Two-Part Air Inlet Flaps for Drag Reduction and Sensor Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air inlet arrangements for vehicles fail to maximize drag reduction and often restrict air supply due to limitations in flap design, particularly in terms of size and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
An air inlet arrangement featuring adjustable, two-part air flaps that can open and close to optimize air flow and aerodynamics, with a control system to adjust based on vehicle conditions, and an environmental sensor protection mechanism, allowing for flexible air supply and reduced drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a single-part air flap is used to close the air inlet opening, then the air inlet arrangement can achieve good aerodynamics in closed position, but the depth of the air inlet arrangement becomes large requiring more construction space
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap is divided into two separate flap elements that can move independently. This segmentation allows each element to be positioned more efficiently, reducing the overall depth required while maintaining the ability to close the air inlet opening effectively. The two elements work together to achieve the same aerodynamic benefit as a single-part flap but with reduced construction space requirements.
2Length of moving object
If small air flaps are used in the air inlet arrangement, then the construction space is reduced, but the air supply capability is restricted and maximum drag reduction cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap elements are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic control of the air inlet opening area. This enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions, maximizing air supply capability when needed while maintaining compact construction. The adjustability allows the flaps to open fully for maximum airflow or close for drag reduction, overcoming the limitations of small fixed flaps.
3Productivity
If the air flap is designed to open completely for maximum air supply, then air supply capability is improved, but the viewing area of environmental sensors is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap is segmented into two independent elements that can be controlled separately. This allows one element to be positioned to maintain sensor viewing area while the other element opens to provide air supply. The segmentation enables selective operation where each flap element can serve different functions simultaneously, resolving the conflict between air supply and sensor visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the air inlet arrangement can have different flap element configurations. One flap element can be positioned to preserve the viewing area for environmental sensors located in specific regions, while another element opens to allow air supply. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both air supply capability and sensor functionality in different areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An air inlet arrangement of a front fairing of a vehicle includes an air inlet element having at least one air inlet opening, and at least one adjustable air flap which is movable into an open position and into a closed position. The air flap in the open position opens up the air inlet opening and in the closed position closes the air inlet opening. The air flap is formed in two parts with two flap elements which are adjustable in an opposed manner.