Tractor-Trailer Wind Screen Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractor-trailer rigs experience poor fuel economy due to their aerodynamically inefficient box shape, which generates turbulent air streams between trailers, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs, while existing technological advances from passenger vehicles are limited in application.
Innovation Solution
An air deflector device with a storage tube, shaft, wind screen, and torsion spring, which reduces aerodynamic drag by creating a smooth air stream between trailers, improving fuel economy without impacting turning or visibility, and is easy to install and remove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a box-shaped tractor-trailer configuration is used, then cargo hauling capability is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An air deflector screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the tractor and trailer. This screen redirects airflow to wrap around the trailer sides, preventing turbulent air streams from forming in the gap between tractor and trailer, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency without changing the box-shaped cargo configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the airflow parameters by introducing a physical barrier that modifies flow direction. The air deflector screen alters the velocity vector and pressure distribution of air moving between tractor and trailer, transforming harmful turbulent flow into beneficial streamlined flow
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wind screen is extended to reduce aerodynamic drag, then fuel economy is improved, but visibility for the operator may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wind screen is designed with telescopic or adjustable mechanisms that allow it to be extended when needed for aerodynamic efficiency and retracted when visibility is required. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between opposing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The wind screen can be pre-positioned or automatically deployed based on detected operating conditions. When the tractor is stationary or moving slowly, the screen remains retracted for visibility. When highway speeds are reached, the screen extends automatically to reduce drag, preventing the visibility-aerodynamics conflict
3Use of energy by moving object
If an air deflector device is added to reduce turbulent air streams, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflector system is divided into modular components: a screen element, a support structure, and a actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex function of airflow management to be achieved through simpler, interchangeable parts that can be independently designed and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The wind screen incorporates spring-loaded or gravity-based mechanisms that allow automatic deployment and retraction without complex electronic controls. The system serves itself by using the vehicle's motion and existing structural elements to activate the air deflector, reducing the need for additional complex control systems
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 air deflector effectively reduces turbulent air streams and enhances fuel economy by creating a sleek air stream between trailers, improving aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption without compromising maneuverability or safety.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring biases the wind screen toward retraction
Implementation Method 2
The air deflector effectively reduces turbulent air streams and enhances fuel economy by creating a sleek air stream between trailers, improving aerodynamic efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An air deflector, and tractor-trailer rigs that use the air deflector, that includes a storage tube having a vertical slot, a shaft that is located within the storage tube, and a wind screen having a first end that is operably connected to the shaft and which extends through the vertical slot. A movable support rod is attached to the end of the wind screen that extends through the vertical slot. A torsion spring biases the wind screen toward retraction. Connecting hooks extend from the movable support rod. A mounting flange attached to the storage tube can connect the storage tube to a first trailer. A stationary attachment can connect to the tractor-trailer.