Third (but not last) part of the wise technical patents filed by Aprilia on MotoGP, which we did not have time to deal with due to current events as intense as they were interesting, the aerodynamic elements on the pilot itself!
Just as with the motorcycles they ride, the idea of improving the aerodynamics of the riders themselves is not new, as evidenced for example by the recent evolution of helmets, or the adoption over the past 35 years of bump on the back of the leathers, attributed by Dainese to the Frenchman Jean-Philippe Ruggia in 250cc who noticed that it improved stability and reduced neck tension.
The bump is now universally adopted on circuits, and Aprilia intends to be able to push the concept further, while respecting the imperatives of safety and “non-discomfort” of the rider for maneuvers outside the bubble, the advantage provided by improved aerodynamics in a straight line ultimately seeming little compared to the disadvantages that it could provide in the increasingly delicate actions that MotoGP riders must perform today.
There is therefore nothing really spectacular in the patent WO2023037207 filed by the very inventive Marco de Luca (see here) on behalf of Piaggio & C. Spa, which is only an evolution of a previous patent (EP1625800) filed by Yamaha in 2005 and here is the diagram: some elements to make the pilot more aerodynamic in the prone position.
Even if the formula was not very successful, Aprilia patented its own version, less spectacular, first in Italy and then worldwide in 2023.
Basically, this time it involves no less than 10 elements (forearms, arms, thighs, calf) integrated into the leather to make it aerodynamic in the lying position. We also note that the central part (30) includes support surface premises.
Incidentally, Aprilia details the disadvantages of the Yamaha patent…
“It is known from the prior art that the aerodynamic efficiency of the rider-motorcycle assembly is one of the characteristics affecting performance during a motorcycle race. In this regard, several solutions associated with the pilot's clothing to obtain certain aerodynamic effects are known. An example is described in patent EP1625800, which discloses a suit having a plurality of baffles arranged at different areas of the rider's body, which extend to fill open spaces created when the rider assumes a tucked position, typically when it moves in a straight line. Each deflector is mounted cantilevered relative to the exterior surface of the suit, and therefore relative to the area of the body to which it is applied. In other words, each deflector protrudes relative to the exterior surface of the suit. The combination of the different deflectors allows a defined open space to be protected when the pilot takes the stowed position, thus allowing an improvement in the aerodynamics of the pilot's movement.
Such a solution according to the known art, however, results in a big disadvantage when the rider does not take the folded position when traveling on "straight" sectors or in other circumstances in which it is appropriate to take such a position. In this case, the deflectors exposed to the wind flow can affect the pilot's own handling, thus limiting his performance. In another aspect, such deflectors cause a limitation, or even an obstacle, to the movement of the rider on the motorcycle. For example, such deflectors can hit parts of the motorcycle while riding, thus compromising the safety of the rider. »
“Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle combination which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art while improving the aerodynamic rider-motorcycle assembly. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle suit which is aerodynamically more efficient while being comfortable and practical for the motorcyclist in riding movements. »
Honestly, without wanting in the least to call into question the inventiveness and the very high level of the Noale firm in the aerodynamic field (you only need to see the innovations brought by the RS-GP), it is difficult to see Alex Espargaro et Maverick Vinales wear such armor at the start of a Grand Prix. Besides, they don't wear any. For now, because you should never say never, so…
So, while waiting to see RoboCop races, we found a another Aprilia patent which seems much more interesting to us and does not relate to aerodynamics.
To read very soon in this section…
