Cargo Box Rear Frame Header With Airflow Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-road cargo transports face inefficiencies in aerodynamic design, leading to increased aerodynamic drag and negative air pressure at the rear end, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rear frame with a header and vertical frame members above the cargo box, featuring a plurality of openings that induce turbulence and function as an airflow duct to counteract negative air pockets, reducing drag and improving airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional rear frame design is used, then the structure is simple, but aerodynamic drag increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is designed with multiple openings (triangular, rectangular, or circular shapes) that allow controlled airflow through the structure. This porous design enables the header to manage airflow patterns, reduce wake turbulence, and minimize aerodynamic drag while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving fuel efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the rear frame by adding openings with specific geometric parameters (triangular, rectangular, or circular shapes of varying sizes) to the header. These parameter changes alter the airflow characteristics through the rear frame, creating beneficial turbulence that reduces the negative pressure wake and decreases overall aerodynamic drag
2Loss of energy
If aerodynamic structures are added to reduce drag, then fuel efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple sections with individual openings distributed across its surface. This segmentation allows each opening to be fabricated independently using standard metal forming techniques, and the modular design simplifies assembly while achieving complex aerodynamic flow management throughout the entire header structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rear frame with openings serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains structural support for the cargo box, manages aerodynamic airflow, reduces drag, and provides a framework for mounting other components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate aerodynamic devices, simplifying manufacturing while achieving drag reduction
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 configuration decreases the size of trailing negative air pockets, enhancing fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag and improving airflow, thereby lowering operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
The header is positioned at least partially above a roof of the cargo box and includes a plurality of openings configured to induce turbulence within airflow at the rear end of the cargo box
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of openings are configured as a duct to charge airflow therethrough and counteract a negative-pressure air pocket rearward of the cargo box
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo transport includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels configured to support the chassis, a cargo box supported by the chassis, and a rear frame coupled to a rear end of the cargo box. The rear frame includes a header, a rear bolster disposed below the header, and a pair of opposed vertical frame members extending between the rear bolster and the header. The header is positioned at least partially above a roof of the cargo box and includes a plurality of openings configured to induce turbulence within airflow at the rear end of the cargo box.