Wheel Arch Air Guide Layout for Drag Reduction and Brake Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamics, leading to increased air resistance and energy inefficiency, particularly due to air flow into the wheel arch and excessive contamination of wheel components.
Innovation Solution
An air guidance device with an air guidance element that extends perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation, guiding air away from the wheel rim and incorporating features like access openings and vortex generators to manage airflow and brake ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air flows freely around the wheel arch, then cooling of wheel components is improved, but air resistance increases and aerodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air guidance element creates localized airflow control with different functions in different regions: the first region directs air toward the wheel center for cooling, while the second region manages air flow to reduce overall drag. This spatial differentiation of airflow functions resolves the contradiction between cooling needs and aerodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guidance element acts as an intermediary component between the wheel arch and the wheel components. It mediates the airflow by selectively directing air to specific areas (wheel center for cooling) while controlling overall flow patterns to minimize air resistance, thus resolving the conflict between cooling and aerodynamics.
2Loss of energy
If the air guidance surface extends over a large area, then aerodynamics improve, but the risk of rubbing against the rotating wheel rim increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guidance surface is segmented into multiple regions with different radial extensions: a first region extending further radially for effective airflow control, and a second region with limited radial extension to prevent rubbing. This segmentation allows the surface to achieve sufficient aerodynamic effect while maintaining safe clearance from the rotating wheel rim.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guidance element implements partial action by extending the air guidance surface only to the necessary degree for effective airflow management, rather than maximizing extension. The limited radial extension in the second region provides sufficient aerodynamic benefit while avoiding excessive extension that would cause rubbing with the wheel rim.
3Loss of energy
If the air guidance element is positioned close to the wheel rim, then airflow control effectiveness improves, but contamination from the wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guidance element creates localized airflow patterns that direct air away from contaminated wheel surfaces while maintaining effective control in the wheel arch region. By controlling airflow direction in specific zones, it achieves effective airflow management without exposing the element to excessive contamination.
4Temperature
If access openings are provided in the air guidance element, then brake ventilation is improved, but aerodynamics may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Access openings are provided in specific local regions of the air guidance element where they can provide brake ventilation without significantly disrupting the overall airflow control function. The localized placement of openings allows brake cooling while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency in the broader flow pattern.
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 solution reduces air resistance, minimizes contamination, and enhances energy efficiency by directing airflow effectively, allowing for improved aerodynamics and targeted brake cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The air guidance element has an air guidance surface, by means of which air that flows over the air guidance surface during a journey may be guided
Implementation Method 2
incorporating features like access openings and vortex generators to manage airflow and brake ventilation
Implementation Method 3
enhances energy efficiency by directing airflow effectively, allowing for improved aerodynamics and targeted brake cooling
Data Source
AI summary
An air guidance device of a motor car, where the motor car has a wheel rotatable around an axis of wheel rotation and the wheel has a wheel rim with an internal diameter, includes an air guidance element assigned to the wheel that has an air guidance surface. Air flowing over the air guidance surface during a journey of the motor car is guidable by the air guidance surface. The air guidance surface extends in a plane running perpendicularly to the axis of wheel rotation, directly borders an inner flank of the wheel rim inwards in a transverse direction of the motor car and/or upwards in a vertical direction of the motor car in a lower region in the vertical direction of the motor car, and extends over less than half of the internal diameter in the vertical direction of the motor car.