Vehicle Underbody Shiftable Flap for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle underbody designs with openings in the rear axle links create aerodynamically unfavorable air vortices due to incomplete coverage, which negatively impact the drag coefficient during normal driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A shiftable flap mechanism is integrated into the underbody paneling, utilizing a force accumulator like a leaf spring to temporarily open the opening for rear axle link movement, ensuring the flap is closed in most operating conditions to enhance aerodynamics, with a rotatable design and labyrinth seal configuration for improved airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If openings are provided in the underbody paneling for rear axle link movement, then the rear axle link can be deflected during chassis movements or platform lifting, but air vortices are generated and aerodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust between open and closed positions based on operating conditions. The flap can pivot between a closed position (reducing aerodynamic drag during normal driving) and an open position (allowing rear axle link movement during chassis adjustments or platform lifting), thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and aerodynamic performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening is kept closed to improve aerodynamics, then drag coefficient improves, but rear axle link cannot extend through the opening when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The force accumulator (spring) is pre-loaded to automatically push the flap into the closed position during normal driving conditions, improving aerodynamics without requiring active control. When the rear axle link needs to extend, the link itself exerts force to push the flap open against the spring's restoring force, making the system self-regulating based on operational needs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flap mechanism is added to cover the opening, then aerodynamics improve when closed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed as a simple planar panel that pivots on a hinge axis, using a thin flexible structure rather than a complex mechanical assembly. This simple flap design, combined with the force accumulator, provides effective aerodynamic sealing while minimizing structural complexity and construction space requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the flap is held open by a force accumulator, then rear axle link can move freely, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates during normal driving
Solution Approach 1:
The flap transitions from a static open or closed state to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts its position. During normal driving, the force accumulator pushes the flap closed to minimize drag. When the rear axle link needs to move (such as during chassis movements or platform lifting), the link exerts sufficient force to push the flap open against the accumulator's restoring force, allowing free movement only when necessary.
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 significantly improves aerodynamics by maintaining a closed underbody configuration during typical driving conditions, reducing air turbulence and enhancing the vehicle's drag coefficient, while allowing for necessary movement clearance during specific situations.
Implementation Method 1
At least one force accumulator (9) is arranged between the flap (4) and the underbody (1), which acts upon the flap (4) in such a manner that the flap (4) closes the opening (3)
Implementation Method 2
The force accumulator may be a leaf spring that is coupled to the flap and to the underbody paneling or to the vehicle underbody
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle underbody (1) has an underbody paneling (6) with at least one opening (3) for the at least temporary extension of a rear axle link (5) therethrough. The opening (3) is covered by a shiftable flap (4) and at least one a force accumulator (9) that biases the flap (4) toward a position for covering the opening (3). The flap (4) can be shifted counter to a restoring force of the force accumulator (9) to at least temporarily open the opening (3).