Wheel Arch Aerodynamic Element with Porous Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aerodynamic performance of motor vehicles is compromised by transverse air flows in the front wheel arches, leading to areas of separation and recirculation, which widen the aerodynamic wake and degrade overall performance.
Innovation Solution
An elongated curved strip with a concave face featuring a secured aerodynamic element having a face with asperities defined by hollows and protrusions, where the hollows form channels parallel to the strip's longitudinal direction, reduces transverse flow velocities and directs fluid towards the underbody, thereby reducing the wake and improving aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transverse air flows are allowed to pass through the wheel arch, then the wheel arch structure remains simple, but areas of separation and recirculation are created, widening the aerodynamic wake and degrading vehicle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic element incorporates a porous structure with numerous through-holes that allow controlled passage of air flows. This porous design enables the element to manage transverse flows from the wheel arch while preventing the formation of large separation and recirculation areas, thus reducing the aerodynamic wake width without significantly complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic element acts as an intermediary component installed within the wheel arch. It mediates between the simple wheel arch structure and the complex aerodynamic requirements by guiding and controlling the transverse air flows, preventing harmful recirculation zones while maintaining structural simplicity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an aerodynamic element with asperities is added to the wheel arch strip, then transverse flow velocities are reduced and fluid is evacuated towards the underbody, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic element features localized asperities (protrusions and hollows) on its surface that create channels for flow management. This local quality modification allows the element to reduce transverse flow velocities and guide fluid towards the underbody without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire wheel arch assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and installed on the wheel arch strip. This segmentation allows for simplified production and installation while achieving complex flow control functions through the integrated asperity structure
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 effectively reduces transverse flow velocities and evacuates fluid towards the underbody, leading to a local reduction in the wake and enhanced overall vehicle performance, while being easy to manufacture and install.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of said plurality of hollows defining channels of fluid discharge substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of said strip
Implementation Method 2
These transverse flows tend to create areas of separation/recirculation of the air flows, resulting in a widening of the aerodynamic wake of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle wheel arch including a curved elongate strip (5) intended to partially surround a motor vehicle wheel (2), said strip (5) having a concave surface (6) intended to extend substantially opposite a peripheral tread of the wheel. The invention is characterized in that a portion of said concave surface has an aerodynamic element (10) which is rigidly connected to the strip (5) and has a surface (11) having a roughness defined by a plurality of recesses and projections, at least some of said plurality of recesses defining fluid drainage channels (15) that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of said strip. The invention also relates to an aerodynamic element for a wheel arch.