Fender Well Fairing for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long-haul tractors experience suboptimal aerodynamic performance due to turbulent airflow in and around wheel openings, leading to increased aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption, as well as elevated Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.
Innovation Solution
A drag-reducing system featuring a fender well fairing positioned adjacent to the wheel openings, projecting inwardly to minimize airflow entry and turbulence, which can be installed on new or existing vehicles, constructed from materials like rubber, thermoplastic, or metals for durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel openings are left open for tire movement, then wheel functionality is maintained, but turbulent airflow enters the fender well causing increased aerodynamic drag
Solution Approach 1:
A fairing is introduced as an intermediary component between the wheel opening and the incoming airflow. The fairing acts as a mediator that redirects airflow around the wheel assembly, preventing direct impingement on the fender well interior surfaces while allowing the wheel to maintain its functional opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing extends in a direction perpendicular to the primary airflow path, creating a three-dimensional flow management structure. By projecting the fairing inwardly toward the wheel from the fender well opening, the design adds a dimensional component that redirects airflow laterally around the wheel assembly rather than allowing direct entry into the fender well.
2Device complexity
If conventional vehicle design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic performance is suboptimal due to turbulent airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed on the fender well assembly. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic improvement to be added without redesigning the entire vehicle structure, maintaining relative simplicity while improving fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing modifies the airflow parameters by changing the flow direction and reducing turbulence intensity. By positioning the fairing to project inwardly toward the wheel, the design alters the velocity distribution and pressure fields in the wheel opening region, transforming turbulent flow into more streamlined flow patterns.
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 system effectively reduces aerodynamic drag by smoothing airflow, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and NOx emissions, and can be applied to various types of vehicles beyond Class 8 tractors.
Implementation Method 1
This area allows airflow, and especially cross flow, to impinge upon interior surfaces of the vehicle, thereby producing turbulent flow
Implementation Method 2
This turbulence results in significant aerodynamic drag, increasing both fuel consumption and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions of the tractor
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic component in the form of, for example, a fairing is provided. The fairing is attached or otherwise positioned at the entry of or within the fender well of the vehicle. In use, the fender well fairing aims to block entry of airflow into the interior area of the vehicle as well as reduces or eliminates direct impingement against interior surfaces of the fender well. This improves air flow, thereby reducing drag.