Speed-Adaptive Wind Deflector for Tractor Aerodynamic Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conducting systems for tractors and trailers, including wind deflectors on the roof, are insufficient in reducing aerodynamic drag to the desired degree, complicating the design of aerodynamically favorable vehicle shapes and increasing fuel consumption and emissions.
Innovation Solution
An air-conducting system with a wind deflector positioned at the rear or front of the vehicle, adjustable based on driving speed, utilizing an electronic control unit and an adjusting mechanism to optimize the position and shape of the wind deflector, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum permitted vehicle length, and incorporating inflatable or telescoping air-conducting elements to minimize turbulence and enhance airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a wind deflector is arranged on the roof of the driver's cabin, then the aerodynamic drag is reduced to some extent, but the reduction is insufficient to meet the desired degree
Solution Approach 1:
The air-conducting system is divided into multiple independent elements: a first air-conducting element at the front region and a second air-conducting element at the rear region. These segments work together to manage airflow throughout the entire vehicle, with each element independently adjustable to optimize different aspects of aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the air-conducting system from the traditional single roof-mounted position to multiple spatial dimensions by adding elements at the front region and rear region of the vehicle. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows comprehensive control of airflow around the entire vehicle body, significantly improving drag reduction beyond the single-point solution.
2Loss of energy
If the wind deflector is adjusted to reduce turbulence at the rear, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the vehicle length may exceed maximum permitted dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
Both air-conducting elements are designed to be adjustable in their respective positions. The first element can be adjusted in the front region and the second element in the rear region, allowing dynamic optimization of aerodynamic performance while maintaining compliance with length restrictions through coordinated positioning of multiple elements rather than extending a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-conducting function is segmented into two separate elements positioned at different locations along the vehicle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective drag reduction through distributed airflow management without requiring any single element to extend the vehicle length excessively.
3Loss of energy
If the gap between the tractor and trailer is reduced to minimize turbulence, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but maneuverability and ability to travel tight curves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air-conducting elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable based on operating conditions. During high-speed straight-line travel, the elements are positioned to minimize turbulence and drag. During maneuvering or curve travel, the elements can be repositioned or retracted to avoid interfering with the gap between tractor and trailer, thus maintaining maneuverability while preserving aerodynamic benefits when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the air-conducting elements according to different driving conditions. By adjusting the position, angle, or extension of the elements based on speed, steering angle, and gap measurements, the system optimizes aerodynamic performance during cruising while maintaining operational flexibility during maneuvering.
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 system effectively reduces aerodynamic drag by adapting the wind deflector's position and shape in real-time, minimizing turbulence and maintaining compliance with legal length requirements, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the wind deflector should be arranged at the rear and/or in the front region and it can be adjusted in dependence on the driving speed... in the deployed working position they bring about a lengthening of the tractor or of the semitrailer or articulated trailer... accomplishishes a reduction in the aerodynamic drag to a particular extent
Implementation Method 2
there is a massive pressure gradient between the air flowing above the vehicle and the region behind the vehicle contour, which creates a far-reaching wake turbulence. With the help of the tilting of the wind deflector adapted to the driving speed, the turbulence at the rear of the vehicle can be minimized
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conducting system for a tractor and/or trailer is described, wherein at least one of the vehicles has a wind deflector. The problem addressed by the invention was to improve the aerodynamic drag of tractors and/or trailers. The problem is solved according to the invention by an air-conducting system in which the wind deflector is arranged at the rear of the trailer and/or at the rear and/or in the front region of the tractor and can be adjusted depending on the driving speed.