Vehicle Aerodynamic Regulation with Upstream Spoiler Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle aerodynamic resistance systems, particularly in sports cars, face challenges with complex and cumbersome actuators that are subjected to high stresses due to large rear wings, necessitating a simpler and more efficient system for regulating aerodynamic resistance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a first and second aerodynamic element, where the second element is mounted upstream and movable to deflect air flow, reducing load on the first element by modifying flow direction and quantity, with an actuator to switch configurations based on temperature or other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large rear wing is used to increase downforce, then the vehicle can hold the road better, but the load on the actuators increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic system is divided into two separate elements: a first aerodynamic element (rear wing) that generates downforce, and a second aerodynamic element (spoiler flap) that controls airflow. This segmentation allows the rear wing to be optimized for downforce without requiring the actuator to handle the full aerodynamic load, as the spoiler flap assists in flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The second aerodynamic element (spoiler flap) acts as an intermediary between the airflow and the first aerodynamic element (rear wing). By positioning the spoiler flap upstream, it modifies the airflow characteristics before the air reaches the rear wing, reducing the effective load on the rear wing actuator while maintaining overall aerodynamic performance.
2Strength
If the rear wing size is increased to improve aerodynamic performance, then downforce is enhanced, but the actuators are subjected to high stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The second aerodynamic element (spoiler flap) performs preliminary action by modifying the airflow upstream before it reaches the first aerodynamic element (rear wing). This preliminary flow conditioning reduces the effective aerodynamic load on the rear wing, allowing the actuator to operate with reduced stress while maintaining overall aerodynamic performance.
3Device complexity
If a fixed profile rear wing is used, then the structure is simple, but the aerodynamic resistance cannot be regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a movable second aerodynamic element (spoiler flap) that can change position between different configurations. This dynamic element allows the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle to be adjusted in real-time, providing adaptability for different driving conditions while keeping the main rear wing structure relatively simple and fixed.
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 system provides better control over downforce and aerodynamic resistance, reducing actuator load and enabling efficient cooling management, while maintaining performance across various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The second aerodynamic element has an aerodynamic surface which is movable between a non-operating configuration, where the aerodynamic surface allows the air flow to be directed towards the first aerodynamic element and leaves the air flow undisturbed, and an operating configuration, where it at least partly deflects an air flow flowing over the first surface and directed towards the first aerodynamic element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a regulating system (100) for regulating an aerodynamic resistance, where the regulating system (100) comprises: - a first aerodynamic element (10) disposed in a rear portion of the vehicl5 - a second aerodynamic element (20), coupled to a first surface (3) of the vehicle and disposed upstream of the first aerodynamic element (10) in a vehicle advancing direction, the second aerodynamic element (20) being spaced from the first element (10), the second aerodynamic element (20) having an aerodynamic surface (21) which is movable between an operating configuration (C1), where it at least partly deflects an air flow (F) flowing over the first surface (3) and directed towards the first aerodynamic element (10), and a non-operating configuration (C2), where the aerodynamic surface (21) allows the air flow (F) to be directed towards the first aerodynamic element (10) and leaves the air flow (F) undisturbed, the regulating system (100) comprising an actuator (30) configured to move the aerodynamic surface (21) from the operating configuration (C1) to the non-operating configuration (C2) and vice versa.