Resilient Vehicle Edge Protector with Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cargo transportation vehicles are prone to damage from collisions, leading to water intrusion and freight damage, and existing solutions for reducing aerodynamic resistance are costly and easily damaged.

Innovation Solution

A protective device with a resilient outer shell and compressible core is attached to the vehicle's leading and trailing edges, absorbing impact energy and regaining its original shape, while also providing an aerodynamic shape to reduce drag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective device is added to cover the leading edge of the vehicle, then protection from impacts is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from impactsVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device employs a curved, aerodynamic shell that replaces the traditional sharp leading edge with a rounded profile. This curvature allows air to flow smoothly over the device, reducing turbulence and drag while maintaining protective coverage of the vehicle's leading edge and corner assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device simultaneously performs multiple functions: it protects the leading edge and corner assemblies from impact damage, reduces aerodynamic drag through its streamlined shape, and provides a mounting structure for additional components like lights or sensors, eliminating the need for separate protective and aerodynamic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If existing aerodynamic devices are installed to reduce drag, then fuel economy is improved, but the devices are costly and easily damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device changes the physical parameters of the leading edge by using a resilient material with specific elastic properties that allow it to flex and absorb impact forces. This material selection provides both aerodynamic efficiency and impact resistance, unlike traditional rigid aerodynamic devices that are easily damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient material in the protective device is pre-configured to absorb and dissipate impact energy through elastic deformation. This beforehand cushioning capability allows the device to withstand collisions with tree branches, other vehicles, or structures without suffering permanent damage, unlike conventional aerodynamic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If corner assemblies are left exposed to protect against water intrusion, then structural integrity is maintained, but damage from collisions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcollision damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is designed to nest over the existing corner assemblies and leading edge structures, providing an additional protective layer without removing or compromising the underlying structural components. This nested configuration maintains structural integrity while adding collision protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device utilizes composite or resilient materials that combine the properties of strength and flexibility. These materials can absorb impact energy while maintaining the structural integrity of the underlying corner assemblies, preventing both collision damage and water intrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 mitigates damage to vehicles and cargo, enhances fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic resistance, and is designed to be durable and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible portion or core disposed in a space (or void) defined between the outer shell and the vehicle proximate to the top front edge of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the compressible core can enhance energy dissipation upon impact with a foreign object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

Embodiments employ resilient materials that enable the device's shell to regain (or substantially regain) its original shape and orientation upon alleviation of impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the vehicle protective device, when installed, provides an aerodynamic shape to a top leading edge of the vehicle thereby facilitating lower aerodynamic resistance resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamics: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS11623592B2Resilient front protective vehicle device having aerodynamic benefit

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 RIDGE CORP

AI summary

A protective device structure for a vehicle is provided that includes an outer surface or shell attached to or otherwise disposed upon a vehicle that covers a top edge of a vehicle to absorb impact. The protective device can include a compressible portion disposed in a cavity defined between the outer shell and the vehicle proximate to the top front wall of the vehicle.