Segmented Road Vehicle Side Fairing for Reduced Docking Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side fairings on road vehicles for transporting goods suffer from damage during driving and docking, leading to increased repair and replacement costs, and aerodynamic inefficiencies due to vertical space between panels.
Innovation Solution
The side fairing is designed with multiple longitudinal sections and uprights that form a continuous outer face, allowing for independent replacement of damaged sections and a raised position that minimizes snagging during docking, while maintaining aerodynamic properties by eliminating vertical space between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional one-piece side fairing panels are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the panels are prone to damage during driving and docking, leading to high repair and replacement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The side fairing panel is divided into multiple longitudinal sections that can be independently replaced. Each section is supported by uprights that are articulated on the bodywork, allowing individual sections to be dismantled and replaced without replacing the entire panel, thus reducing repair costs while maintaining overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the side fairing have different structural characteristics. The longitudinal sections can be independently designed and replaced based on local damage, while the continuous outer face maintained by the uprights ensures aerodynamic performance is preserved in undamaged areas
2Device complexity
If conventional one-piece side fairing panels are used, then the structure is simple, but vertical space between panels creates aerodynamic inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into multiple longitudinal sections supported by uprights. These uprights are positioned and dimensioned to maintain a continuous outer face, eliminating vertical gaps between sections while allowing the segmented structure to reduce repair complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple longitudinal sections and uprights work together to form a unified continuous outer face. This merging of segmented components achieves the aerodynamic efficiency of a one-piece panel while retaining the benefits of segmentation for ease of repair
3Ease of operation
If side fairing panels are raised to allow underfloor access, then access is improved, but the panels are exposed to shocks and damage during docking
Solution Approach 1:
The side fairing is divided into multiple independently supported longitudinal sections. When raised for underfloor access, each section is supported by its own uprights, distributing the mechanical loads and reducing the risk of damage to any single section during docking operations
Data Source
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AI summary
The body of a road freight vehicle comprises two vertical side panels 14, a roof 16, and a floor 18 assembled together and partially defining an interior loading space, and at least one side fairing 26 comprising at least one panel 28 extending longitudinally and rotatably movable between a lowered operating position in which said panel is located vertically below one of the side panels 14 and a raised position. Said panel 28 comprises a plurality of successive longitudinal profiles 34 to 40 in the vertical direction of said panel, and uprights supporting the longitudinal profiles and hinged to said body. The longitudinal profiles 34 to 40 jointly define a continuous outer face 43 in the vertical direction of said panel