Inflatable Trailer Skirt With Rib Stabilization and Crumple Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid trailer skirts are prone to damage when contacting ground structures at slow speeds, while inflatable skirts lack stability and shape control without a stabilizing structure.
Innovation Solution
Inflatable tubes with horizontal rib structures and inelastic cords are used, along with a crossed cord arrangement to maintain vertical orientation and stability, and a universal joint at rib interruptions to create a crumple zone for damage absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid panel is used as a trailer skirt, then wind resistance and structural stability are improved, but the risk of damage from contact with ground structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer skirt transitions from a static rigid panel to a dynamic inflatable structure that can change its physical state. When inflated, it provides rigid wind resistance; when deflated, it becomes flexible and stowable, eliminating damage risk from ground contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt's physical parameters (volume, pressure, rigidity) are changed by inflating and deflating the inflatable material. This allows the same structure to exhibit different mechanical properties depending on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between wind resistance and damage prevention
2Reliability
If an inflatable structure is used as a trailer skirt, then damage resistance from ground contacts is improved, but shape stability and structural rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable skirt uses a flexible membrane structure that maintains its shape through internal pressure rather than rigid structural support. This flexible shell approach provides damage resistance while maintaining adequate shape stability through aerodynamic pressure distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable structure dynamically adjusts its shape and rigidity based on operational conditions. At highway speeds, aerodynamic pressure stabilizes the inflated shape; at low speeds or during storage, the structure can be deflated or reconfigured, resolving the stability issue
3Ease of operation
If an inflatable skirt is used, then ease of storage and deployment is improved, but structural stability at high speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable - easily deflated for storage and inflated for operation. The inflation process creates the necessary structural stability at high speeds, while deflation provides compact storage, resolving the contradiction between ease of storage and high-speed stability
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 provides a stiff and wind-resistant trailer skirt at highway speeds while being supple and stowable at slow speeds, maintaining shape and stability to prevent damage from ground contacts.
Implementation Method 1
The bags are pressurized during forward motion of the trailer by ram air attacking a forward facing air scoop
Implementation Method 2
The present invention employs a horizontal rib structure affixed the inflatable bag to solve the shape problem, and inelastic cords anchored to the trailer to solve the stability problem
Implementation Method 3
a universal joint at structural rib interruptions such that a crumple zone is created at the ends of the bags, while retaining a smooth unbuckled surface at these interruptions when the bags are pressurized
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.