Under-engine Screen V-Profile Vent for Vehicle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under-engine screens for motor vehicles do not maintain a homogeneous air flow under the entire vehicle, leading to reduced stability and aerodynamic benefits due to the disruption caused by the rotation of front wheels, which deviates airflow and creates lift.
Innovation Solution
An under-engine screen with a transverse V-shaped vent profile between its side fairing elements, positioned to deflect airflow and maintain a laminar flow by reducing the distance between the screen and the ground, counteracting the influence of the front wheels and stabilizing the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a flat underbody platform is used to create uniform airflow, then aerodynamic properties are improved through ground effect, but the airflow becomes disrupted by front wheel rotation creating lift and reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody shield is divided into multiple functional zones: a front part extending before the front wheels, a rear part at the level of the front wheels, and intermediate sections. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific airflow patterns and wheel interference effects locally, maintaining overall aerodynamic efficiency while stabilizing the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates localized features at critical positions: a vent with a transverse V-shaped profile in the front part to manage airflow before wheel rotation, and a neck feature at the rear part to control airflow after wheel passage. These local modifications address specific airflow disruption zones without compromising the overall flat underbody design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the underbody shield is positioned low to maximize ground effect, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but heat dissipation from engine compartment and exhaust system is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is segmented into a lower fairing element and side fairing elements, creating distinct zones for aerodynamic function and thermal management. The lower fairing maintains close clearance for ground effect, while side fairing elements provide pathways for heat dissipation from the engine compartment and exhaust system.
Solution Approach 2:
The side fairing elements act as intermediary structures that facilitate heat transfer from the engine compartment and exhaust system to the surrounding environment, while still maintaining the low profile needed for aerodynamic performance. These elements serve as thermal pathways without compromising the shield's position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a vent with transverse V-shaped profile is added to the lower fairing, then airflow is deflected and laminar flow is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent with transverse V-shaped profile is localized to the front part of the lower fairing, where it specifically addresses airflow disruption before the front wheels. This localized modification maintains laminar flow in the critical front region without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire shield structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped profile of the vent introduces an asymmetric geometry that effectively directs airflow away from the centerline and towards the side fairing elements. This asymmetric design efficiently creates laminar flow patterns and prevents turbulence without requiring symmetric complex structures on both sides.
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 solution enhances aerodynamic performance by maintaining a laminar airflow and improving stability by deflecting airflow towards the side fairing elements, reducing lift and optimizing the aerodynamic effect.
Implementation Method 1
the vent has a transverse V-shaped profile between its two lateral fairing elements... the vent is intended to be positioned at least in front of the front wheels of the vehicle... the V-shaped transverse profile of the vent forces a bend in the airflow deflected by the front wheels
Implementation Method 2
This uniform airflow under the vehicle improves its aerodynamic properties through ground effect, reducing drag and lift
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an under-engine screen (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a lower fairing element (11) laterally delimited by side fairing elements (8, 9). The lower fairing element (11) comprises a front portion intended to extend in front of the front wheels of the motor vehicle, and a rear portion intended to be located at the front wheels of the motor vehicle. At least at the front portion of the lower fairing element (11), the lower fairing element (11) comprises a vent (16). In the under-engine screen (2) according to the first aspect of the invention, the vent (16) protrudes from the front portion of the lower fairing element (11) in a transverse V-profile (26, 27) and between the two side fairing elements (8, 9) of the under-engine screen (2).