Retractable Air Flow Gate Tractor Trailer Gap Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gap between tractors and trailers creates a high drag and turbulence region that is difficult to streamline, with existing aerodynamic solutions causing damage when the tractor turns and adding weight or disrupting the air ride system, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased fuel costs.
Innovation Solution
The Retractable Air Flow Gate System, comprising a support frame, air foil gates, electric gear driven motors, and rubber strips, automatically opens and closes to fill the gap between the tractor and trailer based on speed, reducing drag and turbulence while preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed cab extenders are used to close the gap between tractor and trailer, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the extenders are damaged when the tractor turns relative to the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed cab extenders with a retractable air flow gate system that can dynamically adjust its position. The gate is mounted on a support frame and can be retracted when the tractor turns relative to the trailer, preventing damage while maintaining aerodynamic benefits during straight-line travel. The system includes a motor-driven mechanism that automatically adjusts the gate position based on operating conditions.
2Loss of energy
If aerodynamic devices are attached to the tractor roof and cab extenders, then drag is reduced, but the air ride system is disrupted causing a stiffer harder ride
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the aerodynamic function from the cab structure. Instead of attaching devices to the cab extenders or roof, the air flow gate is mounted on a separate support frame that is bolted to the tractor frame but positioned between the cab extenders. This segmentation allows the air flow gate to perform aerodynamic functions without interfering with the air ride system's ability to absorb road shocks.
3Productivity
If the tractor-trailer combination travels at higher speeds, then productivity increases, but fuel consumption increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by converting the harmful effect of the gap between tractor and trailer (which causes turbulence and drag) into a beneficial aerodynamic flow. The retractable air flow gate closes the gap during straight-line travel at higher speeds, creating a more streamlined configuration that reduces air resistance and improves fuel efficiency while maintaining high productivity.
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
This system enhances aerodynamic efficiency by smoothing air flow, reducing fuel consumption, and maintaining a comfortable ride by adapting to different driving conditions without causing damage to the tractor-trailer combination.
Implementation Method 1
The gap between tractors and trailers are a high drag and turbulence region difficult to streamline. Tractor manufactures have made great strides in minimizing the drag and turbulence through aerodynamic cab roofs and side extenders.
Implementation Method 2
The gap between tractors and trailers are a high drag and turbulence region difficult to streamline.
Implementation Method 3
The Retractable Air Flow Gate System is comprised of a support frame, the rack hinges, extrusions, electric gear driven motors, air foil gates, rubber strips
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor and trailer coupled together in a tandem towing relationship is provided with a Retractable Air Flow Gate System attached to the tractor which aerodynamically reduces the drag and turbulence on such combination by closing the gap between the cab of the tractor and trailer. The rack is attached to the support frame which is bolted to the tractor frame. The Retractable Air Flow Gate System is attached to the rack. The top adjustable hinges and bottom adjustable hinges are attached to the rack on one side and attached to the extrusions on the opposite side. The two electric gear driven motors are embedded in the top of the extrusions, they are powered by the electrical system from the tractor, this is what operates the air foil gates to open and close. The bottom adjustable hinges support the extrusions, air foil gates and rubber strips. The air foil gates are attached perpendicular to the length of the extrusions and the rubber strips are attached perpendicular to the opposite end of the air foil gates. All the components of the Retractable Air Flow Gate System open and close except the support frame which is attached to the tractor frame, the rack and the one side of the adjustable hinges.