Waveform Surface Tiles for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicle surfaces are not fully effective, leaving opportunities for improvement in harnessing the natural properties of fluids to minimize resistance.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveform tiles and spherical proportioning systems to configure vehicle surfaces, mimicking the natural shapes of fluid flow, which presents paths of least resistance to air or water, thereby reducing drag by directing airflow or water flow into concentrated channels and minimizing direct contact with the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional smooth vehicle surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but aerodynamic drag is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle surface is divided into multiple discrete wave form tiles that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together to form the complete aerodynamic surface covering
Solution Approach 2:
Wave form tiles with curved, wave-like surfaces are used instead of flat surfaces. The curved geometry mimics natural fluid flow patterns and reduces aerodynamic drag by presenting paths of least resistance to the fluid
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex waveform surface configurations are implemented, then aerodynamic drag is significantly reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex aerodynamic surface is segmented into standardized wave form tiles with consistent geometries, making each tile relatively simple to manufacture while the overall assembly achieves the desired complex flow-control function
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar wave form tiles are replicated and arranged in patterns across the vehicle surface. This allows the complex aerodynamic function to be achieved through repetition of simpler, standardized components
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 proposed surface configurations significantly decrease drag, enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles by mimicking natural fluid shapes, resulting in reduced resistance and improved performance at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the surfaces are shaped such that when a cross section is taken through each tile using a cross section plane that is generally normal to the overall surface and parallel to the general direction of the fluid flow, the cross section of each segment will have the form of an overturning or cresting wave. This overturning wave form contour mimics the general shape assumed by fluid surfaces under high wind conditions and is believed to be a surface that presents paths of least resistance to the fluid flowing over that surface.
Implementation Method 2
the volume bounded by a vehicle is considered as a volume that can be filled with progressively smaller spheres. Thus, for example, with an automobile, a first sphere of the largest possible diameter is fit into the largest open space within the volume defined by the outside surfaces of the automobile. Next, smaller spheres are selected having diameters at a predetermined fraction of the diameter of the first sphere, for example 0.8 the diameter of the first sphere. These next smaller spheres are then fit into the remaining unoccupied spaces of the inside volume of the automobile.
Data Source
AI summary
A wave form tile in the form of a natural wave is provided to replace traditionally smooth surfaces to aid in more efficient shedding of a fluid medium. The wave form tile is also applied to proportionally spherical fractal surfaces defined for the surface of a vehicle.