Deployable Fairing Using Pressurized Flexible Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current truck and trailer aerodynamic systems face challenges such as weight, complexity, and inefficiency due to rigid panels, air leakage issues, and inadequate clearance, which affect aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and safety.
Innovation Solution
Deployable fairings made from pressurized, partially framed enclosures formed from flexible sheeting with internally hinged rigid structural members and linear actuators for automatic speed-regulated operation, allowing for precise folding and stowage, and incorporating translucent materials for safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid panel structures are used for aerodynamic fairings, then structural strength and shape stability are improved, but weight increases and the structure remains subject to vibration and shape alteration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membrane materials to create aerodynamic fairings that are significantly lighter than rigid panel structures. The flexible membrane is tensioned between mounting points on the vehicle frame, forming a continuous aerodynamic surface that maintains structural integrity through tension rather than rigid construction. This resolves the contradiction by achieving sufficient strength through the tensioned membrane system while dramatically reducing weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid panel structures are used for aerodynamic fairings, then structural stability is improved, but the structure becomes subject to vibration and oscillation in crosswinds
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane fairing absorbs and dissipates wind energy through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance, reducing vibration and oscillation in crosswinds while maintaining aerodynamic shape stability through continuous surface tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing utilizes changes in membrane tension and curvature parameters to adapt to varying wind conditions, allowing the structure to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties to resist vibration and oscillation while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness.
3Reliability
If speed-sensitive automatic deployment is implemented, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing system incorporates automatic speed-sensitive deployment mechanisms that sense vehicle speed and autonomously adjust fairing extension without requiring external control systems. The system self-regulates based on flow conditions, optimizing aerodynamic performance while minimizing control complexity through passive sensing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system uses feedback from speed sensors and flow condition detection to automatically adjust fairing position, maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance across varying operating conditions while using simple control logic to manage the complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the fairing is designed to allow full door opening, then ease of operation is improved, but airflow continuity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing mounting system is designed to dynamically accommodate door movement through controlled clearance and flexible membrane deformation. The fairing can temporarily deform or create controlled gaps during door operation, then restore airflow continuity when the door is closed, balancing ease of operation with aerodynamic performance.
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 provides lightweight, wind-resistant, and vibration-resistant aerodynamic structures that enhance fuel efficiency, safety, and maintain airflow continuity while allowing for easy maintenance and adjustable positioning, improving both aerodynamic performance and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The enclosure is adapted to be internally pressurized and forms an outer surface. When the enclosure is internally pressurized, the outer surface of the enclosure is structurally stiff and conforms to a predefined aerodynamic shape.
Implementation Method 2
The structural frame comprises at least two subframes. The subframes are pivotally coupled to one another so that the structural frame is foldably movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
Implementation Method 3
An actuator acts between the subframes and is adapted to move the structural frame between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.
Implementation Method 4
The enclosure is supported by and coupled to the structural frame so that the enclosure moves with the structural frame and unfolds when the structural frame moves from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration
Implementation Method 5
Movement of the structural frame from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration develops tension on at least a portion of the outer surface of the enclosure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A deployable fairing for a transport vehicle comprises a flexible, internally pressurizable enclosure (122) supported by a structural frame (120). The structural frame (120) comprises a plurality of rigid structural members forming at least two subframes that are pivotally coupled to one another and is foldably movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The enclosure (122) moves with the structural frame (120), unfolds when the structural frame (120) moves into the expanded configuration and folds in upon itself when the structural frame (120) moves into the collapsed configuration. Moving the structural frame (120) into the expanded configuration develops tension on at least part of the outer surface of the enclosure (122), and movement of the structural frame (120) into the collapsed configuration releases the tension. When the enclosure (122) is internally pressurized while the structural frame (120) is in the expanded configuration, the outer surface of the enclosure (122) is structurally stiff and conforms to a predefined aerodynamic shape.