Underbody Panel Channels for Aerodynamics and Component Cooling

Solution Overview

Problem

The design of a vehicle's underbody faces competing considerations between aerodynamics and cooling of components, as improvements in aerodynamics can reduce airflow and negatively impact cooling, while structural rigidity enhancements can interfere with airflow.

Innovation Solution

A panel assembly is designed to extend cross-vehicle, featuring channels that direct airflow to vehicle components like catalytic converters, enhancing both structural rigidity and cooling by aiming airflow at these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If aerodynamic improvements are made to reduce drag on the underbody, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but airflow across vehicle components is reduced or eliminated, worsening cooling effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidcooling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The underbody panel is segmented to include a channel structure that divides and directs airflow into specific pathways. This segmentation allows the panel to maintain smooth outer surfaces for aerodynamic efficiency while internally directing cooling airflow to specific vehicle components through defined channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel structure acts as an intermediary element between the general airflow and specific vehicle components. It mediates the airflow distribution, guiding cool air from the front of the vehicle through defined pathways to target components like catalytic converters, exhaust manifolds, or brake assemblies, thereby improving cooling without compromising overall aerodynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If structural elements are added to increase cross-vehicle rigidity, then structural rigidity is improved, but these elements interfere with airflow across the underbody, worsening aerodynamics and cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-vehicle rigidityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The structural elements are merged with the underbody panel to form an integrated channel structure. This combination allows the structural components to serve dual purposes: providing cross-vehicle rigidity while simultaneously functioning as airflow channels that direct cooling air to vehicle components, thereby eliminating the need for separate structural elements that would interfere with airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The underbody panel is designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as a structural element for rigidity, an aerodynamic surface for drag reduction, and a cooling system with integrated channels. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions that would traditionally require separate elements, avoiding airflow interference while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If structural elements are added to increase cross-vehicle rigidity, then structural rigidity is improved, but airflow across vehicle components is reduced, worsening cooling effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-vehicle rigidityVSAvoidcooling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The structural elements are merged with the underbody panel to form an integrated channel structure. This combination allows the structural components to serve dual purposes: providing cross-vehicle rigidity while simultaneously functioning as airflow channels that direct cooling air to vehicle components, thereby eliminating the need for separate structural elements that would interfere with airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The underbody panel is designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as a structural element for rigidity, an aerodynamic surface for drag reduction, and a cooling system with integrated channels. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions that would traditionally require separate elements, avoiding airflow interference while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution improves structural rigidity and maintains effective cooling of vehicle components by directing airflow, ensuring efficient operation of components like catalytic converters.

Implementation Method 1

The panel includes a channel elongated along the vehicle-longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a vehicle component spaced vehicle-rearward of the panel, the channel being aimed at the vehicle component.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow direction:

Data Source

PatentUS11945517B2Underbody panel with directed airflow

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An assembly for a vehicle includes a front subframe having two frame rails and a control arm connector on each frame rail. The assembly includes a panel supported on the frame rails and spaced vehicle-rearward of the control arm connector. The panel extends cross-vehicle from one of the frame rails to the other of the frame rails. The panel includes a channel elongated along the vehicle-longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a vehicle component spaced vehicle-rearward of the panel. The channel is aimed at the vehicle component.