Variable Air Hole Flap for Brake Cooling and Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs face a trade-off between aerodynamic performance and brake cooling, as air holes intended for cooling can degrade aerodynamic efficiency, and existing solutions do not dynamically adjust to optimize performance based on driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable air hole covering flap device that selectively opens or closes air holes in a wheel deflector or undercover using a magnetic towing part and controller, adjusting power based on brake temperature, brake pedal operation, and vehicle speed to prioritize cooling or aerodynamic performance as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air holes are formed in the wheel deflector and undercover for brake cooling, then brake cooling performance is improved, but aerodynamic performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable air hole covering flap device that can dynamically open or close air holes based on driving conditions. The flap is controlled by a controller that receives signals from sensors (temperature sensor, brake pedal sensor, vehicle speed sensor) and adjusts the air hole opening state accordingly. This allows the system to adapt between brake cooling mode (flap open) and aerodynamic performance mode (flap closed) rather than maintaining a fixed state, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and aerodynamic efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the air hole is kept closed to maintain aerodynamic performance, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but brake cooling performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between closed and open states of the air hole covering flap based on real-time driving conditions. When cooling is not needed (normal driving), the flap remains closed to maintain aerodynamic performance. When cooling is required (high temperature, sudden braking, rapid deceleration), the controller opens the flap to allow air flow to the brake. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system state dependent on actual cooling needs rather than being permanently fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors that continuously monitor brake temperature, brake pedal operation status, and vehicle speed. The controller processes these feedback signals and adjusts the flap position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the air hole is closed during normal operation to maintain aerodynamics, and only opened when the feedback indicates cooling is necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and cooling performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed air hole structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different driving conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a fixed air hole structure into a dynamic one by adding a controllable flap mechanism. The flap can be opened or closed based on driving conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing. The flap structure includes a first flap portion and a second flap portion connected by a hinge, with a towing part for actuation. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different driving conditions (cooling needed vs. aerodynamics prioritized) without excessive manufacturing 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 device dynamically optimizes aerodynamic and brake cooling performance by opening air holes only when brake cooling is necessary, improving both efficiency and cooling performance during high-demand conditions while maintaining aerodynamic performance otherwise.
Implementation Method 1
a towing part configured to selectively generate a magnetic force toward the second end portion of the second flap
Implementation Method 2
When the operation of the towing part is released, the second flap and the first flap may be folded and the air hole may be blocked due to air resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A variable air hole covering flap device is provided and selectively opens or closes an air hole formed in a wheel deflector or a wheel cover to allow air to be introduced toward a brake. The air hole is opened only when brake cooling of a vehicle is more necessary than aerodynamic performance of the vehicle to properly control the aerodynamic performance and the brake cooling performance of the vehicle as necessary.