Commercial Vehicle Fairing Assembly with Four-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fairing assemblies for commercial vehicles are difficult to operate, requiring significant effort to pivot and access wheels for tasks like chain installation and inspection, and do not provide adequate aerodynamic benefits while allowing access.
Innovation Solution
A fairing assembly with a four-bar linkage mounting system that allows the fairing to pivot easily between covering and uncovering positions, using a mechanism with revolute joints and optional gas struts for enhanced movement, enabling space-saving and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fairing is fixed rigidly to the frame, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as significant effort is required to pivot and access wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a four-bar linkage mechanism that enables the fairing to dynamically change its position between a covering position (for aerodynamic performance) and an uncovering position (for wheel access). The linkage includes a first arm pivotally connected to the fairing and frame, and a second arm pivotally connected to the fairing, creating a movable mounting system that resolves the contradiction between fixed aerodynamic coverage and operational accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the fairing is made movable to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the mounting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a four-bar linkage mechanism comprising a first arm pivotally connected to the fairing and frame, and a second arm pivotally connected to the fairing, creating a controlled movable mounting system that balances operational ease with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing assembly incorporates a gas strut that provides automatic support and assistance during the pivoting motion, enabling the fairing to move between covering and uncovering positions with minimal manual effort. The gas strut acts as a self-service element that reduces the force required by the operator while integrating seamlessly into the four-bar linkage mechanism.
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 fairing assembly facilitates easy and space-efficient movement between covering and uncovering positions, improving usability and aerodynamic performance while allowing access to wheels for necessary tasks without hindering operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas strut which is configured to support a movement of the fairing between the covering position and the uncovering position
Implementation Method 2
a mounting device which is also referred to as a mounting system. The mounting device comprises at least one four bar linkage including a first arm which is, at least indirectly, pivotably connected with the fairing
Data Source
AI summary
A fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle is disclosed that includes a fairing and a mounting device for mounting the fairing to a frame. The mounting device includes a four bar linkage having a first arm which is pivotably connected with the fairing, the first arm being configured to be pivotably connected with the frame. The linkage also includes a second arm which is pivotably connected with the fairing, the second arm being configured to be pivotably connected with the frame such that the mounting device allows the fairing to move between a covering position for laterally covering at least a major portion of a wheel of the commercial vehicle and an uncovering position for uncovering the wheel.