SPEED-ADAPTIVE WING FOR DRAG REDUCTION

摘要

Aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle is reduced by adapting the apparent airflow onto a forward-mounted wing, according to vehicle speed. For example, an angle of the wing is adjusted by a motor or actuator. Alternatively, fans at varying speeds provide pilot airflow onto the wing.

主权项

1. A vehicle comprising:
a vehicle body; a wing pivotally attached at a forward end of the vehicle body and disposed to modify an apparent airflow over the vehicle body; an actuator connected between the wing and the vehicle body, and extensible and retractable for adjusting the incidence angle of the apparent airflow onto the wing; and a microprocessor configured to monitor vehicle speed and to adjust the actuator according to a speed/angle lookup table.