Active Side Shield for Pickup Truck Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition region between the cabin and the deck of pickup trucks experiences a significant change in shape, leading to increased air drag and reduced aerodynamic performance, which negatively affects fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A movable side shield that can be selectively positioned between a stowed and deployed state to alter the shape of the transition region, improving aerodynamics by providing a smoother transition between the cabin and the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transition region between cabin and deck has a significant shape change to accommodate cargo storage, then cargo carrying capability is improved, but air drag increases and aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield is designed as a movable component that can dynamically adjust its position between a deployed state (protruding from the cabin side wall to smooth the transition region and reduce air drag) and a retracted state (stored within the cabin to provide access to storage space). This dynamic configuration allows the vehicle to adapt its aerodynamic profile based on whether the cargo bed needs to be accessed, thereby resolving the contradiction between cargo accessibility and aerodynamic performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a side shield is deployed to improve aerodynamic performance, then air drag is reduced, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield is designed to nest within the cabin structure when not in use. The shield can be stored in a recess or cavity formed in the cabin, allowing it to be compact when retracted and eliminating the need for separate external storage mechanisms. This nesting approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits when deployed
Data Source
AI summary
A transition region between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component can be actively managed. In a pick-up truck, the first vehicle component can be a deck and the second vehicle component can be a cabin. A side shield can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the side shield can be located within the deck. In the deployed position, the side shield can extend at least partially out of the deck in a direction toward the cabin. Responsive to receiving an input indicating the position for the side shield, the side shield can be caused to be moved into or maintained in the indicated position. In some instances, the input can be provided automatically by the vehicle based on a detected vehicle condition, environment condition, and/or other condition. In some instances, the input can be received from a vehicle occupant.