Vortex Generator Placement for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to effectively reduce drag on objects in motion, particularly in athletic and automotive applications, where small improvements in aerodynamics can significantly impact performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of vortex generators strategically positioned on objects, such as garments and adhesive tapes, with varying patterns and spacings tailored to specific anatomical zones and athletic events to minimize drag through optimized aerodynamic designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vortex generators are strategically positioned on objects to reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to varying patterns and spacings tailored to specific zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning vortex generators with varying patterns, spacings, and orientations tailored to specific anatomical zones (e.g., upper arm, lower arm, torso, leg). Each zone receives a customized arrangement based on its specific aerodynamic requirements, thereby reducing drag locally while maintaining overall system effectiveness without requiring a uniformly complex design across the entire object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the object into multiple anatomical zones and applies different vortex generator configurations to each segment. This segmentation allows for optimized drag reduction in each zone independently, managing complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, zone-specific modules rather than treating the entire object as a single unit.
2Speed
If vortex generators are used to enhance aerodynamic performance, then athletic speed and efficiency are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to custom patterns for different zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the garment or article into multiple zones with distinct vortex generator patterns, allowing each segment to be manufactured independently with optimized configurations for specific athletic movements and body areas. This segmentation enables modular manufacturing processes that can be standardized for each zone, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the variety of patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying local quality principles, the patent manufactures vortex generators with specific patterns, spacings, and orientations tailored to each anatomical zone's aerodynamic requirements. This zone-specific approach optimizes athletic performance in each area while allowing for specialized manufacturing techniques suited to each pattern type, thereby balancing performance enhancement with manufacturing feasibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vortex generators are positioned with varying patterns and spacings for optimized aerodynamics, then drag reduction is enhanced, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality by designing vortex generators with varying patterns, spacings, and orientations specifically tailored to each anatomical zone's aerodynamic characteristics. This localized design approach optimizes drag reduction in each zone based on its unique flow conditions and movement patterns, achieving superior overall drag reduction while managing design complexity through zone-specific optimization rather than a single complex universal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the overall design into multiple zone-specific vortex generator configurations, allowing each segment to be independently optimized for its specific aerodynamic requirements. This segmentation simplifies the design process by breaking down the complex task of full-body aerodynamic optimization into manageable zone-specific designs, each with its own optimized pattern and spacing.
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
This approach leads to improved aerodynamic performance, potentially deciding outcomes in competitive events by reducing drag and enhancing athletic speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a system of vortex generators that are applied to an object
Implementation Method 2
reduce drag on an object that experiences motion
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex generator might be attached to various types of articles to reduce the drag. For example, vortex generators might be attached to a garment or to adhesive tape. In addition, vortex generators might be attached to various types of athletic equipment. A mapping can suggest placement of a vortex-generator arrangement on an article, as well as prescribe particular vortex-generator arrangements for regions of a person.