Segmented Trailer Side Skirt Air Curtain Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side skirt systems for trailers are inefficient in allowing air to exit from under the trailer, leading to increased drag and reduced fuel efficiency, as they attempt to block all airflow without providing a means for air to vent out.
Innovation Solution
A side skirt system with a shorter length and strategically positioned gaps to create an air curtain and allow air to enter and exit under the trailer, reducing drag by optimizing airflow and minimizing contact with the rear wheel assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional full-length side skirt systems are used to block airflow under the trailer, then drag reduction is achieved, but air cannot exit from under the trailer causing increased pressure and reduced fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The side skirt system is segmented into a first portion and a second portion with a gap between them, allowing air to enter and exit the undercarriage region. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both drag reduction (through airflow deflection) and energy efficiency (through proper air venting).
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the side skirt system have different functions: the first portion deflects airflow away from the undercarriage while the second portion allows air to exit. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both drag reduction and fuel efficiency in different locations.
2Loss of energy
If side skirt length is reduced to allow air venting, then fuel efficiency improves, but drag reduction effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The side skirt is divided into functional segments that collectively provide both drag reduction and air venting capabilities, resolving the contradiction between length reduction for venting and sufficient length for drag reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The side skirt system parameters (length, gap position, gap size) are optimized to achieve the balance between drag reduction and air venting, allowing the system to outperform both full-length skirts and short skirts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If side skirt spans entire distance between landing gear and rear wheels, then airflow blocking is maximized, but air cannot exit creating harmful pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous side skirt is segmented into two portions with a gap, transforming the airflow control mechanism from complete blocking to controlled deflection and venting, thereby preventing pressure buildup while maintaining airflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of blocking all airflow as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by strategically allowing airflow through the gap while deflecting the majority of air away, preventing harmful pressure buildup.
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 solution reduces drag and enhances fuel efficiency by allowing air to exit from under the trailer, balancing airflow deflection and venting, resulting in improved aerodynamic performance and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional full-length side skirt systems.
Implementation Method 1
the side skirt system may be configured to create an air curtain over a rear gap between a rear edge of the side skirt wall and the forward-most surface of the forward wheel of the rear wheel assembly when air flows around the trailer
Implementation Method 2
Side skirt systems are designed to prevent or control the flow of air from entering the undercarriage region from the side of the ground vehicle... Such reduction on the drag of the ground vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer having a storage container, a landing gear assembly coupled to the storage container, and a rear wheel assembly coupled to the storage container includes a side skirt system for reducing drag on the trailer. The side skirt system includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below one side wall of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. A length of the side skirt wall along a top edge of the side skirt wall is approximately 48%-80% of a distance between the landing gear and forward-most position of the rear wheel assembly.