Axle-Mounted Diffusers for Trailer Undercarriage Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerodynamic drag, particularly pressure drag, significantly impacts semi-trucks, with the undercarriage contributing to a substantial portion of this drag, and existing solutions like side skirts exacerbate the turbulent vacuum created by the trailer's shape, rather than mitigating it.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of independently mounted diffusers on the axles, comprising a horizontal panel and vertical strakes made of directionally flexible fiberglass composite, which form a continuous surface to smooth airflow and channel it stably beneath the trailer, reducing turbulence and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If side skirts are used to keep air alongside the vehicle, then airflow obstruction by undercarriage components is reduced, but the turbulent vacuum in the trailer wake is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser system is segmented into multiple vertical panels (strakes) mounted on each axle, with gaps between them. This segmentation allows the system to manage airflow locally at each axle position while collectively addressing the wake turbulence problem downstream
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the two-dimensional side skirt approach to a three-dimensional diffuser system that extends beneath the trailer. By managing airflow in the vertical dimension beneath the trailer and directing it toward the rear, the system addresses wake turbulence that side skirts cannot resolve
2Ease of operation
If the undercarriage is left exposed with suspension components, then structural functionality is maintained, but aerodynamic drag increases due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser panels serve as intermediary elements between the exposed suspension components and the external airflow. These panels do not eliminate the suspension components but mediate their aerodynamic impact by guiding airflow smoothly over and around them
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser panels are constructed from flexible materials (fiberglass composite with Kevlar reinforcement) that can accommodate suspension movement while maintaining aerodynamic continuity. This flexibility allows the panels to adapt to suspension motion without compromising aerodynamic performance
3Stability of the object's composition
If a continuous smooth surface is created beneath the trailer, then airflow stability is improved, but the complexity of mounting and maintaining the diffuser system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser system is divided into multiple independent panels mounted on each axle, allowing individual panel replacement or adjustment without affecting the entire system. This segmentation reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining overall airflow stability
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser panels are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, accommodating suspension movement and trailer vibrations. This dynamic design reduces the need for complex mounting mechanisms and simplifies installation while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness
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 diffusers effectively reduce drag and fuel consumption by smoothing airflow beneath the trailer, addressing the limitations of existing solutions by minimizing turbulence and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
these diffusers will help streamline the profile of a trailer and fill this vacuum with stable airflow
Implementation Method 2
pressure drag has a particularly significant impact on heavy trucks, accounting for as much as 90% of drag force
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of this device is to reduce the fuel consumption of heavy trucks by improving airflow past trailer axles. Rather than restrict airflow to the side of the vehicle, diffusers streamline its aerodynamic profile and allow air to flow smoothly beneath. A series of panels mounted to each axle of a truck and trailer forms a substantially continuous surface from the front to the rear axle, promoting laminar flow to the aft of the vehicle, minimizing the effect of suction drag.