Inflatable Rear Spoiler for Vehicle Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial and commercial vehicles face reduced aerodynamic efficiency due to their square rear shape, leading to increased air turbulence and drag, which results in higher fuel consumption, especially at high speeds, and existing solutions like inflatable and rigid spoilers face issues with deflation, bulkiness, and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises inflatable and retractable spoilers with a rigid internal support, split to allow door access, featuring a triangular shape and third-order polynomial curve for airflow redirection, and a mechanism for continuous inflation and deflation, using PVC materials and internal sector cross-pieces for geometry maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inflatable spoilers are mounted on the entire rear surface to optimize aerodynamics, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the device becomes bulky when deflated
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is divided into multiple independent segments that can be folded relative to each other. Each segment can be collapsed into a compact configuration, reducing the overall storage volume while maintaining the ability to provide full aerodynamic coverage when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler segments are designed to nest within each other when deflated, with smaller segments fitting inside larger ones. This nested configuration minimizes the storage volume required while allowing the spoiler to expand to its full aerodynamic shape when inflated
2Loss of energy
If rigid retractable spoilers are used to maintain aerodynamic performance, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler uses an inflatable structure filled with air or gas to maintain its rigid aerodynamic shape during operation. When deflated, the structure collapses naturally without requiring complex mechanical retraction mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler is constructed from flexible yet structurally sound materials that can maintain their shape when inflated. These materials provide the necessary rigidity for aerodynamic efficiency during operation while allowing easy collapse and storage when deflated, eliminating the need for complex mechanical support structures
3Loss of energy
If spoilers are mounted continuously on the rear surface, then aerodynamic drag is minimized, but ease of operation for door access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable. It can be inflated to provide full aerodynamic coverage during normal operation and deflated to allow door access when needed. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between aerodynamic efficiency and operational accessibility requirements
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
This system minimizes aerodynamic drag by guiding airflow efficiently, reducing turbulence and tractive resistance, while allowing easy door access and compact storage when deflated.
Implementation Method 1
said spoilers comprising top spoilers, side spoilers, bottom spoilers, that are split along the lines dividing the wings of the rear doors
Implementation Method 2
The function of the inflatable rear spoilers is to guide the airflows so that they meet behind the trailer or semi-trailer within the shortest possible distance, filling the partial air vacuum and reducing the aerodynamic turbulence generated to the rear of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is described for optimizing the aerodynamics of the rear part of an industrial or commercial vehicle, said system comprising inflatable and retractable spoilers (1', 1 ", 2', 2", 3', 3") on the entire surface of the rear profile of the body of the vehicle or of the trailer or semi-trailer.