Curved Semi-Trailer Front for Gap Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing articulated lorry designs feature a significant gap between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, leading to turbulence and increased air resistance, which elevates energy consumption and operational costs, and existing solutions like inflatable covers are prone to failure and unreliable, especially during cornering.
Innovation Solution
The semi-trailer is designed with a curved cross-sectional shape in its front area, resembling a segment of a circle, allowing wind deflection elements to maintain laminar flow and overlap with a conventional spoiler, ensuring minimal gap reduction during straight driving, cornering, and ascending/descending, while maintaining loading space and freedom of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large gap is maintained between the tractor unit and semi-trailer, then optimal space utilization and freedom of movement are achieved, but aerodynamic drag increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-trailer front wall is designed with a circular segment arc-shaped curved cross-section in the swiveling area, creating a curved surface that guides airflow smoothly through the gap between tractor and trailer, reducing turbulence and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while preserving mechanical freedom of movement
2Loss of energy
If inflatable covers are used to close the gap, then aerodynamic performance improves, but device complexity and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex inflatable cover system with its air supply connections and mechanical components, replacing it with a simple curved geometric shape that achieves gap reduction through pure aerodynamic form, eliminating all associated complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The curved cross-sectional design is a permanent, simple geometric feature of the semi-trailer structure rather than a complex, expensive, and maintenance-intensive inflatable system, representing a simpler and more reliable long-term solution
3Loss of energy
If inflatable covers are used to seal the gap, then aerodynamic performance may improve, but reliability deteriorates due to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the inflatable cover system entirely, removing all components subject to malfunction such as air hoses, valves, and sealing mechanisms, and replaces it with a passive curved geometric design that provides reliable aerodynamic performance without active systems
Solution Approach 2:
The curved cross-sectional shape automatically performs the gap reduction function through its geometric form alone, without requiring external air supply, mechanical actuation, or maintenance, making it inherently more reliable than active sealing systems
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 significantly improves air resistance by minimizing the gap and maintaining unrestricted movement, reducing energy consumption and operational costs through enhanced aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the airflow over the entire truck can be kept as laminar as possible
Implementation Method 2
This gap creates turbulence, which significantly contributes to the overall aerodynamic drag
Data Source
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AI summary
The tractor has a wind deflecting device that is arranged between a cab and a semi-trailer (1). A gap between the cab of the tractor and a trailer of a tractor-trailer is able to be partially covered. The semi-trailer comprises two longitudinal sides (6) facing a front portion (3). A set of wind guide elements (2) is allowed to run continuously along the two longitudinal sides, where the set of wind guide elements is overlapped with the wind deflector of the cab. The guide elements are provided with a curved shape and are formed as one-piece.