drag-reducing element for motor vehicles

Abstract

An aerodynamically shaped, drag-reducing element to be attached to motor vehicles, which significantly reduces the drag coefficient of the motor vehicle when stretched out. a.) wherein the element consists of a fabric or a film and can be stretched by means of a frame or by filling air chambers. b.) wherein the element can be folded up to save space by means of a frame or by emptying air chambers. c.) wherein the element forms a three-dimensional molded part by stretching a fabric or film using a frame or by filling air chambers d.) wherein the element lies flat against the outer shell of a motor vehicle in the folded, unstressed state

Description

Problem statement:

[0001] The energy consumption of motor vehicles is largely determined by driving resistance.

[0002] Modern vehicles are powered by energy-efficient engines and are constantly being aerodynamically optimized.

[0003] However, other design factors are also taken into account in the aerodynamic design of motor vehicles, such as the maximum legally permitted vehicle length.

[0004] For economic reasons, vehicle designs with relatively high air resistance have become prevalent in the truck sector.

[0005] Flowing shapes would reduce the loading volume and limit the economic efficiency due to legal requirements (for example, due to the maximum legally permitted vehicle length).

[0006] The reason for this is that reducing the loading volume causes higher costs than can be saved by reducing fuel consumption.

[0007] Furthermore, loading and unloading a truck would sometimes be severely restricted by a more aerodynamic rear section.

[0008] To achieve maximum cargo volume and improved aerodynamics, attachments are already being fitted to vehicles. However, these are generally very expensive to purchase and, due to the frequent loading and unloading processes, very time-consuming and therefore also costly to maintain on a daily basis.

[0009] This results in an unfavorable cost / benefit ratio, meaning that previous solutions have only established themselves in the market to a very limited extent.

[0010] One possibility for optimization is the space between the maximum dimensions of a motor vehicle and the maximum dimensions of a motor vehicle including any cargo carried.

[0011] Within this space, elements can be placed in such a way as to significantly improve the air resistance of the entire vehicle, while still allowing for practical loading and unloading of the vehicle.

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by a product: Invention:

[0013] The invention relates to an air resistance-reducing element which is connected to a motor vehicle by means of a secure fastening.

[0014] The drag-reducing element preferably consists of a fabric and / or a film and is stretched, for example, by a frame and / or with the aid of compressed air-filled chambers, creating a three-dimensional shape that significantly reduces the air resistance of the moving vehicle. For example, the drag-reducing element can be loaded onto or unloaded from the vehicle as needed, and / or loaded by quick and easy stretching and unloaded by quick and easy retraction and / or rotation of the frame or by releasing the compressed air from the chambers, so that the bulky, three-dimensional drag-reducing element does not obstruct the loading and unloading of the vehicle.

[0015] The invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments and the drawing.

[0016] As an example, a woven film is attached to each of the rear doors of a truck. This film is tensioned by a frame, creating an aerodynamically advantageous shape. The frame can also be flexibly rotated to the side to fold the elements so they lie flat against the rear doors. This flat position allows the rear doors to be fully opened and rotated as usual, so that they lie flat against the sides of the truck during loading and unloading, saving space.

[0017] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a truck(1) on whose rear doors(4) drag-reducing elements(2) are attached as cargo. Fig. 2 a top view of a truck(1) on whose rear doors(4) two drag-reducing elements(2) are attached as cargo, which are stretched into three-dimensional shapes by means of rods and significantly reduce the drag of the entire vehicle. Fig. 3 a top view of two closed rear doors(4) of a truck(1) with two drag-reducing elements(2) which are stretched and connected in the middle by means of a connecting strap(5) and form a three-dimensional shape. Fig. 4 a top view of two closed rear doors(4) of a truck(1) with two drag-reducing elements(2) which are not stretched and lie flat folded against the rear door. Fig. 5 a top view of two fully opened rear doors(4) of a truck(1) with two drag-reducing elements(2) which are not stretched and lie flat folded against the rear door. Fig. 6 a view of a rear door with releasable fasteners for the fabric or film of the drag-reducing element and a frame lying flat against the rear door. Fig. 7 a view of a rear door with releasable fasteners for the fabric or film of the drag-reducing element and an erected frame. Fig. 8 A view of a rear door with releasable fixings, an erected frame and a mounted, stretched fabric film. Reference symbol list 1 truck 2 drag-reducing element 3 releasable fasteners 4 rear doors 5 Fabric film 6 Connecting strap 7 Side surface of the truck 8 rods

Claims

[1] An aerodynamically advantageously shaped, air resistance reducing element to be attached to motor vehicles, which, when clamped, significantly reduces the air resistance value of the motor vehicle, a.) The element consists of a fabric or a foil and can be stretched by means of a rod or by filling air chambers. b.) The element can be folded up to save space using a rod or by emptying air chambers. c.) whereby the element forms a three-dimensional molded part by stretching a fabric or a film by means of a rod or by filling air chambers d.) the element, in the folded, non-tensioned state, lies flat against the outer shell of a motor vehicle

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