Pivotable Underbody Closure for Aerodynamic Drag and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underbody paneling systems for motor vehicles face issues with aerodynamic efficiency and noise due to permanently open air outlet openings, which also lead to functional impairment from debris entry, especially on rough roads.
Innovation Solution
An underbody paneling system with a pivotable closure element that can be positioned above the opening, allowing it to remain closed for optimal aerodynamics and noise reduction at non-critical temperatures, while opening to release hot air when necessary, and featuring a resilient holding arm design to protect the pivot mechanism from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air outlet opening is permanently open to evacuate hot air, then the temperature control function is improved, but the aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is made dynamically adjustable between closed and open positions, allowing the system to adapt its aerodynamic profile and thermal evacuation capability based on operating conditions. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by providing both low-drag closed state and high-ventilation open state as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the opening parameter (from fully closed to fully open) based on temperature conditions. When the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, the closure element opens to evacuate heat; when moving at high speed, it closes to maintain aerodynamic efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If the closure element is positioned close to the opening for effective sealing, then the sealing performance is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to debris entry in the pivot mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is relocated from a horizontal position near the opening to a vertical position above the opening. This dimensional change positions the pivot mechanism in a cleaner zone above the underbody paneling, away from the debris-prone area, thus maintaining sealing effectiveness while improving reliability by reducing contamination exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding arm with resilient section acts as an intermediary between the closure element and the pivot mechanism. It transmits the closing force while isolating the pivot mechanism from direct exposure to debris, allowing effective sealing without compromising the reliability of the pivot joint.
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 maintains functional reliability and aerodynamic efficiency by preventing debris entry and reducing noise, while ensuring the closure element's mobility and functionality even in dirty conditions, thereby enhancing the vehicle's performance on rough roads.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one holding arm is designed to be resilient and/or has at least one resiliently deformable section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an underbody cladding for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one underbody cladding part (10), which can be arranged below a region of the motor vehicle and which has at least one outflow opening (14) for air from the region, and comprising at least one closing element (16), which can be moved in relation to the underbody cladding part (10) between a blocking position, in which at least a partial area of the opening (14) is closed, and at least one open position, in which the partial area is uncovered, wherein the closing element (16) can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the blocking position and the open position.