Variable Underbody Panelling for Wheel Arch Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle body designs fail to effectively reduce air resistance, particularly in the underbody region, which accounts for approximately 20% of overall air resistance, and struggle to accommodate variable wheel positions in the front axle area.
Innovation Solution
An underbody panelling part with a variable main body that is fixed to the vehicle body and transverse link, featuring flexible sections with accordion-like folds and a fin ray effect, allowing the covering surface to adapt to wheel steering movements, thereby minimizing gap dimensions and optimizing airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the underbody panelling part is made rigid and fixed, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to adapt to variable wheel positions during steering is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody panelling part incorporates a dynamic element that allows it to change its configuration in response to wheel steering movements. The panelling includes a movable section that can pivot or deflect to follow the wheel's angular position, enabling the rigid-looking structure to adapt dynamically to varying wheel positions while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panelling part utilizes flexible materials or thin-walled structures that can elastically deform to accommodate wheel steering. These flexible elements allow the panelling to bend or flex along predetermined lines, enabling adaptation to wheel position changes without compromising the overall structural stability of the underbody coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire underbody panelling part is made rotatable or pivotable, then the adaptability to wheel position is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire panelling part rotatable or pivotable as a single unit, the design segments the panelling into multiple sections. Only specific segments near the wheel arch are designed to move or deflect, while the rest of the panelling remains fixed. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the moving mechanism while maintaining adaptability where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The panelling part implements local adaptability rather than global movement. Specific localized sections of the panelling are designed with flexible or movable characteristics to accommodate wheel steering, while the majority of the panelling surface remains rigid and fixed. This local quality approach reduces overall device complexity by limiting the moving components to only where necessary.
3Ease of manufacture
If the underbody panelling part maintains a fixed position, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the gap dimensions with the wheel during steering are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The panelling incorporates a dynamic response mechanism that automatically adjusts its position or shape in reaction to wheel steering movements. This dynamic adaptation occurs through elastic deformation or controlled pivoting of specific panelling sections, which follow the wheel's angular displacement and maintain optimal gap dimensions without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The panelling part utilizes the wheel's own movement to drive the adaptation of the panelling shape. As the wheel steers, it directly influences the position of the flexible or movable panelling sections through contact or proximity, causing the panelling to self-adjust its configuration to maintain minimal gaps. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators or control systems.
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 air resistance by allowing the underbody panelling part to follow steering movements, maintaining a minimal gap with the wheel, and provides a stable, low-resistance airflow path, potentially reducing the need for a ram lip or improving ventilation without increasing turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
the main body is designed to be flexible, and preferably elastic to a certain extent, for the variation of the covering surface
Implementation Method 2
the variability of the main body of the underbody panelling part is utilized for reversible variation of its covering (and thus flow-guiding) surface
Data Source
AI summary
An underbody panelling part of a wheel axle near the wheel arch of a motor vehicle has a main part, the covering surface of which is variable, and a fastening structure for fixed connection to the body and/or a fastening structure for fixed connection to a transverse link of the motor vehicle. In the mounted state the covering surface can be varied with the steering angle.