Pivoting Drag Reduction Device for Vehicle Rear Door Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drag reduction devices for land vehicles, such as trucks and tractor-trailer rigs, often impede the opening of rear doors and require operator intervention for deployment and stowage, and have a bulky profile that poses risks during reverse movement and storage.
Innovation Solution
A drag reduction device mounted between the trailer side wall and rear door, featuring a pair of elongated plates connected by an air turning component that pivots automatically with the door, allowing seamless deployment and stowage without operator intervention, and a low profile design to minimize the risk of contact during reverse movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a drag reduction device is mounted at the rear of the trailer to reduce pressure drag, then fuel economy is improved, but the device impedes the opening of rear doors and requires operator intervention for deployment and stowage
Solution Approach 1:
The drag reduction device is designed with a movable mounting arrangement that allows it to change position dynamically. The device can be automatically deployed when the trailer is in transit to reduce pressure drag and improve fuel economy, and automatically retracted or moved aside when rear doors need to be opened for loading or unloading, eliminating the need for operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic deployment and retraction mechanisms that respond to sensor inputs or mechanical triggers. When the rear doors are opened, the system automatically detects this and repositions the drag reduction device accordingly, making the system self-regulating without requiring manual operation
2Loss of energy
If a traditional drag reduction device is installed at the rear of the trailer, then pressure drag is reduced, but the device has a bulky profile that poses risks during reverse movement and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The drag reduction device features a movable mounting arrangement that allows it to be repositioned or retracted when the trailer needs to move in reverse. This dynamic capability enables the device to clear potential obstacles during reverse operations, eliminating the safety risk associated with bulky fixed-profile devices while maintaining drag reduction effectiveness during forward transit
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to move in the lateral dimension when needed, allowing it to clear the rear path during reverse operations. By transitioning from a fixed position to a movable position in another dimension (lateral movement or retraction), the device maintains its aerodynamic function during forward travel while eliminating interference during reverse movement
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 device effectively reduces pressure drag by turning airflow at the rear of the vehicle, enabling full door opening without interference and reducing the risk of damage during reverse operation, thereby enhancing fuel economy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The device effectively reduces pressure drag by turning airflow at the rear of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A drag reducing device includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite sides of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, so the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is sized for a minimal prominence when stowed.