Air Guide Element for Camera-Covered Commercial Vehicle Cab
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of exterior mirrors on commercial vehicles leads to aerodynamic deterioration due to increased edge vortex systems, and existing solutions for improving air resistance are not compatible with camera systems, which reduce interior and exterior space.
Innovation Solution
A driver's cab design featuring an in-cab display connected to exterior cameras and air guiding elements that can replace mirrors, optimizing the outer skin for either mirrors or cameras, with air guiding elements positioned to minimize turbulence and maintain interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If exterior mirrors are removed and replaced by camera systems, then interior space and exterior space are reduced, but aerodynamic drag increases due to increased wingtip vortex system
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide element is divided into multiple sections (first air guide element and second air guide element) that can be independently configured. Each section can be equipped with either a camera system or an exterior mirror, allowing flexible segmentation of the functional elements while maintaining overall aerodynamic performance through the guiding surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide element incorporates localized guiding surfaces at specific positions (front, rear, and sides) that are optimized to control airflow in different regions. The guiding surfaces can be selectively applied to different segments of the air guide element, allowing local optimization of aerodynamic properties while maintaining the overall structure.
2Loss of energy
If the cab is optimized for camera systems without exterior mirrors, then aerodynamic drag increases, but interior volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide element is designed as a universal structure that can serve multiple functions: it can guide airflow to reduce aerodynamic drag, accommodate either camera systems or exterior mirrors, and preserve interior volume by maintaining optimized cab geometry. The same basic structure supports different configurations depending on whether cameras or mirrors are installed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If exterior mirrors are removed, then fuel consumption should decrease, but aerodynamic drag increases due to edge vortex system
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide element acts as an intermediary structure between the cab body and the external environment. It introduces guiding surfaces that mediate the airflow pattern, preventing the formation of harmful edge vortices that would otherwise occur when exterior mirrors are removed, thus maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
4Loss of energy
If air deflectors are added to improve aerodynamic drag, then fuel consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide element is merged with the existing cab structure, integrating the aerodynamic function directly into the bodywork. The guiding surfaces are incorporated into the air guide element that already serves as a structural component, eliminating the need for separate, additional air deflectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic benefits.
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
This design reduces air resistance and fuel consumption by allowing for variable equipping with cameras or mirrors, optimizing aerodynamics while preserving interior and exterior space, and preventing turbulence at windows.
Implementation Method 1
The air guide element can be designed to direct the airflow of the driving wind past one side of the driver's cab without turbulence
Data Source
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AI summary
A driver's cab (104) of a commercial vehicle (100) is described. The driver's cab (104) comprises a display in the driver's cab (104) which is in signal communication with at least one camera (118) for displaying an exterior view of the commercial vehicle; and at least one air guide element (120) which is arranged on the outside of the driver's cab (104) at a height overlapping with a windshield (124).