Vehicle Surface Fin Channels for Flow Resistance Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs face challenges in reducing flow resistance, leading to increased energy consumption and environmental impact, particularly at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A structural element comprising a main fin and secondary fins arranged to form channels with changing cross-sections, which alters the flow velocity of fluids and reduces flow resistance by generating a suction or injector effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vehicle shape is optimized for low flow resistance, then flow resistance is reduced, but the transport volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the vehicle surface into multiple segments with different structural elements (protrusions and recesses) arranged in specific patterns. These segmented structures work together to reduce flow resistance while maintaining the overall vehicle shape and transport volume, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic optimization and cargo space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different surface structures (protrusions and recesses) to different local areas of the vehicle surface. By optimizing the local flow characteristics at each position, the overall flow resistance is reduced without requiring a complete redesign of the vehicle shape, thus preserving transport volume while improving energy efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple localized elevations or depressions are used to reduce flow resistance, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the reduction in flow resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple structural elements (protrusions and recesses) into a coordinated pattern rather than using isolated features. This merging of elements creates a synergistic effect that significantly enhances flow resistance reduction compared to simple individual elevations or depressions, while still maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surface structure by combining protruding and recessed elements in specific arrangements. This composite approach to surface geometry produces superior flow control effects compared to single-type structures, achieving greater energy efficiency while remaining manufacturable through conventional processes.
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 structural element effectively reduces flow resistance and energy consumption by optimizing fluid flow behavior around vehicles, while being simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The change in the channel cross-section produces an effect on the fluid that is comparable to the effect of a pipe through which the fluid flows and whose internal diameter changes. According to a Venturi nozzle, for example, if the cross-section of the pipe is tapered, the flow velocity behind the taper increases, while the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid decreases at the same time.
Implementation Method 2
if the cross-section of the pipe is tapered, the flow velocity behind the taper increases, while the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid decreases at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
A structural element for attachment to an outer skin of a vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle, a passenger car, a rail vehicle, an aircraft and/or a watercraft, includes a main fin and a first and a second secondary fin. These secondary fins are arranged next to the main fin such that a first channel is formed between the first secondary fin and the main fin and a second channel is formed between the second secondary fin and the main fin. The first channel and the second channel each have a change in cross-section such that when a fluid flows through the first channel or the second channel, a change in the flow velocity of the fluid occurs. In this way, the flow behavior of a fluid around the vehicle can be influenced and the flow resistance acting on the vehicle can be effectively reduced.