Injection suppression device

Abstract

An injection suppression device (100) is provided. The injection suppression device (100) is connected to a vehicle and may be used to control, including blocking and redirecting the direction of the injection, the injection generated from wheels (215) of a vehicle (210) traveling on a wet surface. The device (100) comprises: an inlet (105) for receiving a gas flow; an expansion portion (120) expanding in a direction away from the inlet (105) to reduce the velocity of the airflow received at the inlet (105); an inclined portion (130) for directing the airflow from the expansion portion (120) at an angle different from the angle of the airflow received at the inlet (105); and an outlet (140) for generating air blades.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray suppression device. In particular, the present invention relates to a spray suppression device for directing splash and spray generated when a vehicle travels along a wet surface. Background Art

[0002] Heavy vehicle fog during rainy weather is a serious hazard to all drivers, especially on motorways and expressways. Drivers who are overtaking run the risk of losing sight of the vehicle ahead. This is also a risk faced by drivers of trucks and trailers, as their rearward visibility may be very limited.

[0003] It is widely acknowledged that splash and spray from motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes pose a real threat to road safety. However, splash and spray from larger vehicles such as trucks and vans are significantly more significant.

[0004] The phrase "splash and spray" is often used to describe what happens when a motor vehicle is driven on a wet road. Splash is created when water is pushed from the tire patch (contact patch) toward the sidewall of the tire. Spray is when water is forced between the tire and the road surface into the tread pattern and becomes airborne as the tire rotates; the water is then expelled vertically from behind the tire.

[0005] Splash and spray adversely affect driver visibility. Visibility of 1,500 feet on a dry road may be reduced to only 300-600 feet in rainy conditions. In addition to reduced visibility, drivers may be surprised and confused when splash and spray hit their windshield.

[0006] There are two main approaches to addressing splash and spray. These are:

[0007] (i) Windscreen wipers - These wipers may be ineffective in very humid conditions because the spray cloud produced remains suspended in the air around the vehicle.

[0008] (ii) Suppression / suppression devices - designed to absorb energy or separate water from the air-water mixture.

[0009] Various restraining devices have been developed and are widely used. However, in practice, many restraining devices are not effective, and those that are effective have room for improvement. These designs include grooved or textured fenders, and broom-like restraining skirts mounted over the drive and trailer axles, designed to prevent water from the wheels from entering the wake.

[0010] Currently, splash and spray suppression systems include rigid or semi-rigid components (fenders) that collect water splashed from moving tires, flexible materials mounted behind the wheels (splash guards), and combinations of splash pads / spray reduction devices. While these devices do help reduce the amount of splash and spray encountered by drivers, there is still room for improvement.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to provide a device that increases road safety by improving driver visibility compared to existing systems, where visibility is reduced during heavy rain due to splash and spray. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to a first aspect, a jet suppression device is provided. The jet suppression device is connectable to a vehicle and can be used to control the jet generated by the wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is driving on a wet surface. The device comprises: an inlet for receiving an airflow; an expansion portion that expands in a direction away from the inlet to reduce the speed of the airflow received at the inlet; an inclined portion for directing the airflow from the expansion portion; and an outlet. Controlling the jet may include blocking the jet and / or redirecting the jet in a direction away from other road users. The inclined portion may direct the airflow away from the expansion portion at an angle different from the angle of the airflow received at the inlet.

[0013] The jet suppression device works by generating an air blade (or air barrier) which is directed over the wheels of the vehicle, for example at a position behind the wheels, to block and / or redirect the generated jet. The air blade is generated by the air flow which is drawn into / flows into the jet suppression device as the vehicle travels along the road. The air entering the device is first subjected to the action of the expansion section, expanding in the direction of the air flow. This slows down the air flow and increases the pressure within the device. After this, the air flow is directed towards the outlet at the inclined section. The air pressure in the inclined section increases and the speed decreases, so that when it is forced to leave the outlet, an air barrier (or air blade) is generated. The resulting air blade prevents the jet (e.g., a jet cloud) from having a negative impact on nearby vehicles by reducing the degree of reduced visibility for the driver in the vehicle. Preferably, the air blade generated by the jet suppression device extends to the surface of the road without leaving any gaps for water (jet) to pass through or from below.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet. This arrangement helps increase the pressure of the airflow in the jet suppression device and reduce the velocity of the airflow, thereby forming an air blade at the outlet. Optionally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet may be 2.4:1, however, any suitable ratio greater than 1:1 may be used.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inclined portion may have a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area in a direction away from the inlet and toward the outlet. As the airflow moves toward the outlet, the pressure of the airflow is increased by reducing the speed of the airflow (to maintain the conservation of mass), and then the airflow is forced to leave the outlet to become an air blade.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion portion increases in a direction away from the inlet and toward the outlet. When the vehicle is traveling, this expansion in the direction of the airflow helps to slow down the airflow and increase the pressure. Optionally, the expansion portion may have a curved wall.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device may further include a funnel portion for directing the airflow from the inlet to the expansion portion. Optionally, the funnel portion has a constant width along its length. Optionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the funnel portion is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet. The funnel portion directs air from the connection of the device on the vehicle to the expansion portion. The air pressure, density and velocity remain substantially constant across the funnel portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sloped portion has a constant width along its length.

[0019] In some embodiments, the width of the outlet is approximately the same as the width of the vehicle. This will ensure that the jet suppression device is approximately the same width as the vehicle to which it is attached.

[0020] In some embodiments, the angled portion is at an angle of 50 to 70 degrees to the direction of the airflow at the inlet. In some embodiments, the angled portion is at an angle of 60 degrees to the direction of the airflow at the inlet. This angle causes the air blade to project onto the road and over the wheel, at a position directly behind the wheel itself, to reduce the impact of the spray from the wheel reducing visibility for drivers in nearby vehicles.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outlet may be a slit. Air flow continuously entering the jet suppression device at the inlet forces air to exit from an outlet at the other end of the jet suppression device. The outlet should be thin to create an air blade.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device may further include an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the underside of a vehicle.

[0023] According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising the injection suppression device according to the first aspect.

[0024] In some embodiments, the airflow is received into the inlet in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. For example, the inlet faces the direction of forward movement of the vehicle. This ensures that the airflow is received through the inlet at the correct angle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the angled portion is angled to direct the air barrier over and / or behind the wheels of the vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the jet suppression device is located behind one or more wheels of the vehicle.

[0027] In some embodiments, the jet suppression device is located behind the rearmost wheels of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] A more complete understanding of the subject matter of the present application may be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent similar elements throughout the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a side view of a jet suppression device according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A front view of the jet suppression device is shown;

[0032] Figure 3A and 3B The jet suppression device is shown viewed from above and below respectively;

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The jet suppression device is shown when connected to a vehicle;

[0034] Figure 5 An example of air flow according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and use of these embodiments. As used herein, the words "exemplary" and "exemplary" mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as an example is not necessarily to be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In addition, no one wishes to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background, or the following detailed description.

[0036] When a tire is driven at high speed on a wet road, it will eject water, creating splashes and sprays. The extent of this is affected by tire design, vehicle design (including aerodynamics), airflow, and road design.

[0037] Tire Design: Road traction is the most important design priority, not the need to suppress splash and spray. Top tire manufacturers have made little progress in tire design that significantly reduces vehicle splash and spray.

[0038] Aerodynamics: The design of the vehicle affects the airflow and therefore the extent of splash and spray. However, the cost of establishing an adequate aerodynamic design makes it an impractical long-term solution to the splash and spray problem.

[0039] Airflow: The movement of air over, under and around the tires of a moving vehicle causing splash and spray problems.

[0040] Roads: The amount of free water on roads causes splashing and spraying. Roads are primarily designed to maximize traction (shorten stopping distance, improve vehicle stability). Improvements in these features tend to increase the severity of splashing and spraying.

[0041] In summary, the size, build and weight of a vehicle, as well as the size, design, pressure and condition of its tires, play a role in the problem of splash and spray. As the size of a vehicle increases, the air turbulence it generates also increases. The weight of the vehicle also affects the force with which the tires strike the water on the road, causing splash and spray, with heavier weights resulting in greater forces and more splash. The size and design of the tires determine the amount of water dissipated, picked up and splashed at the tire. Tire designs that achieve the most traction tend to pick up the most water, thus creating more splash and spray.

[0042] A spray suppression device is described herein that is intended to help address the problem of reduced visibility for nearby drivers caused by splash and spray. This is accomplished by directing air blades (e.g., air barriers) over and / or behind the wheels of a vehicle to block / redirect the distribution of water that is discharged from the wheels of a vehicle and forms a spray. For example, the water can be redirected to the ground. The terms "air blades" and "air barriers" are used interchangeably herein.

[0043] Figure 1 A side view of a jet suppression device 100 according to the present invention is shown. The jet suppression device 100 includes an inlet 105, a funnel portion 110, an expansion portion 120, an inclined portion 130, and an outlet 140. Air flowing through the jet suppression device 100 will flow through each portion in the above order.

[0044] The airflow is received at the inlet 105. The airflow may be received in the air flowing around a moving vehicle to which the jet suppression device 100 is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the jet suppression device may be attached to the underside of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the jet suppression device 100 may be attached to the side of the vehicle or to the top of the vehicle, for example.

[0045] The funnel portion 110 has a length A L (in z direction), height A H (in the x direction) and the width AW (in the y direction). The funnel portion 110 is L has a constant width A in the direction W The funnel portion 110 delivers air from the inlet 105 to the expansion portion 120. The airflow traveling along the funnel portion 110 has a constant density, velocity, and pressure.

[0046] When the device 100 is attached to a moving vehicle, airflow easily flows into the funnel portion 110 through the inlet 105. The jet suppression device 100 can operate without the funnel portion 110, however, its performance is generally better with the funnel portion. In some examples, attaching a filter to the funnel portion can help increase the life of the jet suppression device 100.

[0047] The expanded portion 120 has a length B L (in z direction), height B H (in the x direction) and width B W (in the y direction). The expanded portion 120 has a gradually increasing width B along its length in the z direction. W The height B of the blade forming portion 120 is H Greater than the height A of the funnel portion 110 receiving the airflow H , and remains constant along the length of the expansion portion 120. The length B of the expansion portion 120 L Longer than the length A of the funnel portion 110 L .

[0048] When the airflow is received from the funnel portion 110 into the expansion portion 120, the airflow is received at a speed that is approximately the same as the speed of the vehicle. Due to the increased volume of the expansion portion 120, the airflow passing through the expansion portion 120 is forced into the expansion area. This reduces the airflow speed and increases the pressure.

[0049] The inclined portion 130 has a length C L (in z direction), height C H (in the x direction) and the width C W (in the y direction). Width C W The width B of the expanded portion 120 at its widest point (eg, at the end closest to the outlet) is W same.

[0050] The inclined portion 130 receives the airflow from the expansion portion 120. In an embodiment where the jet suppression device is connected to the underside of the vehicle, when the inclined portion 130 is mounted on the vehicle, the inclined portion 130 bends away from the horizontal direction toward the road and guides the air to the outlet 140. In this arrangement, since the airflow is received in a direction parallel to the chassis of the vehicle to which the device is connected, in order to reduce / redirect the splash or spray of the wheel to improve the visibility of the driver in the nearby vehicle, the air blade needs to be at a certain angle to the airflow receiving direction. The angle of the air blade output by the inclined portion can depend on a number of factors. The appropriate angle of the air blade to be output varies between zero and ninety degrees with the original angle of the airflow reception. However, an angle between 20 degrees and 40 degrees from the vertical direction may be preferred, such as an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical direction (e.g., 60 degrees away from the horizontal angle of the airflow reception). In one example, when the jet suppression device 100 is located on the underside of the vehicle, an angle of 30 degrees may be preferred because it provides a balance between guiding the jet away from the vehicle behind, guiding the jet away from the wheel, and blocking the jet from leaving the ground too high.

[0051] In another example, the jet suppression device 100 may be located on the side of the vehicle to direct the air blades along the side of the vehicle, in which case an angle of zero degrees may be preferred. In yet another example, the jet suppression device 100 may be located on the roof of the vehicle. In this case, an angle close to 90 degrees may be more appropriate.

[0052] The inclined portion 130 has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of the outlet. This increases the speed of the airflow toward the outlet 140, because the airflow is forced to a smaller area after passing through the expansion portion 120.

[0053] The air blade formed by the combined parts of the jet suppression device 100 is output through the outlet 140. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 140 is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 105. In one example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 140 can be three times smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 105, but any suitable ratio can be used to produce the air blade through the outlet. This arrangement increases the speed of the airflow formed at the air blade through the outlet 140.

[0054] Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a front view of the jet suppression device 100. As shown in the figure, the funnel portion 110 is located at the width B of the expansion portion 120. W and height B H The final width of the expanded portion 120 is greater than the final width of the funnel portion 110. It can be seen that the inclined portion 130 extends below the expanded portion 120.

[0055] Figure 3A and3B The ejection suppression device 100 is shown from above and from below, respectively. Figure 3A and 3B In particular, the expanded portion 120 and the gradually increasing width of the portion are shown. The main difference between the top view and the bottom view of the jet suppression device 100 is that Figure 3B shows a view from below, in Figure 3B The outlet 140 can be seen in FIG. The outlet 140 is located in a plane perpendicular to the inlet 110.

[0056] The jet suppression device 100 can be connected to the underside of the vehicle using any suitable connection mechanism. For example, the jet suppression device 100 can be fixed to the vehicle with bolts.

[0057] The design of the jet suppression device 100 takes into account the following three scientific concepts:

[0058] (i) Bernoulli’s principle,

[0059] (ii) scooped / positive air intake, and

[0060] (iii) Air blades.

[0061] Bernoulli's principle states that for a given volume of air, the higher the velocity, the lower the pressure. Conversely, for a given volume of air, the lower the velocity, the higher the pressure.

[0062] Air naturally flows around moving objects. As the speed of an object increases, the surrounding airflow will have an increasing effect on factors such as the vehicle's acceleration and maximum speed. For a moving vehicle, it can be determined that:

[0063] 1. The speed of the surrounding air is not constant.

[0064] 2. There is a low-pressure, high-speed airflow between the bottom of the vehicle and the road.

[0065] 3. There is a low pressure area at the rear.

[0066] The airflow through the jet suppression device 100 maintains a constant density. According to Bernoulli's principle, the mass of the airflow exiting the jet suppression device 100 must be equal to the mass of the airflow entering the jet suppression device 100. Therefore, as the cross-sectional area decreases, the velocity increases to keep the mass of the airflow constant, and vice versa. The combined design of the expansion portion 120 and the inclined portion 130 produces a high-speed airflow at the outlet 140, thereby forming an air blade.

[0067] A scooped air intake or positive air intake is used to deliver a high velocity air flow to the engine. The constant oncoming air flow is pressurized inside an "air box". The air box has an expansion area that slows the air flow, increasing the pressure inside the box. The pressurized air then delivers the high velocity air flow through a narrow outlet. The faster the vehicle travels, the greater the pressure increase through the air box, the greater the air volume, and the greater the velocity of the air exiting the narrow funnel shaped outlet. The same concept applies in the jet suppression device 100.

[0068] An air blade is a pressurized air plenum having continuous slots through which compressed air is discharged in a laminar (uniform) flow pattern to create air velocity in the form of an air barrier. For example, air blades can be used to dry and remove liquid films from product surfaces, blow off dust and dirt, use air to sort materials, or provide an air curtain, etc. Air blades are formed by the spray suppression device 100 described herein.

[0069] The jet suppression device 100 provides a positive pressure air intake device that captures air flowing around the vehicle and converts it into an air blade type barrier that blocks and redirects the jet from the vehicle's wheels so that it does not rise up the windshield and / or sides of the following vehicle. The jet suppression device 100 provides several further advantages. For example, no moving parts are included, so the device is rugged and durable. No electricity is required to use the device, making it safe and easy to install. The device is self-regulating (the greater the vehicle speed, the stronger the jet, but the stronger the resulting air barrier). The air barrier can extend to the road surface, leaving little gap for the jet to pass through or under.

[0070] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A spray suppression system 200 is shown that includes a spray suppression device 100 that is connected to a vehicle 210 that includes wheels 215. In this figure, the spray suppression device 100 is connected to the rear of the vehicle 210. As shown, the spray suppression device 100 is connected to primarily prevent spray and splash from the rearmost wheel 215. In some examples, another spray suppression device 100 may also be mounted at the front of the vehicle 210, behind the front tires or behind the center set of tires, but this is not shown herein.

[0071] As vehicle 210 travels along a road, airflow 225 flows beneath vehicle 210. Airflow 225 is received at inlet 105 of jet suppression device 100.

[0072] Figure 4BPortions A and B of the rear of vehicle 210 are shown. Portion A relates to a portion of the rear of vehicle 210 directly behind wheel 215. Portion B relates to a portion of the rear of vehicle 210 that is not directly behind the wheel. Portion A does not experience the same air speed or jet generation as portion B due to the tires.

[0073] Figure 5 The wheel 215 is shown rotating clockwise along the road surface 250 as the vehicle moves from left to right. The air blades 220 generated by the spray suppression device 100 are at an angle of θ degrees to the vertical. The spray of water interacting with the wheel 215 is at an angle of θ degrees to the horizontal. In one example, θ = 30 degrees and Spend.

[0074] Working Example

[0075] In this example, we consider Figure 4A and 4B A spray suppressant device 100 is shown attached to the underside of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV).

[0076] In this example, the height A of the funnel portion 110 is H About 5cm, width A W is about 30 cm and the length A L Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 105 is about 150 cm 2 The height B of the expanded portion 120 is H About 10cm, width B W Expands from about 30cm to 250cm, length B L The height C of the inclined portion 130 is about 30 cm. H The total length from top to bottom is about 15 cm, the width Cw is about 250 cm, and the length C L The outlet 140 is a very thin slot with a width of 0.25 cm and a cross-sectional area of ​​about 62.5 cm. 2 .

[0077] Applying the Bernoulli equation to the inlet 105 and outlet 140 of the ejection suppression device 100, assuming that the effects of air density are minimized, the velocity V(out) of the air exiting the ejection suppression device 100 can be calculated using the following formula:

[0078]

[0079] Where V(in) is the air velocity received at the inlet 105 of the jet suppression device 100, V(out) is the air velocity discharged from the outlet 140, and A(in) and A(out) are the cross-sectional areas of the inlet 105 and outlet 140, respectively.

[0080] The above example produces a ratio of A(in):A(out) of 2.4:1, and assuming the vehicle and the air beneath the vehicle are traveling at approximately 30 m / s (about 68 mph), the velocity of the air barrier created by the jet suppression device 100 will be about 72 m / s. This should be sufficient to provide an air barrier that extends all the way down to the road surface, thereby preventing jets from passing through the barrier.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to a vehicle traveling on a wet surface, it will be appreciated that the spray suppression device can be used to similar effect in other situations. For example, the device can be used on dry surfaces, such as those that are dusty or sandy.

[0082] It is readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of the various embodiments illustrated in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of the various embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments are presented in the drawings, these drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0083] Without departing from the basic characteristics of the present invention, the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms. The described embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is subject to the appended claims rather than being indicated by this detailed description.

[0084] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout the specification do not imply that all features and advantages that may enable the present invention should or are present in any single embodiment of the present invention. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, discussion of features and advantages and similar language in this specification may (but does not necessarily) refer to the same embodiment.

Claims

1. A spray suppression device attachable to a vehicle for controlling spray from a wheel when the vehicle is travelling on a wet surface, the device comprising: an inlet for receiving an airflow; an expansion portion that expands in a direction away from the inlet; an inclined portion for guiding the airflow from the expansion portion; and exit.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is 2.4:

1.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inclined portion has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area in a direction away from the inlet and toward the outlet.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion portion increases in a direction away from the inlet and toward the outlet.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The expansion portion has a curved wall.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a funnel portion for directing the gas flow from the inlet to the expansion portion.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The funnel portion has a constant width along its length.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the funnel portion is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inclined portion has a constant width along its length.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The width of the outlet is approximately the same as the width of the vehicle.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inclined portion makes an angle of 50 to 70 degrees with the direction of the air flow from the inlet.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inclined portion forms an angle of 60 degrees with the direction of the air flow at the inlet.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outlet includes a slit.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising connection means for connecting the apparatus to the vehicle.

16. A vehicle comprising the injection suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein: The airflow is received into the inlet in a direction parallel to a traveling direction of the vehicle.

18. A vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The inclined portion is inclined to direct the air barrier over and / or behind the wheels of the vehicle.

19. A vehicle according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The jet suppression device is located behind one or more wheels of the vehicle.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein: The jet suppression device is located behind the rearmost wheel of the vehicle.

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