Piaggio Patents Active Aero

Aileron-style winglets to help handling as well as grip

Winglets seen on this MP3 patent drawing show Piaggio experimenting with active-aero systems for future models.Piaggio

Exposure in MotoGP means that winglets are already here to stay on the latest generation of superbikes but bike firms have barely scratched the surface of the aerodynamic potential they offer—as this latest patent drawing from Piaggio shows.

Ignore the fact that the illustrations show a three-wheeled MP3 scooter; that’s likely to be a diversion tactic to avoid giving away any more information than necessary. The patent document is clear that it “relates to the field of two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles” and in most instances it’s the traditional two-wheeler that’s set to benefit from its innovation. It’s also worth noting that wings become increasingly effective as speeds rise and active systems aren’t cheap, so if Piaggio’s new system reaches production, it’s likely to be on its fastest and most expensive models. That means the Aprilia RSV4, which just happens to be about due for a major revamp.

Although the aerodynamic system is seen here on a three-wheeler, you can bet the firm is looking to implement similar systems on its motorcycles.Piaggio

How It Works

We’ve already seen that Honda is working on a variety of active-aero systems to alter a bike’s drag and downforce levels depending on speed and whether it’s braking, accelerating, or cornering, but Piaggio is taking the idea a step further by using winglets to help turn the bike as well.

It’s actually not that complicated. The winglets on either side of the fairing are connected to actuators that can alter their angle of attack. With the leading edge of the winglets pointing down and the trailing edge up, they create downforce. When positioned horizontally they’re aero neutral and minimize drag, and with the leading edge up and the trailing edge down they can actually induce lift—which Piaggio’s engineers believe could be useful in some circumstances.

Where the system differs from other similar ideas is that the winglets on either side can move independently of each other. That means the bike can have lift on one side and downforce on the other, using airflow to help tip it into a corner or lift it back upright again.

The system would utilize winglets that move independently of each other to affect the motorcycle’s handling and stability.Piaggio

Computer Control

While Piaggio’s patent suggests you could have bar-mounted controls to change the winglets’ positions, the system is really intended to be tied into an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and an on-board computer that measures the bike’s acceleration, braking, speed, pitch, roll, yaw, and steering angle. All that data will allow the computer to judge the rider’s intentions and position the winglets to help.

For instance, it could use maximum downforce in the braking zone—inducing drag to help slow the bike and forcing the front wheel into the ground. As you tip into the corner, the winglet nearer the apex will stay in the “downforce” position while the outside one flips up to “lift” position, helping tip the bike onto its side. Once in a stable, midcorner pose, the patent suggests both sides are likely to be used for downforce, though in some circumstances—notably quick side-to-side chicanes—lift can actually be useful to reduce the steering forces needed. As you exit the corner, the inside winglet is moved to create lift and the outside one turns to create downforce, helping bring the bike back upright again.

Winglets could be controlled by the rider or by an onboard IMU to calculate optimal positioning.Piaggio

Even Useful In A Straight Line

It’s not just in corners that the independent active winglets can be useful. Even in a straight line they can be set into different positions, compensating for side winds or buffeting.

The computer systems needed to achieve such stability don’t necessarily need to be much more complex than those used in a host of modern toys, from self-balancing hoverboards to drones. The modern MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) gyroscopes and accelerometers that are the basis of IMUs that already allow the use of cornering ABS and stability control systems mean most modern superbikes already have the electronic brains to operate active winglets like these, so the only additional cost will really be the mechanical elements—the servos and the wings themselves.

Winglet positioning could be used to affect lift and downforce to help the bike slow, steer, and balance.Piaggio

Will we see this system or ones like it in production? Given the interest in aerodynamics, it’s almost inevitable. What’s more, while moving winglets are specifically banned in MotoGP, a clarification to WSBK racing regulations last year confirmed that active aero is legal in that series, provided the homologated streetbike that the racer is derived from has the system as standard equipment. That clarification isn’t likely to have been made unless at least one manufacturer asked the question…


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