Variable Aerodynamic Wing with Segmented Width for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle aerodynamic devices often generate higher drag due to disruptions in rearward airflow, which can affect their performance, and there is a need for a more efficient variable aerodynamic system that optimizes downforce and drag reduction.
Innovation Solution
A variable aerodynamic device with a wing divided into a middle region and outer regions, where the middle region has a reduced width relative to the outer regions, allowing the wing to be raised or lowered to minimize drag in disrupted airflow areas and maximize downforce in less disrupted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the aerodynamic device uses wings that stand proud of the vehicle to generate higher downforce, then downforce is improved, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple sections (first wing section, second wing section, third wing section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows different portions of the wing to be positioned optimally - some sections can stand proud to generate downforce while other sections remain flush to minimize drag, resolving the contradiction between downforce generation and drag reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The wing sections are made movable rather than fixed, allowing the aerodynamic device to dynamically adjust its configuration. The sections can change their relative positions to adapt to different driving conditions, transitioning between a deployed configuration (for downforce) and a retracted configuration (for drag reduction), thus resolving the static trade-off between downforce and drag
2Force
If the aerodynamic device is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, then downforce can be generated, but disrupted rearward airflow reduces performance
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wing into multiple independently movable sections, the device can selectively position only the necessary portions in the disrupted rearward airflow zone to generate downforce, while keeping other sections positioned to minimize the negative impact of airflow disruption, thus maintaining reliable aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the wing can be positioned at different locations and angles to match the local airflow conditions at each position. This allows the aerodynamic device to optimize performance locally in each region, accounting for variations in airflow quality across the rear of the vehicle
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 reduces drag in areas with disrupted airflow while maintaining effective downforce generation in areas with less disrupted airflow, improving overall aerodynamic performance by varying the wing's width and shape to match airflow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the wing having a reduced width within the middle region relative to the outer regions, and the wing forming part of an outer surface of the vehicle body when the variable aerodynamic device is in the lowered configuration and raised from the vehicle body when the variable aerodynamic device is in the raised configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body having a rear; and a variable aerodynamic device positioned at the rear of the vehicle body and being moveable between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, the variable aerodynamic device comprising: a wing divided along its length into a middle region and outer regions to either side of the middle region, the wing having a reduced width within the middle region relative to the outer regions, and the wing forming part of an outer surface of the vehicle body when the variable aerodynamic device is in the lowered configuration and raised from the vehicle body when the variable aerodynamic device is in the raised configuration.