Variable Wheel Arch Flap Control for Pickup Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of pickup trucks with negative volume wheel arches enhances the aesthetic appearance but significantly deteriorates aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency, necessitating a solution that improves both design and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A variable wheel arch garnish assembly with a rotatable flap mounted on the wheel arch, controlled by an actuator, adjusts its opening based on vehicle speed and steering angle to guide airflow effectively, enhancing aerodynamics while maintaining a masculine design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a negative volume wheel arch garnish design is applied to enhance aesthetic appearance, then the masculine design and tire visual size are improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel arch garnish incorporates a rotatable flap that can dynamically change its position between a first position (protruding outward for aesthetic effect) and a second position (retracted for aerodynamic effect). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining masculine design appearance and improving aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of the wheel arch garnish by rotating the flap between different angular positions. When the flap is in the first position, it creates a negative volume effect for aesthetic purposes; when rotated to the second position, it reduces the gap between tire and wheel arch, improving aerodynamic parameters such as drag coefficient.
2Shape
If the wheel arch garnish is fixed in a negative volume position for design purposes, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but fuel efficiency decreases due to poor aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable flap transforms the fixed wheel arch garnish into a dynamic system that can adjust its configuration based on driving conditions. By rotating the flap to different positions, the system optimizes aerodynamic performance during vehicle operation, thereby improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing aesthetic appearance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel arch garnish serves multiple functions: it maintains masculine aesthetic appearance when the flap is in the first position, and improves aerodynamic performance (reducing energy loss) when the flap is in the second position. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both design requirements and fuel efficiency concerns.
3Loss of energy
If a variable flap mechanism is added to the wheel arch garnish to improve aerodynamics, then fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel arch garnish is segmented into a fixed portion and a rotatable flap portion. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic improvement function to be added through a separate, movable component rather than redesigning the entire garnish structure, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable flap acts as an intermediary element between the fixed wheel arch garnish and the airflow. It mediates the conflict between aesthetic design and aerodynamic performance by providing a simple rotational movement that can adjust the airflow path without requiring complex mechanical systems.
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 variable wheel arch garnish improves aerodynamic performance by up to 6 counts, optimizing airflow around the tires at various speeds and steering conditions, thus enhancing fuel efficiency and design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
when the flap is rotated and opened in a side direction of the vehicle, the flap changes a direction of an air flow from a front side of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A variable wheel arch garnish assembly includes a wheel arch garnish mounted on an outer surface of a wheel arch which surrounds a wheel and is connected to a vehicle body, and a flap rotatably coupled to an outer surface of the wheel arch garnish, wherein, when the flap is rotated and controlled to be opened in a side direction of the vehicle, the flap changes a direction of an air flow from a front side of the vehicle. It is possible to improve fuel efficiency by improving aerodynamic performance while maintaining a masculine design.