Tunnel Lining With Expanding Channel For Cooling Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tunnel linings in motor vehicles increase air resistance and impede cooling air flow due to direct discharge of cooling air onto vehicle components, affecting driving characteristics and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel lining with a central channel that gradually increases in cross-section from the front to the rear, deflecting cooling air flow to reduce resistance and improve airflow, featuring a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped design with a larger second channel cross-section than the first, allowing for efficient deflection and fanning out of cooling air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is discharged directly through the front wheel wells and exhaust tunnel, then the cooling function is achieved, but the air resistance increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel lining is divided into multiple sections (front section, rear section, side sections) with different channel cross-sections. The front section has a smaller cross-section to maintain cooling efficiency, while the rear section has a larger cross-section to reduce air resistance and allow smoother airflow discharge, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the tunnel lining have different local characteristics - the front section is designed for effective cooling air extraction with smaller cross-section, while the rear section is designed for reduced resistance with larger cross-section. This local differentiation optimizes both cooling performance and energy efficiency.
2Temperature
If cooling air is discharged directly onto vehicle components, then the cooling air flow is achieved, but the air resistance increases affecting handling
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel lining channels cooling air through a structured path with progressively increasing cross-sections, directing airflow away from vehicle components in the rear section. This segmentation of the airflow path ensures cooling effectiveness while preventing air resistance buildup that would affect vehicle handling.
3Temperature
If a plate-shaped tunnel lining is used to direct cooling air, then the cooling air direction is improved, but the air resistance increases and cooling air flow through radiator is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel lining is segmented into front and rear sections with different cross-sectional areas. The front section maintains directional control of cooling air, while the rear section expands to reduce resistance and improve overall airflow throughput, thereby increasing cooling air flow through the radiator.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel lining transitions from a two-dimensional plate shape to a three-dimensional structure with varying cross-sections. This dimensional change allows the lining to both direct cooling air effectively in the front section and reduce air resistance by expanding in the rear section, improving overall cooling air flow.
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
Reduces overall air resistance, enhances cooling air flow through the engine compartment, and improves driving characteristics by minimizing the cooling air's interaction with vehicle components, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first channel cross-section of the central channel in the front lining section is smaller than a second channel cross-section of the central channel in the rear lining section of the tunnel lining
Implementation Method 2
allowing for efficient deflection and fanning out of cooling air
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tunnel lining (1) for covering a tunnel section (2a) of an exhaust tunnel (2) of an underbody (3) of a motor vehicle (4) for the purpose of flow control of the motor vehicle (4). The tunnel lining has a lining section (1a) at the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction (L) and a lining section (1b) at the rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction (L). Furthermore, the tunnel lining (1) has a bottom wall (5) facing the underbody (3) when installed, and at least two side walls (6) arranged on the bottom wall (5). A central channel (7) is bounded by the side walls (6) and the bottom wall (5), wherein a first channel cross-section (7a) of the central channel (7) in the front lining section (1a) is smaller than a second channel cross-section (7b) of the central channel (7) in the rear lining section (1b) of the tunnel lining (1).Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle (4) which has a tunnel lining (1) according to the invention.