optimized specifically for reducing drag without interfering with the wheel's primary function of providing grip through downforce surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing acts as an intermediary aerodynamic element that mediates between the wheel assembly and the external airflow. It smooths airflow around the wheel, reducing turbulence and drag while allowing the wheel's downforce surfaces to maintain their grip-generating function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If aerodynamic drag is reduced to increase vehicle range, then energy consumption decreases, but downforce coefficient of aerodynamic surfaces may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed with specific local aerodynamic qualities - smooth contours and optimized surface geometry in critical areas - that reduce drag without creating interference with the downforce-generating surfaces of the wheel. Different portions of the fairing have different geometric characteristics tailored to their local flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing extends the aerodynamic treatment into a new spatial dimension around the wheel assembly. By adding this external aerodynamic element, drag reduction is achieved in the flow field surrounding the wheel without modifying the wheel's own downforce surfaces.
3Volume of moving object
If wheel aerodynamic drag is reduced, then vehicle range increases, but wheel weight and stiffness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is implemented as a thin-walled aerodynamic shell that provides drag reduction without significant weight penalty. The shell structure achieves aerodynamic benefits while maintaining low mass through optimized wall thickness and geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing utilizes composite material construction that provides high strength-to-weight ratio and optimized aerodynamic properties. This allows the fairing to reduce drag effectively while contributing minimal weight to the overall wheel assembly.
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 fairing reduces aerodynamic drag, enhancing the vehicle's range and performance while maintaining downforce, enabling high-speed travel and racing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The fairing reduces aerodynamic drag, enhancing the vehicle's range and performance while maintaining downforce
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a member (5) capable of rotating around an axis (A); a tyre (7) angularly integral to said member (5) around the axis (A); a fairing (20) arranged so as to cover said tyre (7) and angularly fixed with respect to the axis (A); the fairing (20) comprises, in turn, a first half-fairing (21) and a second half-fairing (22) connected to one another in a releasable manner, arranged so as to face one another along the axis (A) and arranged so as to cover a first and a second portion (13, 14) of the tyre (7), respectively.