Upward-Inclined Vehicle Bottom Vortex Structure for Lower Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles face a conflict between achieving optimal aerodynamic resistance and maintaining a sufficient departure angle for maneuverability over non-flat surfaces due to design constraints such as rear trunks and ground clearance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle bottom structure featuring an upwards-inclined vortex part that generates a bottom air vortex, guiding airflow to reduce aerodynamic resistance while ensuring the structure remains above the departure line, thus allowing maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle adopts a teardrop-like shape to minimize aerodynamic resistance, then the aerodynamic resistance is reduced, but the departure angle becomes insufficient for maneuverability over non-flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom structure is divided into multiple functional segments: a flat front portion for aerodynamic flow, an inclined middle portion for generating the vortex effect, and a rear portion for flow management. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function while collectively resolving the contradiction between aerodynamics and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined vortex part acts as an intermediary element that generates a controlled air vortex to mediate between the flat bottom surface and the airflow. This vortex mediator allows the bottom structure to maintain a larger departure angle for maneuverability while still achieving favorable aerodynamic characteristics through the vortex-induced flow attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the bottom structure is raised to ensure sufficient ground clearance for non-flat surfaces, then the departure angle is improved, but the aerodynamic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by generating a controlled air vortex through the inclined vortex part. This vortex creates a region of altered pressure and flow characteristics that allows the raised bottom structure to maintain favorable aerodynamic performance despite the increased departure angle required for ground clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined vortex part changes the flow parameters of the air passing beneath the vehicle by creating a vortex structure. This parameter change in the airflow (from laminar to rotational flow) allows the bottom structure to operate effectively at higher positions for ground clearance while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency through the modified flow regime.
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 effectively reduces aerodynamic resistance and maintains a favorable departure angle, enhancing the vehicle's driving range and maneuverability on non-flat surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom structure is adapted to, when the vehicle is moving forward, generate a bottom air vortex below the vortex part
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle comprising a bottom structure arranged at a bottom rear side of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is an automobile for use on public roads, wherein the bottom structure: comprises at least a vortex part which is inclined upwards when seen in a direction from a front end of the vehicle to a rear end of the vehicle, wherein the vortex part covers substantially the width of the vehicle, and is adapted to, when the vehicle is moving forward, generate an bottom air vortex below the vortex part.