Trailer Rear Drag Reduction Panel with Automatic Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic rear fairings on trailers create drag, which increases fuel consumption and requires additional engine power, while also obstructing rear doors, necessitating manual operation for loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic rear drag reduction system with a top panel that folds automatically when the rear swing door is unlocked, allowing for seamless access and reducing drag by channeling airflow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed aerodynamic rear fairing is installed to reduce drag, then fuel efficiency improves, but the rear door access becomes obstructed and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its position. It is mounted on the rear door assembly and can be automatically moved to a retracted position when the door is opened, and extended to an aerodynamic position when the door is closed, thus adapting to different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing is pre-positioned in an extended aerodynamic state during normal driving. When the door locking mechanism is actuated to open the door, the fairing is automatically moved to a retracted position in advance to clear the door opening path, eliminating the need for manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If a movable fairing is added to enable door access, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing mechanism is merged with the existing door locking mechanism. The fairing's movement is coupled to the door locking actuation through a linkage system, so that opening the door automatically triggers the fairing to retract, and closing the door automatically extends the fairing to its aerodynamic position
Solution Approach 2:
The door locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the rear door and simultaneously actuates the fairing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and minimizes overall device complexity
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 reduces turbulent airflow behind the trailer, enhancing fuel efficiency and simplifying cargo access by automatically folding when the door is opened, thus minimizing manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
Aerodynamic rear drag reduction system configured to be coupled to a rear frame assembly of a trailer
Implementation Method 2
turbulent air flow passing behind the vehicle imparts a drag force to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic rear drag reduction system is configured to be coupled to a frame assembly of a trailer including a rear frame and a rear swing door. The drag reduction system includes a top panel configured to be coupled to a top portion of the rear swing door to extend generally horizontally along a top portion of the rear frame of the trailer. The drag reduction system also includes a folding mechanism coupled to the top panel to move the top panel between a fully-deployed position wherein the top panel is configured to extend rearwardly generally away from the rear end of the trailer and a collapsed position wherein the top panel is configured to lie generally adjacent the rear swing door of the trailer. The folding mechanism is configured to be coupled to a door locking mechanism of the trailer.