Self-deploying Hinged Panel Drag Reducer for Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large land vehicles, such as trucks and tractor-trailer rigs, face significant drag-related fuel inefficiencies due to their large frontal area, with pressure drag contributing substantially to overall drag, and existing drag reduction technologies like boat tails are cumbersome and difficult to install and store.
Innovation Solution
A self-deploying drag reduction apparatus comprising hinged panel sections that automatically pivot into an aerodynamic shape at high speeds, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, and can be manually operated to provide access to rear doors without obstructing them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional boat tail is used to reduce drag, then drag reduction is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome to install and remove and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The boat tail is divided into multiple panel sections that can be independently folded and stored. The panel sections are connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented into compact units for storage while maintaining the full aerodynamic shape when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The boat tail structure transitions from a static, fixed form to a dynamic, movable structure. The hinges enable the panels to move between a deployed aerodynamic configuration and a folded storage configuration, making the device adaptable to different operational states
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the boat tail is mounted over the rear doors, then drag reduction is achieved, but access to the rear doors is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The boat tail is designed as a movable structure with hinges that allow it to be folded back or removed entirely. This dynamic capability enables the rear doors to be accessed when needed, while the boat tail can be deployed during normal operation to reduce drag
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a large unitary shell is used for drag reduction, then aerodynamic benefits are achieved, but the device is difficult to store when access to rear doors is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The large unitary shell is segmented into multiple smaller panel sections that can be folded together. When folded, these panels occupy significantly less storage space while still forming the complete aerodynamic shape when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The panel sections are designed to nest within each other when folded, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the boat tail to be compacted into a small package for storage while maintaining the ability to expand to the full aerodynamic configuration when 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 apparatus reduces drag by approximately 8-11% compared to standard trailers, leading to improved fuel economy and reduced fuel consumption, while maintaining ease of use and access to vehicle doors.
Implementation Method 1
automatically move from the folded state to an extended state at an airflow around the rear of the vehicle sufficient to pivot at least the upper panel section upward from the folded state
Data Source
AI summary
A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.