GB2469104A

GB2469104A - Dynamic rear wing

Info

Publication number: GB2469104A
Application number: GB0905706A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adam Hawkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-02
Filing date: 2009-04-02
Publication date: 2010-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-02
Also published as: GB0905706D0; GB2469104B

Abstract

A fixed rear wing or spoiler 1 such as for a racing car comprises an aerofoil 2 which is attached at either side to hydraulic pistons 3. The aerofoil 2 is mounted in a bearing unit 4 on either side. The aerofoil 2 can therefore be extended or contracted preferably under the control of the driver of the car through means of the braking system. The action of the hydraulic pistons 3 operates the aerofoil 2 to be angled up to create maximum downforce when required. There may be a plurality of aerofoils 2 which are all operated at the same time. The dynamic wing can preferably be fitted to any type of fixed rear wing on any type of racing car.

Description

DYNAMIC REAR WING

This invention relates to a fixed rear wing that is installed on a racing car. During any car race the rear wing gives the car vital stability whilst travelling around the circuit.

However, all rear wings have static aerofoils' or elements' which depending on how they are angled give maximum or minimum down force to the car.

The different positions of the aerofoil alters the air flow over the wing Ma xi mum When the aerofoil or element are positioned vertically Racing teams that set up their rear wing with maximum down force in mind will position their aerofoils as vertically as they require. This gives a greater advantage whilst cornering but a disadvantage when travelling down the straight.

Minimal When the aerofoil or element are positioned horizontally Racing teams that set up their rear wing with minimal down force in mind will position their aerofoils horizontally as they require. This gives a greater advantage whilst travelling down the straight but a disadvantage when cornering.

Statement of Invention

To overcome this, the present invention proposes a dynamic wing. Hydraulic pistons are installed at either ends of each aerofoil, which in turn move the aerofoils up and down during a race. The movement of the hydraulic pistons during a race extend and contract the aerofoils, giving the racing car maximum down force through a corner and minimal drag travelling down the straight. Preferably the more hydraulically operated aerofoils fitted to a fixed rear wing the greater the advantage will be gained.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings (4 off). The drawings are based on a rear wing of a formula one car with four hydraulic aerofoils fitted.

Figure 1 shows a rear wing from a formula one car with the aerofoils fitted and angled down. The aerofoils 2 are fitted to rear wing I. On the nearest side of the rear wing 1 there are bearings visible 4. The flow of air 5 clearly passes through the rear wing 1.

Figure 2 shows a rear wing from a formula one car with the aerofoils fitted and angled up. The aerofoils 2 are fitted to the rear wing 1 in a horizontal position. On the nearest side of rear wing 1 there are bearings visible 4. The flow of the air 5 now deflects off the aerofoils 2 creating down force.

Figure 3 shows a side on angle of the rear wing with the hydraulic pistons contracted forcing the aerofoils to be angled down. The view of the rear wing 1 is from the side angle. You can see that the hydraulic pistons 3 are connected to the aerofoils 2 and the rear wing 1. As the pistons 3 are contracted flow of air 5 travels through the rear wing 1 creating no drag.

Figure 4 shows a side on angle of the rear wing with the hydraulic pistons extended forcing the aerofoils to be angled up. The pistons 3 are extended creating the aerofoils 2 to be in a horizontal position, thus creating the flow of air 5 to deflect off the aerofoils 2 creating down force to the racing car.

In both figures 1 and figure 3 the flow of air can pass freely through the rear wing because the aerofoils are positioned down. This enables the driver to have maximum straight line speed. Less drag'. Tn both figures 2 and 4 the flow of air deflects off the aerofoils because they are positioned up due to the extension of the hydraulic piston.

The deflection of air coming off the aerofoils creates maximum down force whilst the car is travelling round a bend or corner. The hydraulic pistons can be fifed into the braking system, giving the driver an instantaneous movement of the aerofoils when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. This will give the driver greater confidence when cornering as more down force is created when needed. As pressure is lifted off the brake pedal the hydraulic pistons contract giving less drag down the straight.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The dynamic wing is operated by two hydraulic pistons mounted either side of the aerofoil, to assist with the movement the aerofoil is mounted in a bearing unit on either side.
2. The dynamic wing according to claim 1 will be operated by depressing the brake pedal which in turn will operate the hydraulic pistons.
3. The dynamic wing according to claim 1 will be operated in the opposite direction on the release of the brake pedal by means of the hydraulic pistons retracting.
4. The dynamic wing according to claim 1 will move all the aerofoils at the same time by independently operated hydraulic pistons.
5. The dynamic wing according to claim 1 will be operated by individual hydraulic pistons on either end of the aerofoil.
6. The dynamic wing according to all claims can be fitted to any type of fixed rear wing on any type of racing car.