Adaptive Mudflap with Pressure-Actuated Closing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mudflaps for trucks and trailers compromise the aerodynamic performance of vehicles while providing mechanical protection against solid and liquid projections, necessitating a balance between these two factors.
Innovation Solution
A mudflap design featuring a plate with multiple holes and adjustable closing members that deflect under air pressure, allowing air to pass through at high speeds to reduce drag while maintaining protection at lower speeds, utilizing a combination of flexible and rigid materials and mechanisms to optimize both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional solid mudflap is used, then protection against projections of solid particles or liquid droplets is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mudflap incorporates closing members that can dynamically change position between closed and open states. At low speeds, closing members remain closed to provide protection. At high speeds, closing members open to reduce aerodynamic drag, allowing the mudflap to adapt its function based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the effective opening size parameter of the mudflap based on vehicle speed. The closing members transition between closed position (providing full protection) and open position (reducing drag), thereby changing the aerodynamic parameters of the mudflap to optimize performance across different speed ranges.
2Loss of energy
If holes are added to the mudflap to reduce aerodynamic drag, then energy efficiency is improved, but protection against projections of solid particles or liquid droplets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mudflap plate contains multiple holes that would provide aerodynamic benefits, but each hole is locally protected by a closing member that can close over it when needed. This local quality control allows the holes to exist in the structure without permanently compromising protection, as each hole can be individually sealed by its closing member when protection is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing members associated with each hole can dynamically open or close based on vehicle speed. At high speeds, closing members open to allow air flow through the holes, reducing drag. At low speeds, closing members close to maintain protection, temporarily sealing the holes when projectile protection is needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively mitigates aerodynamic drag at high speeds, improving energy efficiency without compromising protection against solid and liquid projections, offering a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Implementation Method 1
a deflected position in which a dynamic air pressure pushes the closing member away from its rest position, thereby allowing air to pass through the hole
Implementation Method 2
The closing member is biased to the rest position thanks to its intrinsic elastic property
Implementation Method 3
each closing member is biased by gravity to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Mudflap in a wheel arrangement for a vehicle such as a truck or a utility vehicle or a trailer, the mudflap comprising a plate, arranged substantially in a vertical position, the plate being attached to a support in the vehicle, a front side being oriented toward the wheel, and a rear side oriented away from the wheel, the plate having a plurality of holes and closing member(s), wherein each closing member exhibits a rest position in which the closing member closes holes at the rear side thereof, and a deflected position in which a dynamic air pressure pushes the closing member away from its rest position, thereby allowing air to pass through the hole, and thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag of the mudflap.