Folding Panel Drag Reducing Apparatus for Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with non-streamlined rear surfaces experience significant aerodynamic drag due to airflow separation, leading to increased fuel consumption, which is particularly problematic in high fuel price and environmentally conscious times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drag-reducing apparatus with gently sloping tapered rear surfaces that can be configured between an extended and retracted position, utilizing folding panels to minimize drag while maintaining vehicle practicality in various traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If tapered rear surfaces are added to streamline the vehicle, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but vehicle length increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tapered rear surface configuration movable rather than fixed. The panels can be extended to create the streamlined shape when drag reduction is needed, and retracted when compact size is required, allowing the vehicle to adapt its aerodynamic properties dynamically based on operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered rear surface is divided into multiple separable panels that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the structure to be collapsed into a compact form when not in use, reducing the effective length increase, while still forming the complete streamlined shape when extended for drag reduction
2Use of energy by moving object
If the apparatus is extended to reduce drag, then fuel consumption decreases, but vehicle maneuverability in congested areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions between extended and retracted configurations dynamically, allowing the vehicle to optimize for fuel efficiency at highway speeds while maintaining compact maneuverability in congested urban areas. The movable panels enable the vehicle to adapt its aerodynamic profile to matching driving conditions
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 apparatus effectively reduces aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption, especially at high speeds, while allowing for compact configuration in congested areas, enhancing fuel efficiency and vehicle maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
The low pressure becomes more pronounced as airflow over the vehicle separates from the vehicle surfaces. The phenomenon of airflow separation is also well known in the design of aircraft wings
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.