Variable aerodynamic wheel and control system thereof

A variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0047576, filed on Apr. 23, 2019 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a variable aerodynamic wheel and a control system thereof, capable of reducing air resistance generated in the wheel and adjusting drag and lift according to driving conditions, thereby improving aerodynamic performance.

BACKGROUND

In general, a vehicle has a streamlined external shape so as to reduce air resistance, thus improving aerodynamic performance, the vehicle. However, the air resistance acting on the vehicle includes not only the upper resistance according to the external shape of the vehicle but also the lower resistance generated from the wheel and tire region. Accordingly, the air resistance of the wheel and tire region needs to be improved as well.

In particular, since wheels and tires are components that rotate at high speed and have a great impact on brake/aerodynamic performance as well as on design sensibility, design optimization of the wheel shape is complicated. In other words, in order to satisfy various performances of a wheel, beyond simply reducing the opening ratio and curvature of the wheel, a technique has been developed a variable mechanism inside the wheel to deform the wheel shape as necessary by using elastic force and inertia force.

However, conventionally, air flow is improved by only considering the air flow in a one-dimensional resistance around the wheel, so the drag reduction effect is extremely limited. Further, in the case of a structure using an elastic force, a spring is deformed by the heat generated from a brake, so that durability is deteriorated and aerodynamic performance may not be maintained.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art. The present disclosure is intended to propose a variable aerodynamic wheel and a control system thereof, in which a variable flap is applied between spokes of a wheel, so that air can be sucked or blown depending on the angle of the variable flap, whereby air resistance is reduced and also the shape of wake flowing on a vehicle body is optimized, so drag and lift are improved, and thus driving performance and fuel efficiency are improved.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together and spaced apart from each other, and including a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and having a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.

The variable flap may include fixing pins at first and second ends thereof, respectively, wherein the fixing pin at the first end is rotatably connected to the rim and the fixing pin at the second end is rotatably connected to the hub.

The drive unit may include: a rotary motor provided in the hub, and provided with a drive gear for transmitting the rotational power; a ring gear provided to be rotatable about a center of the hub, formed to extend in a circumferential direction of the hub, and engaged with the drive gear; and a transmission gear coupled to the variable flap, and engaged with the ring gear to be rotated along with the variable flap when the ring gear is rotated, thereby changing the rotation angle of the variable flap.

The variable aerodynamic wheel may further include a power-generation cover unit provided in the hub of the spoke wheel to cover the drive unit, wherein power-generation cover unit includes: a power-generating cover formed in a plate shape to cover the drive unit, fixedly mounted to the hub, and constituted by a thermoelectric device that generates electrical energy using heat; and a battery provided in the hub, and configured to store the electrical energy generated from the power-generating cover.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a control system of a variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel disposed in each of front and rear wheels, having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together and spaced apart from each other, and including a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and having a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted; and a controller receiving driving speed information and controlling the drive unit to adjust the rotation angle of the variable flap and a rotating direction of the variable flap according to a driving speed of a vehicle.

The rotating direction of the variable flap preset in the controller may be set to a first direction to allow air to be sucked into the through space during rotation of the spoke wheel, and a second direction to allow air to be blown.

When the driving speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined low speed range, the controller may control the drive unit to adjust the rotation angle of the variable flap such that the variable flaps of the front and rear wheels fully open the through spaces.

The controller may receive information according to a driving mode of the vehicle, and when the driving speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined high speed range, the controller may control the drive unit to adjust the rotation angles of the variable flaps of the front and rear wheels, wherein the rotation angles of the variable flaps are controlled such that the variable flaps of the front and rear wheels are rotated in the first direction or in the second direction to fully close the through spaces or to partially open the through spaces according to the driving mode of the vehicle.

When the driving mode is a normal mode, the controller may adjust the rotation angles of the variable flaps such that the variable flaps of the front and rear wheels fully close the through spaces.

When the driving mode is an eco mode, the controller may adjust the rotation angles of the variable flaps such that the variable flaps of the front and rear wheels have a first predetermined angle toward the first direction.

The first predetermined angle of the controller may be set differently according to a plurality of driving speed ranges such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is gradually decreased as the driving speed is increased.

The controller may receive information according to whether the vehicle is turning or not, and during straight driving with the driving mode being a sports mode, the controller may control such that the variable flaps of the front wheels are oriented to the second direction, the variable flaps of the rear wheels are oriented to the first direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps are adjusted to a second predetermined angle.

The second predetermined angle of the controller may be set differently according to a plurality of driving speed ranges such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is gradually decreased as the driving speed is increased.

During turning with the driving mode being a sports mode, the controller may be configured such that the rotating direction of the variable flap corresponding to each of a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a left rear wheel, and a right rear wheel is changed according to a plurality of driving speed ranges and turning directions.

When the driving speed is in a predetermined first speed range and the vehicle is turning left in the sports mode, the controller may control such that the variable flap of the left front wheel and the variable flap of the right rear wheel are oriented to the first direction, the variable flap of the right front wheel and the variable flap of the left rear wheel are oriented to the second direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps are adjusted to a third predetermined angle, and during right turn, each of the variable flaps is adjusted to be rotated in a direction opposite to left turn.

When the driving speed is in a second speed range higher than the first speed range and the vehicle is turning left in the sports mode, the controller may control such that the left front wheel, the left rear wheel, and the right rear wheel are oriented to the first direction, the right front wheel is oriented to the second direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps are adjusted to the third predetermined angle, and during right turn, each of the variable flaps is adjusted to be rotated in a direction opposite to left turn.

When the driving speed is in a third speed range higher than the second speed range and the vehicle is turning left in the sports mode, the controller may control such that the variable flap of the left front wheel and the variable flap of the left rear wheel are oriented to the first direction, the variable flap of the right front wheel and the variable flap of the right rear wheel are oriented to the second direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps are adjusted to the third predetermined angle, and during right turn, each of the variable flaps is adjusted to be rotated in a direction opposite to left turn.

According to the variable aerodynamic wheel and the control system thereof configured as described above, the variable flap is applied between spokes of a wheel, so that air can be sucked or blown depending on the angle of the variable flap, whereby air resistance is reduced and also the shape of wake flowing on a vehicle body is optimized, so drag and lift are improved, and thus driving performance and fuel efficiency are improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinbelow, a variable aerodynamic wheel and a control system thereof according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a view showing a variable aerodynamic wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG. 2is a view showing components of the variable aerodynamic wheel shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 3is a view showing an operational structure of a variable flap of the variable aerodynamic wheel shown inFIG. 1,FIGS. 4 to 6are views showing exemplary embodiments according to a rotational position of the variable flap of the variable aerodynamic wheel shown inFIG. 1, andFIGS. 7 to 9are control flowcharts of a control system of the variable aerodynamic wheel according to the present disclosure.

A variable aerodynamic wheel according to the present disclosure, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, includes: a spoke wheel10configured such that a plurality of spokes13connecting a hub11and a rim12together are arranged while being spaced apart from each other, with a plurality of through spaces14defined between the plurality of spokes13to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap20rotatably provided in the plurality of through spaces14of the spoke wheel10, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space14so as to open or close the through space14according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit30provided in the spoke wheel10, and connected to the variable flap20such that the rotation angle of the variable flap20is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.

The spoke wheel10of the present disclosure includes the hub11forming the center portion, and the rim12to which a tire is mounted, wherein the hub11and the rim12are connected through the plurality of spokes13. Herein, the plurality of spokes13are arranged spaced apart from each other about the hub11to form the through spaces14, and the variable flap20is rotatably provided in the through spaces14so as to open or close the through space14according to the rotation angle thereof. The variable flap20may be provided in all of the plurality of through spaces14or in some of the through spaces14, may be formed to match with the through spaces14, or may be configured such that first and second ends thereof are provided with respective fixing pins21, so the fixing pin21at the first end is rotatably connected to the rim12and the fixing pin21at the second end is rotatably connected to the hub11. Accordingly, the variable flap20can be rotated in a direction corresponding to the rotating direction of the spoke wheel10.

The variable flap20receives the rotational power through the drive unit30provided in the spoke wheel10and the rotation angle thereof is changed, thereby adjusting aerodynamics applied to the spoke wheel10. Herein, the drive unit30may include: a rotary motor31provided in the hub11, and provided with a drive gear31afor transmitting the rotational power; a ring gear32provided to be rotatable about a center of the hub11, formed to extend in a circumferential direction of the hub11, and engaged with the drive gear31a; and a transmission gear33coupled to the variable flap20, and engaged with the ring gear32to be rotated along with the variable flap20when the ring gear32is rotated, thereby changing the rotation angle of the variable flap20.

The rotary motor31may be a step motor, wherein the drive gear31ais rotated by the rotational power of the rotary motor31. The ring gear32is engaged with the drive gear31a, and the ring gear32is formed to extend in the circumferential direction of the hub11so as to be rotated about the center of the hub11during rotation. Herein, the hub11of the spoke wheel10may have a mounting space for allowing the ring gear32to be provided therein. Since the ring gear32is engaged with the transmission gear33coupled to the variable flap20, the ring gear32is rotated about the center of the hub11as the drive gear31ais rotated during operation of the rotary motor31, and the variable flap20is rotated along with the transmission gear33as the transmission gear33engaged with the ring gear32is rotated, and thus, the rotation angle of the variable flap20is adjusted. Herein, a connecting gear34for adjusting a gear ratio may be provided between the ring gear32and the transmission gear33.

As such, since the variable flap20is applied to between the spokes13of the spoke wheel10, and the rotation angle of the variable flap20is adjusted by the drive unit30, it is possible to improve air flow and to reduce air resistance by controlling the flow of air according to driving conditions.

Referring toFIG. 2, the variable aerodynamic wheel further includes a power-generation cover unit40provided in the hub11of the spoke wheel10to cover the drive unit30. The power-generation cover unit40may include: a power-generating cover41formed in a plate shape to cover the drive unit30, fixedly mounted to the hub11, and constituted by a thermoelectric device that generates electrical energy using heat; and a battery42provided in the hub11, and configured to store the electrical energy generated from the power-generating cover41.

Herein, as the power-generating cover41is formed in a shape to cover the drive unit30and is mounted to the hub11, it is possible to protect the drive unit30from external contamination; and since the power-generating cover is made of a thermoelectric material, it is possible to generate electrical energy by using heat energy generated from a brake pad when a vehicle is braked. The electrical energy generated from the power-generating cover41can be stored via the battery42and be supplied to the vehicle's electric and electronic parts.

The variable aerodynamic wheel of the present disclosure can change the rotation angle depending on driving conditions. A control system of a variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel10provided as each of front and rear wheels, and configured such that a plurality of spokes13connecting a hub11and a rim12together are arranged while being spaced apart from each other, and having a plurality of through spaces14defined between the plurality of spokes13to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap20rotatably provided in the plurality of through spaces14of the spoke wheel10, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space14so as to open or close the through space14according to a rotation angle thereof; a drive unit30provided in the spoke wheel10, and connected to the variable flap20such that the rotation angle of the variable flap20is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted; and a controller50receiving driving speed information and controlling the drive unit30to adjust the rotation angle of the variable flap20and a rotating direction of the variable flap20according to the driving speed of a vehicle. Herein, the controller50may receive the driving speed information through a speed sensor.

Herein, the controller50may be hardware such as a processor (e.g, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Micro Control Unit (MCU)), may be software executed by the hardware, or may be the aggregation from combining the hardware and the software.

In other words, the drive unit30that adjusts the rotation angle of the variable flap20is controlled by the controller50, and the controller50adjusts the rotation angle of the variable flap20and the rotating direction of the variable flap20according to the driving speed, whereby depending on the rotational position of the variable flap20. In this case, air may be sucked into the through space14of the spoke wheel10or blown outside the spoke wheel10so as to form an air flow stream that is optimized for driving conditions. As a result, the drag and lift according to the air flow generated from the spoke wheel10can be improved, thereby improving the driving performance and the fuel efficiency.

To be more specific, referring toFIGS. 7 to 9, the rotating direction of the variable flap20preset in the controller50may be set to a first direction to allow air to be sucked into the through space14during rotation of the spoke wheel10and a second direction to allow air to be blown.

In the present disclosure, the air flow stream may be changed depending on the rotational position of the variable flap20according to the rotating direction. In other words, as shown inFIG. 1, the first direction of the variable flap20preset in the controller50is a direction in which the variable flap20is positioned to allow air to be sucked into the through space14with respect to the rotating direction of the spoke wheel10. Further, as shown inFIG. 4, the second direction of the variable flap20is a direction in which the variable flap20is positioned to allow air to be discharged through the through space14with respect to the rotating direction of the spoke wheel10.

As such, when the variable flap20is rotated in the first direction, drag performance can be improved, and when the variable flap20is rotated in the second direction, lift performance can be improved. Thus, by adjusting the rotational positions of the variable flaps20of front and rear wheels to the first direction or to the second direction according to the driving conditions, it is possible to secure aerodynamic performance optimized for various driving conditions of the vehicle.

As seen from the following experiment chart, it is possible to secure optimized aerodynamic performance according to driving conditions by referring to change in aerodynamic performance according to the rotational direction positions of the variable flaps20of the front wheels and the variable flaps20of the rear wheels.

To be specific, the controller50may control the drive unit30to adjust the rotation angle of the variable flap20so that the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels fully open the through spaces14when the driving speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined low speed range.

Herein, the low speed range may be set at a speed of less than 40 KPH, and may be variously set depending on the vehicle. In other words, when the driving speed of the vehicle is within the low speed range, the controller50allows the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels to fully open the through spaces14as shown inFIG. 5so that the design effect is secured rather than improvement in aerodynamic performance, thereby maximizing design sensitivity of the spoke wheel10.

The controller50receives information according to a driving mode of the vehicle, and when the driving speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined high speed range, the controller controls the drive unit30to adjust the rotation angles of the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels, wherein the rotation angle of the variable flap20may be controlled such that the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels are rotated in the first direction or in the second direction to fully close the through spaces14or to partially open the through spaces14according to the driving mode of the vehicle. In terms of the driving mode provided to the controller50, information about the driving mode may be obtained through a button operation reflecting the driver's will.

Herein, the driving mode may include: a normal mode determining the conditions such as the pedal effort and the speed range provided to a user's pedal so as to allow a comfortable driving at low speed and more responsive driving at high speed; an eco mode configured to maximize fuel economy, by controlling shift timing while suppressing the spike in engine rotation; and a sports mode in which shift-up timing is delayed or shift is performed at the rotation speed at which the maximum torque is generated.

Further, the high speed range may be set at a speed of 40 KPH or more, and may be variously set depending on the vehicle.

In other words, when the driving speed of the vehicle enters the high speed range, the controller50adjusts the opening amount of the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels according to the driving mode of the vehicle so that the aerodynamic performance is optimized according to the driving mode.

To be specific, when the driving mode is the normal mode, the controller50may adjust the rotation angle of the variable flap20such that the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels fully close the through spaces14.

In other words, when the driving mode is the normal mode, as shown inFIG. 6, the variable flap20is controlled to fully close the through space14, thereby reducing driving noise generated from the wheel. In other words, since comfortable driving sensibility is important in the normal mode, the variable flap20closes the through space14to reduce noise due to the air flow toward the spoke wheel10.

When the driving mode is the eco mode, the controller50may adjust the rotation angle of the variable flap20such that the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels to a first predetermined angle toward the first direction.

Herein, the first predetermined angle may be set at an angle of about 45% and may be variously set depending on the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Further, the first predetermined angle of the controller50may be set differently according to a plurality of driving speed ranges so that the rotation angle of the variable flap20is gradually decreased as the driving speed is increased. In other words, since the rotational speed of the wheel is increased according to the driving speed of the vehicle, the rotation angle of the variable flap20is set to be large in the low speed range to secure the air volume, and the rotation angle of the variable flap is set to be small in the high speed range to prevent the variable flap20from being damaged due to excessive wind pressure.

For example, in the speed range of 40 to 80 KPH, the first predetermined angle formed by each of the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels may be set to an angle of 45°; in the speed range of 80 to 120 KPH, the first predetermined angle formed by each of the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels may be decreased to an angle of 40°; and in the speed range of 120 to 160 KPH or more, the first predetermined angle formed by each of the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels may be decreased to an angle of 35°.

Thus, when the driving mode is the eco mode, as all the variable flaps20of the front and rear wheels are rotated by the first predetermined angle in the first direction, a suction flow in which air passes through the through space14of the spoke wheel10is created, thereby minimizing drag. As a result, when the eco mode is set in the high speed range, an airflow stream with optimized fuel efficiency is created, and the rotation angle of the variable flap20is adjusted according to the driving speed, thereby preventing damage to the variable flap20.

The controller50may receive information according to whether the vehicle is turning or not, and during straight driving with the driving mode being the sports mode the controller may control such that the variable flaps20of the front wheels are oriented to the second direction, the variable flaps20of the rear wheels are oriented to the first direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps20are adjusted to a second predetermined angle. Herein, whether or not the vehicle is turning may be obtained by collecting turning information through a steering wheel sensor of the vehicle.

As such, in the high speed range, during straight driving with the driving mode being the sports mode without performing turning, the controller50adjusts the rotation angle of the variable flap20of the front wheel to the second direction so as to form the blowing flow of air, and adjusts the rotation angle of the variable flap20of the rear wheel to the first direction so as to form the suction flow of air.

Herein, the second predetermined angle may be set at an angle of 45° in the first direction and set at an angle of −45′ in the second direction, and may be variously set depending on the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Further, the second predetermined angle of the controller50may be set differently according to a plurality of driving speed ranges so that the rotation angle of the variable flap20is gradually decreased as the driving speed is increased. In other words; since the rotational speed of the wheel is increased according to the driving speed of the vehicle, the rotation angle of the variable flap is set to be small to prevent the variable flap20from being damaged due to excessive wind pressure when the driving speed of the vehicle is increased.

For example, in the speed range of 40 to 80 KPH, the second predetermined angle of the variable flap20of the front wheel may be set to an angle of −45°, and the second predetermined angle of the variable flap20of the rear wheel may be set to an angle of 45°; in the speed range of 80 to 120 KPH, the second predetermined angle of the variable flap20of the front wheel may be set to an angle of −40°, and the second predetermined angle of the variable flap20of the rear wheel may be set to an angle of 40°; and in the speed range of 120 to 160 KPH or more, the second predetermined angle of the variable flap20of the front wheel may be set to an angle of −35% and the second predetermined angle of the variable flap20of the rear wheel may be set to an angle of 35°.

Thus, during straight driving with the driving mode being the sports mode, blowing flow of air is generated at the front wheel and suction flow of air is generated at the rear wheel, so that an air flow stream optimized for high speed driving can be generated.

During turning with the driving mode being the sports mode, the controller50may be configured such that the rotating direction of the variable flap20corresponding to each of a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a left rear wheel, and a right rear wheel is changed according to the plurality of driving speed ranges and turning directions.

In other words, during turning with the driving mode being the sports mode, the rotating direction of each variable flap20corresponding to the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the rear left wheel, and the right rear wheel is adjusted so that yaw moment is generated in the turning direction, thereby improving handling performance and securing driving stability.

The above is derived through experiment that shows the aerodynamic flow changes according to driving speed during turning. The experimental table evaluating the yaw moment (C_YM) contribution according to the suction flow or blowing flow depending on the rotational position of each variable flap20of the left front wheel (FL), the right front wheel (FR), the left rear wheel (RL), and the right rear wheel (RR) may be referred to.

As can be seen from the above, since CASE5generates the largest yaw moment, the turning performance is improved even at low speed driving, and CASE3and CASE4can be applied optimally to the prevention of vehicle pulling and tire slip due to the centrifugal force at high speed driving.

Accordingly, when the driving speed is in a predetermined first speed range and the vehicle is turning left in the sports mode, the controller50may control such that the variable flap20of the left front wheel and the variable flap20of the right rear wheel are oriented to the first direction, the variable flap20of the right front wheel and the variable flap20of the left rear wheel are oriented to the second direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps20are adjusted to the third predetermined angle. During right turn, each variable flap20may be adjusted to be rotated in the direction opposite to the case of left turn.

In other words, vehicle pulling is caused by inertia when the vehicle is turning at high speed in the sports mode, the rotating direction of the variable flap20may be set differently according to the driving speed in the sports mode.

Herein, the first speed range preset in the controller50may be set at a speed range of 80 KPH or less, which may be tuned according to vehicle design. As such, when left turn is performed in the sports mode within the first speed range, the variable flap20of the left front wheel and the variable flap20of the right rear wheel are rotated in the first direction so as to improve drag according to the suction flow of air, and the variable flap20of the right front wheel and the variable flap20of the left rear wheel are rotated in the second direction so as to improve lift according to the blowing flow of air.

On the contrary, when right turning is performed in the sports mode within the first speed range, the variable flap20of the left front wheel and the variable flap20of the right rear wheel may be rotated in the second direction, and the variable flap20of the right front wheel and the variable flap20of the left rear wheel may be rotated in the first direction.

Further, the rotation angles of the variable flap20of the front wheels and the variable flap20of the rear wheels are fixed to a third predetermined angle, thereby preventing tire slip due to the centrifugal force during turning at high speed driving. Herein, the third predetermined angle may be set at an angle of 35° in the first direction and set at an angle of −35° in the second direction.

When the driving speed is in a second speed range higher than the first speed range and the vehicle is turning left in the sports mode, the controller50may control such that the left front wheel, the left rear wheel, and the right rear wheel are oriented to the first direction, the right front wheel is oriented to the second direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps20are adjusted to the third predetermined angle. During the right turn, each variable flap20may be adjusted to be rotated in the direction opposite to the case of left turn.

Herein, the second speed range preset in the controller50may be set at a speed range of 80 KPH to 120 KPH, which may be tuned according to vehicle design.

In particular, when the left turn is performed in the sports mode within the second speed range, the left front wheel, the left rear wheel, and the right rear wheel may be rotated to the first direction so as to form suction flow of air, and the right front wheel may be rotated to the second direction so as to form blowing flow of air, thereby securing turning performance in the second speed range.

On the contrary, when the right turn is performed in the sports mode within the second speed range, the right front wheel, the left rear wheel, and the right rear wheel may be rotated to the first direction, and the left front wheel may be rotated to the second direction.

Further, the rotation angles of the variable flap20of the front wheels and the variable flap20of the rear wheels are fixed to the third predetermined angle, thereby preventing tire slip due to the centrifugal force during turning at high speed driving.

Meanwhile, when the driving speed is in a third speed range higher than the second speed range and the vehicle is turning left in the sports mode, the controller50may control such that the variable flap20of the left front wheel and the variable flap20of the left rear wheel are oriented to the first direction, the variable flap20of the right front wheel and the variable flap20of the right rear wheel are oriented to the second direction, and the rotation angles of all the variable flaps20are adjusted to the third predetermined angle. During the right turn, each variable flap20may be adjusted to be rotated in the direction opposite to the case of left turn.

Herein, the third speed range preset in the controller50may be set at a speed range of more than 120 KPH, which may be tuned according to vehicle design.

In particular, when the left turn is performed in the sports mode within the third speed range, the variable flap20of the left front wheel and the variable flap20of the left rear wheel are rotated in the first direction to form suction flow of air, and the variable flap20of the right front wheel and the variable flap20of the right rear wheel are rotated in the second direction so as to form blowing flow of air, thereby securing turning performance optimized in the third speed range.

On the contrary, when the right turn is performed in the sports mode within the third speed range, the variable flap20of the right front wheel and the variable flap20of the right rear wheel may be rotated in the first direction, and the variable flap20of the left front wheel and the variable flap20of the left rear wheel may be rotated in the second direction, thereby forming blowing flow of air.

As described above, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the sports mode and the vehicle is turning, the rotation angles of the variable flaps20corresponding to the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the left rear wheel, and the right rear wheel are adjusted according to the driving speed of the vehicle, and as a result, turning performance and driving stability are improved by generating yaw moment according to turning direction.

According to the variable aerodynamic wheel and the control system thereof configured as described above, the variable flap20is applied between spokes of a wheel, so that air can be sucked or blown depending on the angle of the variable flap20, whereby air resistance is reduced and also a shape of wake flowing on the vehicle body is optimized, so drag and lift are improved, and thus driving performance and fuel efficiency are improved.

Although the disclosure is described with reference to specific items such as specific structural elements, to merely some embodiments, and to drawings, such specific details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of helping more comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be embodied in many alternate forms.