Tractor-Trailer Gap Fairing with Movable Top
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupled vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, face significant aerodynamic drag and reduced fuel efficiency due to the gap between the tractor and trailer, especially at higher speeds, which existing fairing systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A fairing system comprising a fixed and movable assembly with an actuator to enclose the gap between the tractor and trailer, deploying to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance fuel efficiency, while allowing articulation at lower speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed fairing assembly is used to enclose the gap between tractor and trailer, then aerodynamic drag is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but the system cannot accommodate trailer articulation during turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the top portion of the fairing assembly movable rather than fixed. This movable top portion can rotate relative to the lateral portions, allowing the fairing to adapt its configuration during trailer articulation while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during straight-line travel. The actuator assembly enables this dynamic adjustment between different operational states.
2Loss of energy
If the fairing system is designed to completely enclose the gap for optimal aerodynamics, then drag is minimized, but the system becomes too complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fairing assembly into distinct functional components: lateral portions that remain relatively fixed and a top portion that can move independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall system design and operation compared to a completely enclosed rigid structure.
3Loss of energy
If existing fairing systems are used, then some aerodynamic improvement is achieved, but they fail to adequately address the gap between tractor and trailer at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the lateral portions of the fairing assembly to preliminarily guide airflow around the gap region before the movable top portion completes the enclosure. This staged approach ensures aerodynamic performance is maintained across different operating conditions, particularly at higher speeds where proper airflow management is critical.
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 significantly improves aerodynamics and fuel efficiency by minimizing airflow through the gap, maintaining a continuous surface to reduce drag, and accommodating trailer articulation during turns.
Implementation Method 1
Vehicles move a large number of people and cargo. Often two or more vehicles are physically coupled together to move freight or other cargo, people, and/or animals. A ubiquitous example of coupled vehicles is that of the tractor-trailer or semi-trailer combination
Data Source
AI summary
A fairing system, including a fixed fairing assembly configured to attach to a cab of a tractor-trailer, a movable fairing assembly configured to attach to at least one of the fixed fairing assembly or the cab of the tractor-trailer, and an actuator assembly configured to move the movable fairing assembly relative to the fixed fairing assembly.