Vehicle Under-Body Aerodynamic Panel with Speed-Adaptive Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic devices for vehicles are complex and costly, lacking a simple and functional structure that can be easily integrated into vehicles without them, while also efficiently generating a negative pressure effect for improved aerodynamics at high speeds and accommodating low-speed and irregular road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spring-biased panel structure with a leaf spring and winding shaft mechanism, combined with an electric motor-controlled shutter panel for ventilation, allows the main panel to adjust between raised and lowered positions based on vehicle speed, ensuring optimal aerodynamic performance and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex aerodynamic device structure is used to ensure reliable aerodynamic effect, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device is segmented into functionally independent components: a main panel for aerodynamic effect, a front spoiler for flow management, and a shutter panel for ventilation control. Each component can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing simplified individual designs that collectively achieve reliable aerodynamic performance without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic positioning capabilities where panels can adjust between raised and lowered positions based on operating conditions. The main panel and front spoiler can be independently positioned to optimize aerodynamic effects at different speeds, while the shutter panel dynamically opens or closes to provide ventilation when needed. This dynamic adaptability ensures reliable aerodynamic performance across varying conditions without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
2Reliability
If the panel structure is maintained in lowered position for aerodynamic effect, then negative pressure generation is improved, but ventilation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation function is segmented from the aerodynamic panels by introducing a separate shutter panel that can independently open or close. This allows the main panel and front spoiler to remain in the lowered position for optimal aerodynamic effect while the shutter panel can be opened to provide ventilation when required, eliminating the trade-off between aerodynamic performance and ventilation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter panel acts as an intermediary element between the aerodynamic panels and the external environment. It can be opened to allow air flow for ventilation while the panels maintain their aerodynamic positioning, or closed to preserve the aerodynamic effect. This intermediary component mediates between the conflicting requirements of aerodynamic performance and ventilation without compromising either function.
3Reliability
If the main panel longitudinal length is increased to improve aerodynamic effect, then negative pressure effect is improved, but the device weight and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The main panel is designed with non-uniform dimensions, specifically with a longitudinal length that is 6-7 times greater than the front spoiler length. This localized extension in the critical aerodynamic zone maximizes the negative pressure effect where it is most needed, while avoiding unnecessary material consumption and weight increase in less critical areas. The differential sizing optimizes aerodynamic performance with minimal material usage.
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 provides a cost-effective, efficient aerodynamic device that maintains optimal aerodynamic performance across various conditions, with a simple structure that can be easily installed on vehicles without pre-existing aerodynamic systems, ensuring stability and ventilation when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which biases the main panel towards its lowered position and comprises a leaf spring arranged transversally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the motor-vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor for operating said winding shaft
Implementation Method 3
reducing the gap between the lower surface of the motor-vehicle and the road, in order to generate an aerodynamic effect causing a negative pressure which presses the vehicle onto the road
Implementation Method 4
biased towards its closed position by spring means interposed between the shutter panel and the main panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An aerodynamic device (1) provided under the body of a motor vehicle comprises a panel structure (2) movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The panel structure (2) includes a front spoiler (3) pivoted to the motor-vehicle bumper adjacent to the front edge of the front spoiler, and a main panel (4) having its front edge resting on the rear edge of the front spoiler (3) and its rear edge pivoted to the motor-vehicle structure. The front spoiler (3) is elastically biased upwardly, against the main panel (4). A leaf spring (5) tends to hold the main panel (4), and hence the front spoiler (3) in the lowered position. The device further comprises a winding shaft (7) for winding lifting cables (9) for lifting the main panel (4). The shaft (7) is rotatably mounted around the transverse axis and is controlled by an electric motor (M). The main panel (4) has an aperture (12) controlled by a shutter panel (13) which is moved towards an opened position when the main panel is brought to its raised position, adjacent to the motor-vehicle exhaust conduit.