Multicomponent improved vehicle fuel economy system

Abstract

A semitrailer comprising a main frame having a hitch, an axle assembly connected to the main frame, the axle assembly including at least two wheels for rotation relative to the main frame, a fairing connected to an underside of the semitrailer intermediate the hitch and the axle assembly, the fairing including a pair of lateral surfaces, a bottom surface spaced from the underside of the semitrailer, and a leading surface, wherein the leading surface includes an intake opening, and wherein at least one of the bottom surface or the lateral surfaces includes an exit opening, and a flow path fluidly connects the intake opening and the exit opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is an International Application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 838,677 filed Jun. 24, 2013; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 838,111 filed Jun. 21, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 839,662 filed Mar. 15, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 723,506 filed Nov. 7, 2012; the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates to overland vehicles and more particularly to decreasing the aerodynamic drag of such vehicles and more particularly to semitrailers.[0003]In another configuration, the present disclosure provides a fairing system for semitrailers and particularly for semitrailers having a movable axle assembly—often referred to as a bogie or tandem. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term axle assembly is intended to be interchangeable with bogie, tandem or other equivalent terms.BACKGROUND...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a fairing system for semitrailers to decrease aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency. The fairing system includes a fairing located under the main frame of the semitrailer and a suspension system for the fairing. The fairing can be movable relative to the main frame and can be slidably connected to the subframe. The fairing can be formed of metal, plastic, or other materials and can include a bottom and lateral surfaces enclosing a volume beneath the semitrailer. The fairing can also have a leading and trailing apex and can include a intake and exit-opening. The fairing can be connected to the main frame and cross beams. The semitrailer can also have a closable container on the main frame with doors and a vertical flap. The invention also includes a diffuser extending about the leading axle and a hitch.

Problems solved by technology

Reducing the fuel consumption of tractor-trailers would directly impact transportation costs of goods, serving businesses and consumers alike.

Fuel consumption of a tractor-trailer is influenced by the amount of drag forces incurred by the vehicle while traveling.

As the drag forces increase, fuel consumption also increases.

When the tractor-trailer is traveling, air flows under and around the semitrailer, placing significant drag forces on the wheels, undercarriage and rear of the truck.

The tractor-trailer must use more power to overcome the drag, thereby increasing fuel consumption.

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