Angled Trailer Skirt and Aerodynamic Mud Flap for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large trailer skirts improve aerodynamics but are expensive, prone to damage, difficult to install, and complicate fleet logistics due to size variations, while alternative aerodynamic systems fail to achieve comparable fuel savings.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an optimized small trailer skirt angled between 3-7 degrees, a rib cover, and an aerodynamic mud flap with apertures, along with a top fairing, which reduces drag and enhances breakover angle while minimizing material usage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If large trailer skirts are used to improve aerodynamics, then fuel savings are increased, but cost, weight, and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer skirt system is divided into modular components: side skirts, rear skirts, and end panels that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized material usage and reduced overall weight while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using full-length large skirts that extend the entire trailer length, the invention applies skirts to critical zones where aerodynamic drag is most significant, achieving substantial fuel savings with reduced material and weight
2Loss of energy
If large trailer skirts are used to improve aerodynamics, then fuel savings are increased, but installation difficulty and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be independently manufactured and easily installed on different trailer configurations, simplifying the installation process and reducing logistics complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The modular skirt components are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow the same components to be installed on various trailer sizes and types, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing and simplifying fleet-wide deployment
3Loss of energy
If large trailer skirts are used to improve aerodynamics, then fuel savings are increased, but access under the trailer is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The side skirts incorporate movable or collapsible sections that can be dynamically adjusted or removed to provide access to items under the trailer, then restored to maintain aerodynamic performance during transport
4Loss of energy
If large trailer skirts are used to improve aerodynamics, then fuel savings are increased, but breakover angle is reduced and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt system is segmented into multiple sections with flexible joints that allow the structure to flex and adapt during breakover events, preventing catastrophic failure and reducing damage risk while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt design incorporates protective features such as reinforced edges, flexible mounting systems, and clearance adjustments that preemptively cushion against potential damage from road contact and obstacles
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 achieves significant fuel savings, improved access under the trailer, and reduced damage risk, with a faster return on investment and better compatibility across different trailer sizes, saving 6.7% more fuel than large trailer skirts with 35% less material and weight.
Implementation Method 1
By reducing the amount of airflow in this space, drag caused by turbulence is reduced and permits the trailer to be towed more efficiently
Implementation Method 2
The aerodynamic mud flap has an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a plurality of apertures spaced therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for a trailer (12) that has a trailer skirt (32,36) in which the majority of its outer surface length is oriented at an angle from 3 degrees to 7 degrees to the longitudinal direction and extends inboard in the lateral direction upon extension forward in the longitudinal direction. An aerodynamic mud flap (22) is present and configured for being located rearward of the trailer skirt (32,36) in the longitudinal direction. The aerodynamic mud flap (22) has a barrier section (24) that includes apertures therethrough that allow air and particles to flow during travel of the trailer (12). A top fairing (26) is present and is configured for being attached to a top surface of the trailer (12). The top fairing (26) is configured to be located closer to the rearward terminal end of the trailer (12) than to the forward terminal end of the trailer (12) in the longitudinal direction. The apparatus (10) also has a rib cover (74).