Compressible Aerodynamic Nose Gap Reducer for Trailer Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic devices for reducing drag on trailers are inefficient in managing airflow between the tractor unit and the trailer, leading to increased fuel consumption and power usage in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a compressible aerodynamic nose gap reducer with upper and side fin assemblies that can be compressed to reduce length and return to original shape, featuring a rigid support backer, compressible fin insert, and deformable housing, allowing for airflow management and drag reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If aerodynamic devices are used to redirect air flow between the tractor unit and trailer, then drag force is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic nose gap reducer is divided into multiple fin assemblies (upper fin assembly, first side fin assembly, second side fin assembly) that can be independently configured and adjusted. Each fin assembly targets specific airflow patterns from different directions, allowing modular optimization of drag reduction while managing structural complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose gap reducer incorporates compressible fin assemblies with spring elements that allow dynamic adjustment of fin positions and angles. The fins can move relative to the support backer, enabling the device to adapt to varying airflow conditions and trailer-tractor gap distances, thereby maintaining effectiveness across different operating scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.
2Length of moving object
If the nose gap reducer is made compressible to reduce length, then storage and transport efficiency improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible fin assemblies are designed with nested structural elements where fins can be positioned within the housing or against the support backer when compressed. The spring elements nest within the housing structure, and the entire assembly can be collapsed to a compact form factor for storage, with each component fitting within or alongside the others to minimize overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a deformable structure that can flex and compress to accommodate the movement of fin assemblies. The housing walls are engineered with appropriate flexibility to allow compression while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the nose gap reducer to transition between extended and compressed states without requiring rigid, complex mechanical linkages.
3Productivity
If vent gaps are formed to allow air flow, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but drag reduction effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assemblies are positioned and angled to create localized flow control zones. The upper fin assembly addresses top airflow, while the side fin assemblies manage lateral flow patterns. Each fin assembly creates targeted vent gaps of specific sizes and orientations, allowing air to flow through localized regions rather than creating uncontrolled open gaps, thereby maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while directing flow to reduce overall drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin assemblies act as intermediary structures between the tractor unit and trailer, mediating the airflow through controlled vent gaps. Rather than allowing direct, uncontrolled air ingress into the gap region, the fins create intermediate flow paths that gradually manage pressure differentials and redirect air flow, reducing the abruptness of air entry and minimizing turbulent drag while still permitting necessary air movement for aerodynamic efficiency.
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 reduces drag and wind resistance, enhancing fuel efficiency and power conservation by allowing air to flow through vent gaps, thereby improving the aerodynamic efficiency of trailers.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible fin insert is configured to compress to reduce a length of the nose gap reducer in response to a compression force being applied to the compressible fin insert and to return to a pre-compressed shape in response to the compression force being removed from the compressible fin insert
Implementation Method 2
air around the semi-trailer truck may flow between the tractor unit and the trailer and impart a drag force to the trailer. Aerodynamic devices are designed to control the air flowing into the gap formed between the tractor unit and the trailer
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the upper, first side, and second side fin assemblies may be spaced apart from the front end wall of the trailer to form a vent gap between the nose gap reducer and the trailer to allow air to flow between the nose gap reducer and the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A nose gap reducer for reducing drag on a vehicle is disclosed. The nose gap reducer may be coupled to a vehicle such as a trailer of a semi-trailer truck for example. The trailer may be positioned between a tractor unit or between another trailer.