The aerodynamic requirements of a vehicle vary depending on its activities and speed, and Lotus appears to have come up with an intelligent solution to this issue.
Key Points
- Lotus Cars has patented an adaptable diffuser that adjusts based on speed.
- The diffuser could function automatically or be managed by the driver.
- Lotus emphasizes efficiency and asserts that this active diffuser panel would be reasonably priced to manufacture.
Wuhan Lotus Cars, the manufacturer of Lotus Emira, has submitted a new patent unearthed by CarBuzz at the World Intellectual Property Office. The automaker describes an adaptive diffuser that can be adjusted based on set parameters or driver preferences. Lotus places a strong emphasis on efficiency, as demonstrated by the rapid charging speed of the Emeya. Efficiency will be increasingly crucial in the future, especially with Lotus’s plan to introduce an electric version of the Elise, making innovations like this new patent essential. Moreover, this patent is not limited to any specific type of vehicle, regardless of its power source.
Lotus
Founded in 1948, Lotus Cars, under Colin Chapman’s guidance, focuses on light and driver-centric vehicle designs. Lotus is synonymous with the philosophy of “Simplify, then add lightness,” advocated by Chapman. Apart from road cars, Lotus also had notable success in Formula 1, securing seven world championships. Geely acquired a controlling interest in Lotus in 2017.
- Founded
- 1948
- Founder
- Colin Chapman
- Headquarters
- Hethel, England
- Owned By
- Geely Holding, Etika Automotive
- Current CEO
- Qingfeng Feng
Simplified Design
Lotus’s concept involves a movable lower spoiler that serves as a diffuser, offering a range of 25 to 35 degrees of rotation. The movable flap would be operated by at minimum two actuating arms, though the patent suggests that more arms would be preferred to ensure consistent stress distribution across the entire aerodynamic element.
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To conceal the actuator arms, the patent also includes provisions for a “beautification panel” to mask the inner workings of the diffuser. Additionally, the patent claims that its design would be cost-effective to manufacture while still delivering enhanced efficiency and aerodynamic performance as required.
Circumstances for Successful Operation
The patent proposes that the diffuser might operate automatically, opening to decrease air pressure at the back of the vehicle once it achieves a preset speed and closing when the speed falls below the chosen threshold. Alternatively, it might be controlled by the driver. This could yield a comparable impact to the DRS system on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, albeit probably with much less of an effect on maximum speed; this is more about steadiness and downforce than drag. Intriguingly, Ferrari is developing active rear aerodynamics using the exhaust system, a concept also being pursued by Porsche. Undoubtedly, there is substantial potential for enhancing efficiency at the rear of various types of vehicles, but whether any of these concepts are viable for mass production remains to be determined.
New Porsche Exhaust Muffler Will Operate As A Diffuser
Why has this not been considered earlier?
The submission of patents does not ensure the utilization of such technology in future vehicles and is frequently employed solely for safeguarding intellectual property. Such a submission should not be interpreted as confirmation of an intention to produce.