Vehicle Airflow Control Device for Aerodynamic Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle airflow control devices that combine wheel shutters and engine compartment shutters to improve fuel efficiency at high speeds lead to increased air pressure, causing lift and instability in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle airflow control device with a wheel shutter and a grille shutter device, actuated by a control mechanism that adjusts the open and closed positions based on vehicle speed and engine compartment air flow states to prevent lift and optimize fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the wheel shutter is moved to the closed position to suppress airflow from the vehicle wheel opening, then air resistance is reduced and fuel consumption efficiency is improved, but air pressure in the engine compartment and wheel house increases causing lift and vehicle instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wheel shutter movable between open and closed positions based on vehicle operating conditions. The control mechanism dynamically adjusts the wheel shutter position according to vehicle speed and driving state, allowing the system to optimize aerodynamic performance at high speeds while maintaining stability during acceleration and deceleration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using the control mechanism to anticipate and prepare for changes in vehicle state. The control mechanism determines the appropriate wheel shutter position based on current vehicle speed and driving state, proactively adjusting airflow control before instability can occur during transitions between driving phases.
2Temperature
If the shutter device is brought into the open state to cool the radiator in the engine compartment, then cooling performance is improved, but air pressure increases causing lift and vehicle instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wheel shutter movable between open and closed positions based on vehicle operating conditions. The control mechanism dynamically adjusts the wheel shutter position according to vehicle speed and driving state, allowing the system to optimize aerodynamic performance at high speeds while maintaining stability during acceleration and deceleration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using the control mechanism to anticipate and prepare for changes in vehicle state. The control mechanism determines the appropriate wheel shutter position based on current vehicle speed and driving state, proactively adjusting airflow control before instability can occur during transitions between driving phases.
3Temperature
If the wheel shutter is kept in the open state to allow airflow for brake cooling, then brake cooling effect is maintained, but air resistance increases and fuel consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wheel shutter movable between open and closed positions based on vehicle operating conditions. The control mechanism dynamically adjusts the wheel shutter position according to vehicle speed and driving state, allowing the system to optimize aerodynamic performance at high speeds while maintaining stability during acceleration and deceleration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the wheel shutter position based on vehicle speed and driving state parameters. The control mechanism adjusts the shutter position to optimize the balance between brake cooling requirements and aerodynamic performance, transitioning between open and closed states based on real-time operating conditions.
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 effectively balances air pressure and reduces lift, enhancing aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency by dynamically controlling airflow through the vehicle wheel and engine compartment.
Implementation Method 1
this airflow interferes with air flowing along the sides of the vehicle on the outer sides of the vehicle wheels, and serves as air resistance to lower the aerodynamic performance
Implementation Method 2
The air flowing around a traveling vehicle includes the air entering the engine compartment from the bumper at the front of the vehicle, and passes through the openings of the vehicle wheels to flow along the sides of the vehicle. When the vehicle travels, this airflow offers a brake cooling effect.
Implementation Method 3
The combination of these devices, however, abruptly increases the air pressure in the engine compartment, the wheel house, or the like if the shutter device is brought into the open state to cool the radiator or the like in the engine compartment with the opening of the vehicle wheel in the closed state. As a result, lift acts on the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle airflow control device includes: a wheel shutter that is provided to a vehicle wheel, and is movable by a driving mechanism between an open position at which an opening between spokes of the vehicle wheel is brought into an open state and a closed position at which the opening is brought into a closed state; a shutter device that is provided to an introduction path of an air into an engine compartment, and is switchable between an open state in which an air is permitted to be introduced and a closed state in which an introduction of an air is blocked; and a control mechanism that actuates the driving mechanism to move the wheel shutter to either one of the open position and the closed position in accordance with the open and closed states of the shutter device.