The last patent registered by BMW Motorrad follows the line followed in similar ones, where aerodynamics becomes the main protagonist of it. This time by using active fans responsible for directing the air at pressure through ducts to various parts of the motorcycle. The idea is simple; Improve the aerodynamic performance itself and even help the pilot when drawing a curve.
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BMW Motorrad active fans system in detail
Once again, the German brand shows us how aerodynamics has become every day’s bread within the two -wheeled industry. Its last patent, related to a system of active fans with which to generate more aerodynamic load, gives us right in this aspect. In addition, as usual in this type of inventions that the R&D department of the Bavara firm idea, their refinement continues in crescendo in each new development of them.
Previously, we met as BMW was one step further in the aerodynamic war, with a surprising patent, which would seek to get more adherence in a place where, for now, electronics cannot provide it: the front axle. Subsequently, the brand patented an active aerodynamic system for the S 1000 RR that would vary its position with respect to the inclination of the motorcycle maintaining the horizontality with the ground.
This same year we had news of the brand again after being aware of how BMW’s ailerons will be in the future. According to this new patent, the design strategically separates the air from the edges of the front fairing, just before the handlebars. This is achieved by channeling high pressure from the front entrance of the motorcycle to narrow slots located in front of the pilot’s hands.
This air flow, aimed at 90 degrees with respect to the fare surface, mimics the effect of a “flap gurney”, an element widely known for its use in Formula 1. Finally and perhaps the most related patent to what we show you today, it is the one that is related to an escape system that expels gases to the right or left to lie down and improve the grip. You can know all the details of the same by clicking on this link.
After this tour, knowing the activity of BMW Motorrad in terms of the development of new technical displays with which to improve the aerodynamics of its sportier mounts, we arrive at the last of these patents, related to the active fans, registered to date. In it “The company suggests several variations, but focuses on the use of an internal fan that aspires air and directs it, at high pressure, through ducts to jet -type nozzles located in various parts of the motorcycle”as detail from Cycle World.
They conclude: “The fins within the duct system modify the air direction so that it is necessary. The patent shows that these air outlets could be orosted back to improve the acceleration, forward to enhance the braking, upwards to provide greater aerodynamic load or to the sides to boost the motorcycle in the curves.”
In relation to this system of active fans, Bosch, in the 2018 season, worked using gas cartridge propellants with the idea of improving in this case the safety of the set. The German company sought to facilitate the maneuver to go to the motorcycle in according to what conditions. The main difference of this system, comparing it to BMW’s active fans, is that the air flow was not constant as in the latter.
“The idea was that the propeller could avoid accidents, for example, when activated if the front wheel lost grip in a curve. Although airbag technology was useful and fast in their response, it also implied that gas generators should be replaced after each use; however, Bosch only intended to demonstrate the validity of the concept”they conclude from Cycle World.
