Deployable Tractor-Trailer Fairing for Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coupled vehicles, such as tractor-trailer combinations, face significant challenges in fuel efficiency due to aerodynamic drag, particularly at higher speeds, where the gap between the tractor and trailer increases fuel costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A deployable fairing system that can adapt to different configurations based on environmental conditions and physical situations, using sensors to determine the presence of objects and wind conditions, and actuators to adjust its position to minimize drag, extending into the gap between the tractor and trailer to reduce aerodynamic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a deployable fairing is extended into the gap between tractor and trailer to reduce aerodynamic drag, then fuel efficiency is improved, but maneuverability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed to be deployable and retractable rather than fixed. It can be extended into the gap between tractor and trailer during highway cruising to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency, then retracted during low-speed maneuvers or tight turning situations to maintain maneuverability. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for fuel efficiency when needed while preserving operational flexibility when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed fairing is used to reduce aerodynamic drag, then fuel efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different configurations and conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing system incorporates deployable components that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. Sensors detect environmental factors such as wind speed, temperature, and presence of obstacles, allowing the controller to determine optimal deployment configurations. The fairing can be partially or fully deployed depending on whether the vehicle is cruising on highways or navigating complex routes, providing both fuel efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor environmental conditions and vehicle operation state. This feedback information is processed by a controller that adjusts the fairing deployment accordingly. For example, if sensors detect high wind speeds or adverse weather conditions, the controller can adjust the fairing configuration to optimize aerodynamic performance under those specific conditions, thereby maintaining both fuel efficiency and adaptability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fairing is fully deployed to maximize drag reduction, then fuel efficiency is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential interference with trailer components
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing system can be deployed partially rather than fully, depending on the specific operating conditions and trailer configuration. The deployable fairing includes multiple panels that can be independently controlled to achieve optimal drag reduction without necessarily extending the full length of the gap. This partial deployment approach maintains fuel efficiency benefits while reducing the risk of interference with refrigeration units, heaters, or other trailer components.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect the presence of obstacles such as refrigeration units, heaters, or other equipment that may extend into the gap region. When obstacles are detected, the controller adjusts the fairing deployment to avoid contact, thereby preventing damage to both the fairing and trailer components. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation by adapting the fairing configuration to the actual physical environment.
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 deployable fairing system enhances fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag, potentially leading to an 8% reduction in fuel costs by optimizing its deployment based on speed, wind conditions, and obstacles, while maintaining maneuverability on various road types.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic drag, particularly at higher speeds, where the gap between the tractor and trailer increases fuel costs and reduces efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a deployable fairing system to a tractor trailer. The deployable fairing system includes an actuator used to extend the deployable fairing from an unextended configuration to an extended configuration to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer. The deployable fairing includes deployable upper and/or lower horizontal assemblies that are pivotally coupled to a frame attached to the tractor/cab, and two side panels that are pivotally coupled to one or both of the upper and lower horizontal assemblies. The deployable upper and lower horizontal assemblies and the two side panels fold in on one another along multiple hinged axes in the unextended configuration, and extend rearward from the top and sides of the tractor in the extended configuration to cover a portion of the gap. The fairing may advantageously flair from front to the rear.