Pivoting Wind Deflector for Cargo Drag and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo transporting members on vehicles, particularly in autonomous vehicles, suffer from negative aerodynamic effects due to their box-shaped design, leading to increased power usage and a need for frequent adjustment of wind deflectors, which are often difficult to store and integrate with the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A wind deflector system with multiple pivotable portions that can expand and collapse around a common rotational axis, allowing for adjustable wind deflection and compact storage, featuring a canvas member and control unit for automated adjustment based on vehicle speed and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a box-shaped cargo transporting member is used to maximize filling capacity, then the cargo capacity is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates leading to increased power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector is divided into multiple modular portions that can be independently adjusted. Each portion can be positioned to create optimal aerodynamic flow patterns around the box-shaped cargo, reducing drag without requiring changes to the cargo container itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The multiple portions can be moved to different positions based on cargo size, vehicle speed, and aerodynamic conditions, allowing the system to optimize airflow patterns in real-time while maintaining the box-shaped cargo configuration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a wind deflector is provided to reduce negative aerodynamic effects, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device complexity and storage difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector is segmented into multiple portions that can be independently positioned and stored. This segmentation allows each portion to be compact when stored and easily adjusted when needed, reducing the overall complexity of the storage mechanism while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector portions are arranged to utilize vertical space above the cargo rather than extending horizontally. By pivoting upward and storing in a vertical dimension, the system reduces horizontal space requirements and simplifies the storage mechanism while maintaining aerodynamic function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wind deflector is made adjustable to accommodate different cargo sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the frequency of adjustment increases leading to loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow rapid reconfiguration. The multiple portions can be independently and quickly positioned to match different cargo configurations, reducing the time required for adjustment while maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance for various cargo sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector system includes automated control mechanisms that can sense cargo dimensions and automatically adjust the position of deflector portions without manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the time loss associated with manual reconfiguration while maintaining adaptability to different cargo sizes.
4Volume of moving object
If the common rotational axis is positioned behind the wind deflector portions in collapsed state, then the compact storage is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism is designed to pivot the wind deflector portions upward into a vertical collapsed position rather than folding them horizontally. By utilizing the vertical dimension and positioning the rotational axis behind the portions, the system achieves compact storage within the available vertical space while simplifying the mechanical structure through a single-axis rotation mechanism.
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 system provides versatile wind deflection, efficient storage, and improved aerodynamics by adjusting to cargo size and speed, reducing power consumption and enhancing safety through automated control during collisions or downhill travel.
Implementation Method 1
the two or more wind deflector portions are configured to be pivoted relative each other with respect to a common rotational axis so that the wind deflector is expanded and collapsed
Implementation Method 2
a wind deflector for deflecting wind from the cargo transporting member when being attached to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including an attachment for attaching a cargo transporting member thereto, wherein the vehicle further includes a wind deflector for deflecting wind from the cargo transporting member when being attached to the vehicle, wherein the wind deflector includes two or more wind deflector portions which are configured to deflect wind when the vehicle is travelling in a travelling direction, wherein the wind deflector is configured to be expanded into at least a first wind deflecting state and collapsed into a collapsed state, wherein the two or more wind deflector portions are configured to be pivoted relative each other with respect to a common rotational axis so that the wind deflector is expanded and collapsed between the first wind deflecting state and the collapsed state.