Inflatable Trailer Drag Reduction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic devices for reducing drag on tractor-trailers are complex and often require inflation mechanisms like pumps, and solutions that increase vehicle height to reduce drag may violate height regulations.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable aerodynamic device with an air intake scoop mounted beneath the trailer, which inflates rearwardly to reduce drag, featuring a vertical inlet and horizontal outlet to guide air upwardly, allowing airflow to fill and deflate the inflatable member as the trailer moves, thus reducing drag without increasing height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an inflatable aerodynamic device is used to reduce drag, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring inflation mechanisms like pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device uses the trailer's own forward motion to inflate itself. The air intake scoop captures ambient air and the trailer's movement forces air through the scoop into the inflatable member, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex inflation systems. The device serves itself using the energy already present in the system (the trailer's motion).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the pump and complex inflation mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of adding a pump to inflate the device, the design extracts only the inflatable member and air intake scoop, using the trailer's motion to perform the inflation function that would otherwise require a separate mechanical system.
2Loss of energy
If an air scoop extends upwardly beyond the top of the trailer to reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the height increases which may violate transportation laws
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the air intake structure vertically upward (adding height in the vertical dimension), the patent positions the air intake scoop horizontally beneath the rear wall of the trailer. The scoop extends rearwardly in the horizontal dimension, capturing air from the rearward flow beneath the trailer. This dimensional shift allows the device to maintain aerodynamic functionality while complying with height regulations.
3Device complexity
If a simple inflation mechanism is used as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,252, then device complexity is reduced, but the height increases which creates legal compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake scoop is positioned horizontally beneath the rear wall rather than extending upward. The scoop captures air from the rearward flow beneath the trailer and directs it into the inflatable member, achieving simple inflation mechanics while maintaining compliance with height regulations through horizontal rather than vertical configuration.
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 decreases drag on tractor-trailers by inflating and deflating the aerodynamic device using airflow, improving fuel efficiency and compliance with height regulations, thereby reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet allowing airflow therethrough as the trailer moves forward
Implementation Method 2
adapted to inflate rearwardly therefrom to reduce drag as the trailer is towed forwardly
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic device for a trailer includes an inflatable member coupled to a rear wall on a trailer adapted to inflate rearwardly therefrom to reduce drag as the trailer is towed forwardly. The aerodynamic device further includes an air intake scoop mounted beneath the rear wall of the trailer in fluid communication the inflatable member for filling the inflatable member with air as the trailer moves forward.