Active aerodynamics in automobiles have evolved considerably over the past decade. The technology has been used in road-going vehicles since the 1980s, but at the time, the elements generally simply switched between high- and low-downforce positions. Today, systems have evolved to be infinitely adjustable, tailoring airflow for exactly what best suits the vehicle and the conditions.Now, CarBuzz uncovered some patented technology from McLaren to take active aerodynamics to the next level by adding adjustable winglets to the side mirrors. The company's filing notes that the airflow around this section is often particularly inefficient, with the mirrors causing aerodynamic turbulence along a car's flanks as it speeds down the road, increasing drag. This idea would alleviate that issue. Wings On Your Mirrors McLaren/WIPOMcLaren's patent describes several ways to implement an adjustable wing on the side mirror. The image above shows one of the simplest applications by taking a conventional-looking design for this element and adding the active element to the upper portion. However, the company lists other ways of making this idea work. The filing also indicates that the winglet could be positioned vertically, or the piece could attach to the vehicle's body, rather than the mirror.Making the active element deployable by tucking it away when not in use, rather than constantly in place, is another option. The image below shows one way of implementing this idea.McLaren/WIPORegardless of how McLaren makes this concept work, the result is the same. The wing could move to channel the airflow and improve aerodynamics. According to the patent, the elements could also adjust based on the drive mode, with different settings for use on the road or track. The system could also use "telemetry data and user input data" to decide the ideal angle for the piece. In addition, McLaren says the winglets could have different shapes on each side of the vehicle, further tailoring their aero effect. Could McLaren Actually Use This Tech? McLarenCompanies can patent ideas and never implement them, but adjustable wings on the mirrors seem like a perfect fit for a McLaren supercar. The company's vehicles, such as the Speedtail, already use advanced aerodynamics, with that model packing movable rear control surfaces rather than a large, fixed wing. Similarly, the W1 has what the brand calls an "Active Longtail" that uses adaptive elements to tweak the rear airflow. At its maximum, the supercar can generate 2,200 pounds of downforce.An intriguing aspect of this patent is that McLaren already has a solution for improving aerodynamics along the flanks of its supercars. The Speedtail dropped side mirrors entirely in favor of rear-facing cameras. However, in many regions around the world, physical side mirrors remain a regulatory requirement for registering a street car. In those areas, incorporating adjustable winglets could be a good compromise.McLarenBeyond this patent, McLaren also recently filed to protect an idea for a rolling launch control system. The tech seems ideal for the brand's supercars because it would give owners another way to experience the vehicles' amazing performance. This solution uses an electric motor to hold back the engine as it revs to reach maximum output, while the car maintains a constant speed. At the perfect moment, releasing the machine into a burst of accelerationPatent filings do not guarantee the use of such technology in future vehicles and are often used exclusively as a means of protecting intellectual property. Such a filing cannot be construed as confirmation of production intent.Source: US Patent & Trademark Office
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