Inflatable Drag Reduction Device with Internal Ribs for Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable devices for reducing air drag on moving vehicles, such as tractor trailers, fail to maintain an optimal and stable shape at highway speeds and are cumbersome to install, leading to inefficiencies in fuel consumption due to drag forces.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular, inflatable devices with a durable and flexible material, featuring internal rib members for stability and a tension cord system, which automatically collapses when vehicle speed decreases, ensuring a streamlined triangular cross-section and easy attachment to existing trailers without modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If prior art inflatable devices are used to reduce air drag, then aerodynamic shape improvement is attempted, but the devices do not maintain optimal and stable shape at highway speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable device incorporates dynamic stability mechanisms including internal rib members that maintain structural integrity at highway speeds, and an automatic collapse feature that activates when vehicle speed decreases, ensuring the device only maintains its aerodynamic shape when actually needed for drag reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical state based on vehicle speed parameters - remaining inflated and maintaining aerodynamic shape at highway speeds where drag reduction is beneficial, and automatically collapsing when vehicle speed decreases below a predetermined threshold, thus adapting to operational conditions
2Shape
If prior art inflatable devices are installed on vehicles, then aerodynamic improvement is attempted, but the devices are cumbersome and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable device is designed as a modular unit that can be easily attached to and removed from the vehicle trailer without permanent modifications. The segmentation allows for simple installation and removal processes, making the device practical for various applications
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can be applied to different trailer configurations without requiring custom installation procedures for each vehicle type, enhancing ease of manufacture and deployment
3Loss of energy
If the inflatable device maintains aerodynamic shape at high speeds, then air drag is reduced, but the device requires complex internal structures for stability
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a flexible inflatable structure with internal rib members that provide necessary stability for maintaining aerodynamic shape at highway speeds. This flexible shell approach reduces overall structural complexity compared to rigid alternatives while still achieving the required shape stability for drag reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable device employs pneumatic pressure to maintain its aerodynamic shape during operation. By using internal air pressure rather than complex mechanical support structures, the device achieves shape stability with simpler overall construction, directly addressing the drag reduction goal without excessive structural complexity
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 drag by maintaining a stable aerodynamic shape at high speeds and simplifies installation, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced turbulence between trailer sections.
Implementation Method 1
a moving vehicle, and in particular a moving tractor trailer having a rectangular shape, will create an area of low pressure at the rear of the vehicle causing a significant amount of drag
Implementation Method 2
The opening between sections of a tandem trailer will also experience turbulence and/or drag forces
Implementation Method 3
The device is inflatable and is therefore constructed of a durable, flexible and generally airtight material
Implementation Method 4
Air intake means arranged to allow air to enter the device when the vehicle is moving at speeds above a predetermined speed
Implementation Method 5
The device further comprises a tension cord arrangement which causes the device to automatically assume the compact, collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 4 when the vehicle slows below a predetermined speed
Data Source
AI summary
Inflatable drag reduction device (20, 22) for vehicles, comprising an inflatable bag of a durable, flexible and generally air-tight material, arranged for attachment to the vehicle. The bag comprises of a plurality of conjoined panels and an air duct arranged for allowing the inflow of air into the interior of the bag when the vehicle is in motion. The bag further comprises internal ribs of a generally non-elastic material attached to the internal surfaces of the panels, that assist the bag in assuming a predetermined geometrical shape in which the panels are prevented from billowing outward.