Underfloor Panel V-Shaped Projections Airflow Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underbody panel designs for vehicles do not effectively reduce air resistance and noise while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency, particularly in the area of the vehicle floor.
Innovation Solution
The underbody paneling features V-shaped and/or U-shaped formations with closed sides facing the airflow, deflecting air flow and creating a lower pressure area, with formations arranged to maximize air deflection and minimize noise, and air guiding webs to control airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the underbody paneling uses a flat surface design, then the manufacturing is simple, but the air resistance is high and aerodynamic performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surface formations (V-shaped and U-shaped contours) on the underbody paneling to deflect airflow smoothly. These curved geometries reduce turbulence and air resistance compared to flat surfaces, while still being manufacturable using standard forming processes for plastic panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface geometry parameters by introducing specific V-shaped and U-shaped formations with defined depths and spacing. These parameter changes optimize airflow characteristics and reduce drag coefficient without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the underbody paneling uses complex aerodynamic shapes, then the air resistance is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the underbody paneling surface into multiple identical V-shaped and U-shaped formation units arranged in rows. This segmentation allows the complex aerodynamic function to be achieved through repetition of simple, standardized geometric elements that are easier to manufacture individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the formations (depth, width, spacing, angle) to achieve effective airflow deflection. By carefully selecting these parameters, the patent balances aerodynamic performance with manufacturability, avoiding excessive complexity while maintaining drag reduction benefits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the underbody paneling has a closed surface design, then the aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the structural stiffness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized rigidening elements at specific positions where the V-shaped and U-shaped formations are formed. These local reinforcements maintain structural stiffness in critical areas while allowing the overall closed surface design to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The rigidening elements are strategically placed to counteract potential weakness points without compromising the aerodynamic flow.
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 design significantly reduces air resistance and noise by deflecting airflow and discharging it laterally, enhancing aerodynamic performance and structural stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
Air flow is deflected at each formation by the closed side of the V or U shape
Implementation Method 2
developing a lower air pressure below the underbody paneling
Implementation Method 3
expanding the air flow and developing a lower air pressure below the underbody paneling
Data Source
AI summary
An underbody panel for covering a vehicle floor on its downward-facing outer side, wherein the underbody panel has a surface (1) with V-shaped and/or U-shaped projections (2) on its downward-facing outer side in the installed position, wherein the closed sides (3) of the V-shaped and/or U-shaped projections (2) are each facing the intended airflow (4).