Pneumatic Air Control Device for Tractor Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractor-trailer combinations experience excessive aerodynamic drag due to gaps between vehicles and turbulent airflow underbody interactions, which existing aerodynamic devices fail to address effectively across varying wind conditions and yaw angles.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable aerodynamic device using pneumatic motors and sensors to alter the shape of air deflectors, spoilers, or fairings, optimizing airflow by changing the control surface configuration in response to wind conditions and gap distances between tractor and trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration aerodynamic devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but aerodynamic drag cannot be optimized across varying wind conditions and yaw angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing control surfaces that can dynamically change their configuration and orientation in response to varying wind conditions and yaw angles. The control surfaces are equipped with actuators that adjust their position to optimize aerodynamic drag reduction across different operating conditions, transforming a static device into an adaptive system that responds to environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect wind conditions and yaw angles, then using this information to control the position of the control surfaces. The system continuously monitors the aerodynamic environment and adjusts the control surfaces accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes drag reduction based on real-time conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic motors are used to alter control surface configuration, then aerodynamic drag is reduced across varying conditions, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by using pneumatic motors to actuate the control surfaces. Compressed air is used to drive the motors that adjust the control surface configuration, providing a responsive and efficient means of changing the aerodynamic device's shape without requiring complex electrical motor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing the vehicle's existing compressed air supply system to power the pneumatic motors. The aerodynamic control device draws from the vehicle's already-present pneumatic infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If aerodynamic devices are added to reduce drag, then fuel efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the aerodynamic device into modular components including control surfaces, support structures, and actuation systems. This modular approach allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the drag reduction necessary to improve fuel efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatically actuated air control device is provided. The device includes a control surface that affects the air flow along the device, and an at least one pneumatic motor configured to alter or change the configuration or orientation of the control surface or sections thereof. The device is configured such that when selective air pressure is supplied to the at least one motor, the control surface or sections thereof changes its configuration or its orientation with respect to the air flow, thereby affecting the air flow with respect to the device.