Underbody Strake Design for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs face challenges in reducing drag coefficient (Cd) without using a front air dam, which limits styling freedom and ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
The use of underbody aerodynamic strakes, specifically designed to direct oncoming air around vehicle wheels, with sections that curve inward and rearward to channel airflow past the inboard side and under the body, effectively reducing drag without an air dam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a front air dam is used to reduce drag coefficient, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but styling freedom and ground clearance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the aerodynamic function into two separate components: a minimal front air dam for basic flow management and underbody strakes for primary drag reduction. This segmentation allows the air dam to be small and unobtrusive while the strakes handle the main aerodynamic work, preserving styling freedom while achieving drag reduction goals
Solution Approach 2:
The underbody strakes act as intermediary elements that manage airflow underneath the vehicle body. By introducing these intermediate aerodynamic features, the patent achieves effective drag reduction without requiring a large front air dam that would compromise styling or ground clearance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a front air dam is used to reduce drag coefficient, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic function is segmented between a minimal front air dam and extended underbody strakes. The strakes are positioned to extend rearward from the front air dam, providing effective drag reduction while maintaining a small profile at the front that preserves ground clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the aerodynamic solution from a primarily vertical dimension (tall front air dam) to a horizontal dimension (extended underbody strakes reaching rearward). This dimensional shift allows drag reduction to be achieved through rearward extension rather than upward height, preserving ground clearance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If underbody strakes are designed to direct air around wheels, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody strakes are designed to perform multiple aerodynamic functions simultaneously: directing airflow around the wheels, managing flow under the vehicle body, and working in conjunction with the front air dam. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate aerodynamic components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 strakes achieve a comparable drag reduction to a front air dam, enhancing aerodynamics while increasing styling freedom and ground clearance by directing airflow efficiently around the vehicle wheels.
Implementation Method 1
The strake may include a first section that may curve inward and rearward around the structure and that may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the second side
Data Source
AI summary
A strake may direct air around a structure that moves in a forward direction and that has a first side and a second side. The strake may include a first section that may curve inward and rearward around the structure and that may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the second side. The strake may include a second section that may be positioned further in the forward direction than a portion of the structure and may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the first or second side.