Aerodynamic Tank Trailer Wrap with Pivoting Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank trailers experience increased air drag due to their design, including tanks and associated piping components, which hinders aerodynamic efficiency and fuel efficiency compared to other types of trailers.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic tank trailer wrap featuring vertically extending side assemblies with pivoting upper and lower panels, supported by a framework, and aerodynamic deflectors to direct airflow and cover exposed components, reducing drag by using materials like fiberglass reinforced plastic and adjustable couplers to secure the wrap to the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional tank trailer design with exposed piping and silos is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but air drag increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a wrap structure that covers the tank trailer components (piping, silos, valves) with a flexible shell. This wrap creates a streamlined outer surface that reduces air drag while allowing the underlying conventional components to remain unchanged, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving aerodynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be separately manufactured and assembled around the complex geometry of the tank trailer. This segmentation allows the wrap to conform to irregular shapes while maintaining ease of installation and manufacturing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aerodynamic wrap is added to tank trailer, then air drag is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap structure serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic streamlining, protects underlying components, and can incorporate access points for maintenance. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap includes movable or adjustable components such as panels that can be opened or repositioned to access underlying components for maintenance. This dynamic design allows the wrap to adapt between providing full aerodynamic coverage during operation and allowing access during maintenance, managing the complexity-tradoff.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wrap structure is implemented, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but accessibility to trailer underside components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap incorporates movable panels or access doors that can be opened to provide access to underlying components such as valves and piping. During normal operation, these panels remain closed to maintain aerodynamic performance, but can be opened when maintenance or inspection is required, thus resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic enhancement and component accessibility.
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 aerodynamic tank trailer wrap significantly reduces air drag by directing airflow around the tank and its components, enhancing fuel efficiency and aerodynamic performance while maintaining accessibility to the trailer's underside.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic deflectors to direct airflow and cover exposed components, reducing drag
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic wrap for use with a tank trailer illustratively includes opposing first and second side assemblies. In an illustrative embodiment, each side assembly includes an upper panel pivotably supported by the tank trailer, and a lower panel pivotably supported by the upper panel. A lower connecting member illustratively couples the lower panels of the first and second side assemblies under the belly of the tank trailer.