Splash suppression device

Abstract

A spray suppression device is provided that can be attached to a vehicle and used to control spray, including blocking and redirecting spray from the wheels of the vehicle while traveling over a wet surface. The device includes an inlet for receiving a flow of air, an extension that extends away from the inlet to reduce the velocity of the air flow received at the inlet, an angled portion for directing the air flow from the extension at an angle different from the angle of the air flow received at the inlet, and an outlet that generates an air blade.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a splash suppression device, and more particularly to a splash suppression device for directing splashes and spray generated when a vehicle travels along a wet surface. [Background technology]

[0002] Spray from large vehicles in rainy weather is a serious threat to all drivers, especially on motorways and expressways. Overtaking drivers risk losing all visibility. Lorry and trailer drivers also risk having very limited visibility to the rear.

[0003] It is generally accepted that splash and spray generated by motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes pose a real threat to road safety, however, in the case of larger vehicles such as trucks and lorries, splash and spray can be much more pronounced.

[0004] The phrases "splash and spray" are commonly used to describe what occurs when a vehicle drives on a wet road. Splash occurs when water is forced from the tire patch (contact patch) toward the tire sidewall. Splash occurs when water is forced into the tread pattern as the tire rotates, resulting in it being thrown into the air between the tire and the road. Splash is water that is ejected vertically from the back of the tire.

[0005] Splash and spray can adversely affect a driver's visibility, which can be reduced from 1,500 feet on a dry road to only 300 to 600 feet under wet conditions. In addition to reduced visibility, drivers can become startled and disoriented when splash and spray hits their windshield.

[0006] There are two principle methods for dealing with splashes and droplets. The two principle methods are: Windshield wipers (windshield wipers may not be effective in very wet conditions as the resulting water mist becomes suspended in the air around the vehicle). Suppression / inhibition devices (designed to absorb energy or separate water from air-water mixtures).

[0007] A variety of suppression devices have been developed and are widely used. However, in the field, many suppression devices have not performed well, and those that do perform well are believed to be capable of improvement. Designs include slotted or textured mud flaps, broom-shaped suppression skirts mounted above the drive and trailer axles designed to prevent water from leaking from the wheels into the slipstream. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Currently, splash and spray suppression systems comprise a combination of rigid or semi-rigid components (mudguards) intended to collect water emitted from moving tires, flexible materials mounted behind the wheels (splash guards), and splash protection mats / splash reduction devices. While these devices do indeed help to reduce splash and spray experienced by drivers, there is room for improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to provide a device that improves road safety by improving the visibility of one or more drivers who may be reduced as a result of the effects of splashes and spray during periods of heavy rain, compared to existing systems.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a splash suppression device. The splash suppression device is mountable to a vehicle and can be used to control splash from the wheels of the vehicle while traveling on a wet surface. The device comprises an inlet for receiving a flow of air, an extension that extends away from the inlet to reduce the velocity of the flow of air received at the inlet, an angled portion for directing the flow of air from the extension, and an outlet. Controlling the splash can include intercepting the splash and / or redirecting the splash away from other road users. The angled portion can direct the flow of air from the extension at an angle different from the angle of the flow of air received at the inlet.

[0011] A spray suppression device functions by generating an air blade (or air barrier) that is directed over a vehicle's wheel, for example, behind the wheel, to block and / or redirect generated spray. The air blade is generated by the flow of air drawn into or flowing into the spray suppression device as the vehicle travels along a roadway. Air entering the device is first subjected to an expansion section that expands in the direction of the air flow. This slows the air flow and increases pressure inside the device. An angled section then directs the air flow toward an outlet. The air in the angled section increases in pressure and slows down as the air is forced out the outlet, generating an air barrier (or air blade). The resulting air blade prevents spray, e.g., water mist, from adversely affecting nearby vehicles by reducing the degree to which the driver's visibility is reduced inside the vehicle. Preferably, the air blade generated by the spray suppression device extends to the road surface, leaving no gap for water (spray) to pass through.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inlet can have a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet. This configuration helps increase pressure and reduce the velocity of the air flow inside the splash suppression device, creating air blades at the outlet. Optionally, the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the inlet to the outlet can be 2.4:1, although any suitable ratio greater than 1:1 can be used.

[0013] In some embodiments, the angled portion can have a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction away from the inlet toward the outlet, which increases the pressure of the air stream as it travels toward the outlet by slowing the air stream (to maintain conservation of mass) before it is forced out the outlet as an air blade.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extension can have a cross-sectional area that increases in the direction away from the inlet and toward the outlet. This expansion in the direction of air flow when the vehicle is moving helps to slow the air flow and increase pressure. Optionally, the extension can also have curved walls.

[0015] In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a funnel for directing airflow from the inlet to the extension. Optionally, the funnel may have a constant width along its length. Optionally, the funnel may have the same cross-sectional area as the inlet. The funnel directs air from a location on the vehicle where the device is mounted into the extension. The pressure, density, and velocity of the air remain approximately constant throughout the funnel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the angled portion has a constant width along the length of the angled portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outlet has a width that approximates the width of the vehicle, thereby ensuring that the splash suppression device is generally the same width as the vehicle to which it is fitted.

[0018] In some embodiments, the angled portion is angled between 50° and 70° relative to the direction of airflow from the inlet. In some embodiments, the angled portion is angled at 60° relative to the direction of airflow from the inlet. This angle directs the air blades toward the roadway and directly behind the wheel itself, covering it, thereby reducing the effects of wheel spray that can reduce the visibility of drivers in nearby vehicles.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outlet may be a slit. The air flow continuing to enter the splash suppression device at the inlet forces air out the outlet at the opposite end of the splash suppression device. The outlet should be thin to create an air blade.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a mounting mechanism for mounting the device to the underside of a vehicle.

[0021] According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising a splash suppression device according to the first aspect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the air flow is received in the inlet parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle, for example, if the inlet faces forward of the direction of travel of the vehicle, this ensures that the air flow is received through the inlet at the correct angle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the angled portion is angled to cover the wheels of the vehicle and / or to direct the air barrier behind the wheels.

[0024] In some embodiments, the splash suppression device is located behind one or more wheels of the vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the splash suppression device is located behind the rearmost wheels of the vehicle. A more complete understanding of the present subject matter can be obtained by reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a splash suppression device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the splash suppression device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 shows a splash suppression device as viewed from above. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 shows the splash suppression device as viewed from below. [Figure 4A] 1 shows a splash suppression device mounted on a vehicle; [Figure 4B] 1 shows a splash suppression device mounted on a vehicle; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of air flow according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the words "exemplary" and "example" mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, or the following detailed description.

[0028] Water is thrown off by tires traveling at full speed on a wet road generating splashes and spray. The degree to which water is thrown off is affected by tire design, vehicle design (including aerodynamics), airflow and road surface design. Tire Design: Road traction is the most important design priority when it comes to eliminating the need for splash and spray suppression. Little progress has been made by major tire manufacturers in tire designs that significantly reduce vehicle splash and spray. Aerodynamics: Vehicle design affects airflow and therefore the extent of splash and spray. However, the cost of establishing an aerodynamically sound design means that solutions to splash and spray challenges are impractical, comprehensive, and long-term. Airflow: Air movement over, under and around the tires of a moving vehicle contributes to splash and spray challenges. Road: The amount of free water on the road that contributes to splash and spray. Roads are primarily designed to maximize traction (allowing for shorter stopping distances and improving vehicle stability). Improving many of these features tends to increase the severity of splash and spray.

[0029] In short, the size, configuration, and weight of a vehicle, as well as the size, design, pressure, and condition of the vehicle's tires, contribute to the issue of splash and spray. As vehicle size increases, the air turbulence it generates increases as well. Vehicle weight also contributes to splash and spray by affecting the force with which the tire slams water onto the road, with more weight resulting in more force and more splash. Tire size and design determine the amount of water that is expelled from the tire, picked up, and spilled from the tire. Tire designs that provide the most traction are also likely to pick up the most water and therefore generate more splash and spray.

[0030] Described herein is a spray suppression device that aims to help solve the problem of reduced visibility for nearby drivers due to splashes and spray. This is accomplished by directing air blades (e.g., air barriers) above and / or behind the wheels of a vehicle to block or redirect the distribution of water that forms spray from the moving wheels. For example, the water may be redirected onto the ground. The terms "air blades" and "air barriers" are used interchangeably.

[0031] 1 shows a side view of a splash suppression device 100 according to the present disclosure. The splash suppression device 100 includes an inlet 105, a funnel section 110, an expansion section 120, an angled section 130, and an outlet 140. Air flowing through the splash suppression device 100 travels through the aforementioned sections sequentially in the order listed above.

[0032] The air flow is received at the inlet 105. The air flow may be received from the air moving around a moving vehicle to which the spray suppression device 100 is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the spray suppression device may be mounted on the underside of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the spray suppression device 100 may be mounted on the side of the vehicle or on top of the vehicle, for example.

[0033] The funnel portion 110 has a length A L (z direction), height A H (x direction) and width A W The funnel portion 110 has a length A L A constant width A along W The funnel 110 funnels air from the inlet 105 into the expansion 120. The air flow traveling along the funnel 110 has a constant density, velocity, and pressure.

[0034] When the device 100 is installed in a moving vehicle, airflow readily flows through the inlet 105 into the funnel 110. The droplet suppression device 100 can function without the funnel 110, but performance is generally improved with the funnel 110. In some instances, it may be useful to install a filter in the funnel to improve the lifespan of the droplet suppression device 100.

[0035] The extension 120 has a length B L (z direction), height B H (x direction) and width B W (y-direction). The extension 120 has a width B W The height B of the blade forming portion 120 H is the height A of the funnel portion 110 where the air flow is received. H The length B of the extension 120 is higher and remains constant along the length of the extension 120. L is the length A of the funnel portion 110 L Longer.

[0036] As the airflow is received from funnel 110 into extension 120, it is received at approximately the same velocity as the vehicle's speed. Due to the increased volume of extension 120, the airflow passing through extension 120 is forced into the expansion area. This acts to slow the airflow and increase its pressure.

[0037] The angled portion 130 has a length C L (z direction), height C H (x direction) and width C W (y direction) with width C W is the width B of the extension 120 at its widest point (e.g., at the end closest to the outlet). W is the same as

[0038] The angled portion 130 receives the airflow from the extension 120. In one embodiment where the spray suppression device is mounted on the underside of a vehicle, the angled portion 130 bends away from the horizon toward the road when the spray suppression device is installed on the vehicle and directs air toward the outlet 140. Because the airflow is received in this configuration in a direction parallel to the undercarriage of the vehicle to which the spray suppression device is mounted, the air blades need to be angled away from the direction of the received airflow to reduce or redirect splashes or spray from the wheels and improve the visibility of drivers in nearby vehicles. The angle at which the angled portion outputs the air blades can depend on several factors. A suitable angle for outputting the air blades results in an angular change between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the original angle of the received airflow. However, an angle between 20 and 40 degrees relative to vertical, such as a 30 degree angle relative to vertical (e.g., a 60 degree offset from the horizontal angle at which the airflow is received), may be preferred. In one example, if the spray suppression device 100 is positioned under a vehicle, a 30° angle may be preferable as it provides a balance between directing spray away from the vehicle behind, directing spray away from the wheels, and intercepting the spray before it gets too high off the ground.

[0039] In another example, the splash suppression device 100 may be positioned on the side of a vehicle to guide the air blade along the side of the vehicle, and therefore an angle of 0° may be preferred in this case. In yet another example, the splash suppression device 100 may be positioned on the roof of a vehicle, in which case an angle closer to 90° may be more appropriate.

[0040] The angled portion 130 has a cross-sectional area that decreases in the direction of the outlet, which increases the velocity of the airflow toward the outlet 140 as the airflow is forced back into a smaller area behind the extension 120.

[0041] The air blades formed by the combined portions of the splash suppression device 100 are output through an outlet 140. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 140 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 105. In one example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 140 may be one-quarter the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 105, although any suitable ratio for generating air blades through the outlet may be used. This configuration increases the velocity of the air flow that generates the air blades through the outlet 140.

[0042] 2 shows the splash suppression device 100 from a front view. As can be seen, the funnel portion 110 has a width B W and height B H The extension 120 has a greater final width than the funnel 110. The angled portion 130 can be seen to extend below the extension 120.

[0043] Figures 3A and 3B show the splash suppression device 100 from a top view and a bottom view. Figures 3A and 3B particularly show the extension 120 and the increased width of this section. The main difference between the top view and the bottom view of the splash suppression device 100 is that in Figure 3B, which shows the bottom view, the outlet 140 can be seen. The outlet 140 lies in a plane perpendicular to the inlet 110.

[0044] The splash suppression device 100 may be attached to the underside of the vehicle using any suitable attachment mechanism, for example, the splash suppression device 100 may be bolted to the vehicle.

[0045] The design of the splash suppression device 100 takes into account three scientific concepts: Bernoulli's principle, Scoop / positive pressure intake system and Air blade. Bernoulli's principle states that for a given volume of air, the faster the velocity, the lower the pressure. Conversely, for a given volume of air, the slower the velocity, the higher the pressure.

[0046] Air naturally flows around a moving object. As the object's speed increases, the influence of the surrounding airflow on factors such as the vehicle's acceleration and top speed also increases. With respect to a moving vehicle, the following is defined: 1. The speed of the surrounding air is not constant, 2. The presence of low-pressure, high-velocity airflow between the underside of the vehicle and the road; 3. There is a low pressure area at the rear. The airflow through the droplet suppression device 100 remains at a constant density. The mass of the airflow exiting the droplet suppression device 100 must equal the mass of the airflow entering the droplet suppression device 100, according to Bernoulli's principle. 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 extension 120 and angled portion 130 acts to generate a high velocity airflow at the outlet 140 so that an air blade can be generated.

[0047] A scoop or positive pressure intake system is used to provide high-velocity airflow to the engine. The incoming steady stream of air is compressed inside an "airbox." The airbox has an expanded area that slows the airflow and increases the pressure inside the airbox. The compressed air is then forced through a narrow outlet, providing a high-velocity airflow. The faster the vehicle travels, the greater the pressure increase and the greater the volume of air passing through the airbox, resulting in a higher velocity of the air exiting the elongated outlet. The same concept is used in the spray suppression system 100.

[0048] An air blade is a pressurized air plenum chamber with continuous slots through which pressurized air exits in a laminar (uniform) flow pattern, creating a wind velocity in the form of an air barrier. Air blades can be used, for example, to dry and remove liquid films from product surfaces, blow away dirt and dust, sort materials using air, or provide air curtains. Air blades are formed by the splash suppression device 100 described herein.

[0049] The spray suppression device 100 provides a positive air intake system that captures air flowing around a vehicle and converts it into an air blade-type barrier that intercepts and redirects spray from the vehicle's wheels so that it does not rise onto the windshield and / or sides of a following vehicle. Several additional advantages are provided by the spray suppression device 100. For example, the device is robust because there are no moving parts. No electricity is required for the device's use, making it safe and easy to install. The device is self-regulating (the faster the vehicle is traveling, the more intense the spray, but the stronger the resulting air barrier). The air barrier can also extend down to the road surface, leaving little or no gaps for spray to pass through or under.

[0050] 4A and 4B show a splash suppression system 200 including a splash suppression device 100 mounted to a vehicle 210 having wheels 215. In this illustration, the splash suppression device 100 is mounted to the vehicle 210 facing rearward. As shown, the splash suppression device 100 is mounted to primarily prevent splash and spray from the rearmost wheels 215. In some examples, additional splash suppression devices 100 may be mounted toward the front of the vehicle 210 behind the front tires or behind the middle set of tires, but these are not shown here.

[0051] As the vehicle 210 travels along the road, a stream of air 225 flows underneath the vehicle 210. This stream of air 225 is received at the inlet 105 of the spray suppression device 100.

[0052] 4B shows sections A and B at the rear of vehicle 210. Section A relates to the portion of the rear of vehicle 210 that is directly behind wheel 215. Section B relates to the portion of the rear of vehicle 210 that is not directly behind the wheel. Section A does not experience the same wind speeds or spray generation as section B due to the presence of the tire.

[0053] 5 shows a wheel 215 rotating clockwise along a road surface 250 as if the vehicle were traveling from left to right. The air blades 220 generated by the spray suppression device 100 are angled θ° with respect to the vertical. The spray from the water interacting with the wheel 215 is angled φ° with respect to the horizontal. In one example, θ=30° and φ=5°. [Example]

[0054] In this example, we consider a splash suppression device 100 mounted on the underside of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), as shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0055] In this example, the height A of the funnel portion 110 H is about 5cm, and width A w is about 30 cm, and length A L is about 20 cm. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 105 is about 150 cm. 2 The height B of the extension 120 H is about 10cm, and width B w extends from approximately 30cm to 250cm, length B L The height of the angled part 130 is about 30 cm. H is about 15cm in total from top to bottom, and the width C w is about 250 cm, and the length C L The outlet 140 has a width of 0.25 cm and a cross-sectional area of ​​approximately 62.5 cm. 2It is a very thin slot.

[0056] Applying Bernoulli's equation to the inlet 105 and outlet 140 of the splash suppression device 100 and assuming that the effect of air density is minimal, the velocity of the air exiting the splash suppression device 100, V(out), is:

number

[0057] The above example results in an A(in):A(out) ratio of 2.4:1, but if the vehicle, and therefore the air below it, is traveling at about 30 m / s (about 68 mph), the speed of the air barrier generated by the spray suppression device 100 is about 72 m / s. This should be sufficient to provide an air barrier that descends to the road surface and prevent spray from passing through it.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described in the context of a vehicle traveling on a wet surface, it will be appreciated that the splash suppression device may be used in other situations to similar effect, for example, the device may be useful on dry surfaces, such as dusty or sandy dry surfaces.

[0059] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as illustrated in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the foregoing embodiments are presented in drawings, these drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0060] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing detailed description.

[0061] References throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized by the present invention should or are included in any single embodiment of the present invention. Conversely, language referring to the foregoing features and advantages should be understood to mean that the particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in the context of one embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, throughout this specification, discussions of features and advantages and similar language may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize in light of the description herein that it is possible for the invention to be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be observed in particular embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A splash suppression device that can be attached to a vehicle and controls splashes from the wheels of the vehicle while it is driving on a wet surface, An inlet for receiving airflow, An expansion portion that expands in a direction away from the aforementioned entrance, An angled portion for guiding the airflow from the aforementioned expansion portion, Equipped with an outlet The angled portion has a cross-sectional area that decreases in the direction away from the inlet toward the outlet. Splash suppression device.

2. A splash suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet has a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet.

3. A splash suppression device according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet to the outlet is greater than 1:

1.

4. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the expanded portion has a cross-sectional area that increases in the direction away from the inlet toward the outlet.

5. A splash suppression device according to claim 4, wherein the extended portion has a curved wall.

6. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a funnel portion for guiding the airflow from the inlet to the expansion portion.

7. A splash suppression device according to claim 6, wherein the funnel portion has a constant width along the length of the funnel portion.

8. A splash suppression device according to claim 7, wherein the funnel portion has the same cross-sectional area as the inlet.

9. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angled portion has a constant width along the length of the angled portion.

10. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outlet has a width approximating the width of the vehicle.

11. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angled portion is angled between 50° and 70° with respect to the direction of the airflow from the inlet.

12. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angled portion is angled at 60° with respect to the direction of the airflow from the inlet.

13. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outlet is provided with a slit.

14. A splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mounting mechanism for attaching the device to the vehicle.

15. A vehicle equipped with a splash suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the airflow is received in the inlet which is parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

17. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the angled portion is angled to cover the wheels of the vehicle and / or to guide an air barrier behind the wheels.

18. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the splash suppression device is positioned behind one or more wheels of the vehicle.

19. A vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the splash suppression device is located behind the rearmost wheel of the vehicle.

Images