Retractable Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus for Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with blunt rear ends and gaps in their streamlined surfaces experience significant aerodynamic drag due to airflow separation and turbulence, leading to increased fuel consumption, which is a concern in high fuel prices and environmental consciousness.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of gently sloping surfaces downstream of rearward-facing vehicle surfaces and flexible fill surfaces to bridge gaps along the vehicle's length, allowing the apparatus to transform between extended and retracted configurations to optimize aerodynamic performance and access to the vehicle's rear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If gently sloping surfaces are added to the rear of vehicles with blunt rear ends, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but vehicle length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a retractable drag reducing device that can dynamically change its configuration between extended and retracted states. When extended, the device provides gentle sloping surfaces to reduce aerodynamic drag; when retracted, it minimizes impact on vehicle length. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for drag reduction when needed while maintaining compact dimensions when vehicle length is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag reducing device is divided into multiple segments or panels that can independently move and adjust. This segmentation allows the device to achieve the necessary sloping surface geometry for drag reduction when extended, while being able to collapse or retract to minimize length impact when required by operational constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retractable mechanisms are added to adjust configuration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mechanisms including telescoping booms, articulating joints, and retractable panels that enable the device to adapt its configuration. These dynamic elements allow the device to extend or retract based on operational needs, providing adaptability while using well-established mechanical principles to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag reducing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can extend to reduce drag during highway cruising, retract for urban maneuvering or parking, and potentially adjust its angle or shape for different vehicle types. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile adaptability across various operating conditions.
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 solution reduces aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption, particularly at high speeds, while maintaining practicality in crowded areas by adjusting configurations based on speed zones, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle length when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The low pressure becomes more pronounced as airflow over the vehicle separates from the rearward surfaces of the vehicle. The phenomenon of airflow separation is also known in aircraft wing design and, in this case, causes the wing to stall.
Implementation Method 2
A significant amount of aerodynamic drag is created when a vehicle travels at velocities typical on a modern roadway. This is due, in large part, to areas of low pressure that are induced on rearward surfaces of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 3
Certain of the above vehicles also include rear doors or tail gates. Moving vehicles having an interruption in otherwise streamlined, near streamlined, or streamlinable exterior surfaces along the length of the vehicle are subjected to increased aerodynamic drag created by turbulence as airflow over the vehicle crosses the interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.