Vehicle Airflow Guiding System for Dynamic Aerodynamic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airflow guiding systems for vehicles lack controllability over aerodynamic properties, particularly in adjusting driving characteristics and aerodynamic drag, especially when a vertically oriented airflow is not necessary.

Innovation Solution

An airflow guiding system comprising at least one air inlet, multiple air outlets, an air channel arrangement, and an airflow adjustment device that can variably adjust airflow through each outlet, allowing for flexible control of airflow direction and strength based on predefined vehicle parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a vertically oriented airflow is generated to improve traction, then driving characteristics are improved, but aerodynamic drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetractionVSAvoidaerodynamic drag
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow guiding system employs adjustable flaps and movable channel members that can dynamically change the airflow direction from vertical to horizontal based on driving conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between generating downforce for traction and reducing aerodynamic drag, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the flow direction parameter of the airflow from vertical orientation (for traction) to horizontal orientation (for drag reduction). By varying this parameter based on predefined vehicle parameters, the system can optimize performance for different driving situations, eliminating the need to maintain a fixed vertical airflow configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If external control surfaces such as spoilers or wings are used to reduce aerodynamic drag, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidaerodynamic control surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the airflow control function with the existing vehicle body structure by integrating air channels and control surfaces into the vehicle's body panels. This merging eliminates the need for separate external spoilers or wings, reducing device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The air channel arrangement serves multiple functions: it guides airflow for drag reduction, generates downforce when needed, and can be adjusted based on various driving conditions. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple dedicated external control surfaces, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If airflow direction is fixed vertically to generate downforce, then driving characteristics are improved, but adaptability to different driving situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedownforceVSAvoidaerodynamic control
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates adjustable flaps and movable channel members that can dynamically change airflow direction from vertical to horizontal based on real-time driving conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to various situations such as high-speed cruising, cornering, or rainy conditions, greatly enhancing versatility while maintaining downforce generation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system improves controllability of aerodynamic characteristics by enabling flexible selection of air outlets for generating desired airflow strengths and directions, reducing the need for external airflow control surfaces and enhancing driving characteristics and aerodynamic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an air channel arrangement that fluidically connects the at least one air inlet and the air outlets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

an airflow adjustment device that is configured to variably adjust an air flow that passes through each of the air outlets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow adjustment:

Data Source

PatentEP4570632A1Airflow guiding system for a vehicle and vehicle comprising an airflow guiding system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 WUHAN LOTUS CARS CO LTD
  • EP4570632A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4570632A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4570632A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (10) and to an airflow guiding system (12) for a vehicle (10), the airflow guiding system (12) comprising: at least one air inlet (14) and at least two air outlets (22, 24), wherein the air inlet (14) and the air outlets (22, 24) each face the surroundings of the vehicle (10); an air channel arrangement (16) that fluidically connects the at least one air inlet (14) and the air outlets (22, 24); and an airflow adjustment device (30) that is configured to variably adjust an air flow passing through each of the air outlets (22, 24).