Flexible Air Conduction Element for Load-Carrying Vehicle Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conduction elements for load-carrying vehicles increase fuel consumption by creating a suction effect during rapid travel and require significant modifications to the cargo space structure, including increased height and obstructed unloading, due to their rear-mounted designs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible flat structure air conduction element with a movable cover that expands at higher air speeds to increase duct cross-section, reducing air resistance without increasing vehicle height, and collapses at lower speeds to minimize structural impact, using a fabric or film that integrates with the cargo space structure and is secured by spacing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid tubular air conduction structures are mounted at the rear of the cargo space structure, then air resistance is reduced during fast travel, but the vehicle height increases causing contact damage with cargo terminal roofs
Solution Approach 1:
The air conduction element employs a flexible flat structure that dynamically changes its three-dimensional configuration based on air flow conditions. During fast travel, the structure expands to form an effective air conduction duct; during slow travel or maneuvering, it collapses to a flat profile, eliminating height-related contact problems while maintaining aerodynamic benefits when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible flat structure made of fabric or film material that can be blown open by air flow to create a three-dimensional air conduction duct during fast travel, yet collapses to a flat configuration during slow travel, thus avoiding increased vehicle height and potential contact damage with cargo terminal roofs.
2Loss of energy
If rear-mounted air conducting surfaces are installed to reduce suction effect, then fuel consumption decreases, but unloading operations become difficult requiring disassembly of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flat structure automatically expands or collapses based on air flow conditions without requiring manual intervention. During unloading operations, the structure naturally collapses to a flat profile against the cargo space structure, providing easy access to the cargo area without requiring disassembly, while still maintaining aerodynamic benefits during travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conduction element is self-regulating through the flexible flat structure that automatically adjusts its configuration based on air flow pressure. The structure blows open during fast travel to reduce drag and automatically collapses during slow travel or unloading operations, eliminating the need for manual control or disassembly while continuously optimizing fuel efficiency.
3Productivity
If the air conduction duct maintains a large internal cross section at all speeds, then air flow efficiency is maximized, but the structure increases vehicle height during slow travel causing contact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flat structure dynamically adjusts its three-dimensional configuration based on air flow conditions. During fast travel, the structure expands to create a large internal cross section for optimal air flow efficiency; during slow travel, it collapses to a flat profile, eliminating excessive height while maintaining the capability to expand when aerodynamic benefits are needed.
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 effectively reduces air resistance during faster travel while maintaining a low profile during slow travel, allowing for efficient airflow without obstructing the cargo space and preventing damage from increased vehicle height, thus optimizing fuel efficiency and unloading capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Upon falling below a predetermined air speed, an internal cross section of the air conduction duct is blown open by the air flow so that the cover is lifted from the cargo space structure
Implementation Method 2
The air conduction element effectively reduces air resistance during faster travel
Data Source
AI summary
An air conduction element for reducing the air resistance of a load-carrying vehicle having a load space structure. The air conduction element can be externally mounted in the rear region of the load space structure and includes an air conduction duct with a front air inlet opening and a rear air outlet opening, front and rear being in relation to the direction of travel (x). The air inlet opening overlaps the load space structure in the direction of travel (x) and the air outlet opening is arranged behind the load space structure within the cross-sectional contour thereof. The air conduction element has a cover which delimits the air conduction duct. It was therefore the aim to devise an air conduction element which does not increase the dimensions of the load space structure when the vehicle is driving slowly or is at a standstill. For this purpose, the cover is produced from a flexible flat material.