Vehicle Wing with Internal Ducts for Thrust Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wings are heavy, complex, difficult to manufacture and maintain, and worsen aerodynamics and aesthetics due to external ducts and air intakes, while also being inefficient in airflow control and thrust generation.
Innovation Solution
A wing design with compact, aesthetically improved ducts integrated into supports, featuring a valve and actuator system for airflow control, and an electronic control system that adjusts operation based on vehicle parameters detected by sensors, optimizing aerodynamics and reducing weight and assembly risks through shell structures with internal ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external ducts and air intakes are used to control airflow through the wing, then airflow control is achieved, but aerodynamics and aesthetics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air intake function with the existing front air intake of the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate external ducts. The wing's internal ducts connect directly to the vehicle's front air intake, integrating multiple functions into a single structure and improving aerodynamics while maintaining airflow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air intake function from the wing structure itself and relocates it to the vehicle's front air intake. This separation allows the wing to have a cleaner, more aerodynamic design while still achieving the required airflow control through its internal ducting system
2Ease of operation
If traditional wing structures with separate components are used, then airflow control is achieved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (ducts, valves, actuators, and support structures) into an integrated wing assembly. The internal ducts are formed as part of the wing's shell structure, and the valve-actuator assemblies are mounted directly on the support elements, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements serving the wing also function as mounting structures for the valve and actuator assemblies. The same support structures that hold the wing in place also provide mounting points for the airflow control mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall complexity
3Device complexity
If manual control systems are used for the wing, then simplicity is maintained, but real-time adjustment capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the valve positions are automatically adjusted in real-time based on vehicle operating conditions. The control unit receives input from sensors monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position, and brake status, and dynamically actuates the valve assemblies to optimize airflow and downforce according to current driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor vehicle parameters (speed, throttle position, brake status) and feed this information to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the valve positions to maintain optimal aerodynamic performance, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing 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 wing achieves improved aerodynamics, reduced weight and complexity, and enhanced airflow management, allowing for real-time automatic and manual control of downward thrust, thereby improving vehicle adherence and reducing manufacturing and maintenance challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a wing (1) for vehicles, in particular for sports cars, in particular for Formula 1 competitions, which can generate a downward thrust and increase their adherence to the ground
Implementation Method 2
air pass through the slits to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the wing and its downward thrust
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Wing (1) comprising an upper surface (1a) predominantly concave upwards and a lower surface (1b) predominantly convex downwards, which wing (1) is provided with one or more supports (2, 3) to be fixed to a vehicle, in which the lower surface (1b) of the wing (1) is provided with one or more slits (4, 4', 5, 5') that connect with the outside one or more first ducts (6, 6', 7, 7') arranged in the wing (1), which are in turn connected to at least one second duct (9) arranged in at least one support (2, 3), wherein at least one valve (12) connected to at least one actuator (14, 14') is arranged along the second duct (9) or along a third duct (13, 13'; 16, 16') connected to this second duct (9). The present invention also relates to a process for controlling the operation of the wing and a motor vehicle comprising this wing.