Underbody Aerodynamic Body Layout for Lower Pitch Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance vehicles face challenges in aerodynamic design due to limited space under the chassis, leading to high pitch sensitivity, airflow wash, and interference between aerodynamic bodies, which affects control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic system with a mounting structure and aerodynamic bodies fixed to the vehicle's floor, generating vortices and allowing collective movement to reduce pitch sensitivity and airflow interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerodynamic bodies are fitted to the underside of the vehicle to improve aerodynamic control, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but pitch sensitivity increases due to larger moment arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the aerodynamic body mounting location from the front and rear of the vehicle (longitudinal dimension) to the centre of the vehicle in the lateral dimension, specifically inboard of the wheels. This dimensional change reduces the moment arm length while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness through lateral positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple aerodynamic bodies arranged in a array configuration, with at least three bodies spaced laterally across the vehicle width. This array configuration distributes the aerodynamic forces and reduces pitch sensitivity while maintaining overall control effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete aerodynamic bodies are used to improve airflow guidance, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but airflow wash and interference occur between bodies
Solution Approach 1:
Each aerodynamic body in the array is designed with specific local characteristics, including individual angles of attack and orientations, to optimize local airflow guidance while minimizing interference with adjacent bodies. The bodies are positioned and angled to work cooperatively rather than create wash.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic bodies are arranged and oriented to create equipotential flow patterns between them, ensuring uniform airflow distribution across the array. This positioning equalizes the flow conditions around each body, preventing localized wash and interference effects.
3Volume of moving object
If the chassis floor is kept low to maximize cabin space, then cabin space is improved, but space for aerodynamic bodies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal placement of aerodynamic bodies (which requires vertical space) to lateral placement inboard of the wheels (utilizing the lateral dimension). This allows effective aerodynamic body placement without increasing chassis height or reducing cabin space.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic bodies are positioned within the space inboard of the wheel arches, effectively nesting the aerodynamic components within the existing chassis structure. This utilizes otherwise underutilized lateral space without compromising cabin volume.
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 system enhances aerodynamic control by reducing pitch sensitivity, minimizing airflow interference, and improving downforce and drag characteristics through vortex generation and adjustable body configurations.
Implementation Method 1
generating vortices and allowing collective movement to reduce pitch sensitivity and airflow interference
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an aerodynamic system for an underside of a vehicle, the system comprising: an aerodynamic chassis, the aerodynamic chassis comprising a main compartment bounded by a plurality of walls and a floor extending between the walls; and an aerodynamic device, the aerodynamic device comprising: a mounting structure, the mounting structure being fixedly mounted to the floor of the aerodynamic chassis; and an aerodynamic body, the aerodynamic body comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge and at least two outboard edges, the aerodynamic body being fixable to the floor of the aerodynamic chassis by the mounting structure, the mounting structure being located wholly inboard of the outboard edges of the aerodynamic body.