Trailer Aerodynamic Device Apertures Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-haul semi-truck trailers face inefficiencies due to high aerodynamic drag, primarily caused by pressure differentials and turbulent flow separation, which lead to increased fuel consumption and potential destabilization, with existing solutions either being costly, unreliable, or increasing the trailer's width, violating transportation regulations.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic device with apertures and a combination of airfoils and stabilizers, mounted on the trailing vertical edge of the trailer, redirects airflow to mitigate pressure differentials and turbulent flow separation, using a hinged mechanism to pivot inward and avoid interference with trailer doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If deflectors or scoop forms are used to redirect airflow and equalize pressure differentials, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the device complexity increases and may violate width regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device is segmented into multiple functional components including a vertical plate, horizontal plate, and airflow redirector element. Each segment performs a specific function in managing airflow and pressure differentials, allowing the system to achieve complex aerodynamic control through simpler modular components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional flat deflectors to a three-dimensional structured device with vertical and horizontal plates arranged at specific angles. This dimensional enhancement allows the device to interact with airflow from multiple directions simultaneously, improving aerodynamic efficiency without requiring excessive width.
2Loss of energy
If planar forms extend past the aft-plane to equalize pressure differentials, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but the trailer width increases violating transportation regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device applies local quality by positioning specific plate configurations at the trailing edge where pressure differentials are most severe. The vertical plate and horizontal plate are arranged to locally manage airflow separation and pressure equalization precisely where needed, rather than extending wide planar forms across the entire trailing edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes geometric parameters by using vertically oriented plates with specific angle orientations rather than horizontal extensions. The vertical plate extends rearward with the horizontal plate angled upward, creating a compact structure that achieves pressure equalization through vertical and angular positioning rather than horizontal width.
3Length of stationary object
If airflow redirectors are mounted close to the trailer surface, then the width profile remains compliant, but the device may interfere with trailer door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic device incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the device position. This enables the structure to pivot between a deployed position for aerodynamic optimization and a retracted position that clears the path for trailer door operation, providing adaptability between conflicting operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the aerodynamic device and the trailer body, mediating the conflict between maintaining a compact width profile and enabling door operation. The hinge allows temporary displacement of the device during door access while maintaining the compact profile during normal operation.
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 effectively reduces aerodynamic drag by converting turbulent flow to laminar flow, improving fuel efficiency and stability while maintaining a compliant width profile, as demonstrated by simulation results comparing the improved trailer to standard and oversized flat panel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The solution effectively reduces aerodynamic drag by converting turbulent flow to laminar flow
Implementation Method 2
redirects airflow to mitigate pressure differentials and turbulent flow separation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the improvement of the aerodynamic properties of a primary vehicle or the aerodynamic properties of a secondary vehicle, such as a trailer, towed by a primary vehicle. Certain embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and a system typically mounted to a rear-ward portion of a semi-trailer for aerodynamic improvement. Certain embodiments of the invention include an airfoil and a stabilizer interconnected by a series of stiffeners spanning between them creating apertures for interaction with air-flow surrounding the trailing edge of a vehicle.