Pivoting Deployable Fairing for Tractor-Trailer Drag Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles, particularly tractor-trailer combinations, face challenges in achieving fuel efficiency while maintaining maneuverability, especially when operating at high speeds on highways and navigating through urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A deployable fairing structure with pivotally coupled panels that can transition between retracted and deployed configurations, utilizing actuators and sensors to optimize aerodynamic performance based on environmental conditions, ensuring minimal drag during highway travel and maximum maneuverability in urban settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fairing structure is deployed to reduce aerodynamic drag, then fuel efficiency is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing structure is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable. Panels are pivotally coupled to allow movement between deployed (aerodynamic) and retracted (maneuverable) configurations, enabling the system to adapt to different operational conditions rather than being fixed in one state
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing is divided into multiple separable panels (upper panels, side panels, lower panels) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective deployment of different fairing sections, providing granular control over the balance between aerodynamic performance and maneuverability
2Adaptability or versatility
If fairing panels are pivotally coupled to enable deployment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fairing panels are pivotally coupled to common support structures (横向 support members, vertical support members) that serve multiple functions. The support structures both hold the panels and provide pivot axes, merging structural support with deployment mechanism functions to reduce overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal coupling mechanism serves multiple purposes: it provides the deployment motion, establishes the aerodynamic surface geometry, and allows the fairing to adapt to different trailer configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function
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 deployable fairing enhances fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag on highways while allowing for high-speed operation and maintaining maneuverability in urban areas, thus optimizing energy consumption and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The deployable upper panel pivotal about a horizontal axis to move the deployable upper panel assembly between a retracted configuration of the fairing structure and a deployed configuration of the fairing structure
Implementation Method 2
at least a first deployable side panel having a proximal edge, the first deployable side panel coupled to translate and pivot in moving between the retracted configuration of the fairing structure and the deployed configuration of the fairing structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a deployable fairing system to a tractor trailer. The deployable fairing system includes an actuator used to extend the deployable fairing from an unextended configuration to an extended configuration to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer. The deployable fairing includes deployable upper and/or lower horizontal assemblies that are pivotally coupled to a frame attached to the tractor/cab, and two side panels that are pivotally coupled to one or both of the upper and lower horizontal assemblies. The deployable upper and lower horizontal assemblies and the two side panels fold in on one another along multiple hinged axes in the unextended configuration, and extend rearward from the top and sides of the tractor in the extended configuration to cover a portion of the gap. The fairing may advantageously flair from front to the rear.