Deployable Trailer Wings for Crosswind Rollover Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trucks are not designed to be aerodynamic in directions other than the front-facing direction, leading to potential vehicle instability and safety issues in high-speed winds, which can be detrimental to the vehicle and the supply chain.
Innovation Solution
A trailer wind mitigation system with aircraft wing-shaped wings that adjust their angle of attack in real time to counteract wind forces, using motors and sensors to maintain trailer stability by creating downforce and lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If semi-trucks are designed for front-facing aerodynamics, then fuel efficiency is improved, but stability in perpendicular wind conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the trailer's aerodynamic profile adjustable rather than fixed. The system uses deployable wings that can change angle and position in response to wind conditions, allowing the trailer to transition from a standard aerodynamic shape during normal operation to a configuration that actively counteracts perpendicular wind forces when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the trailer's aerodynamic profile by deploying adjustable wings that modify the trailer's effective shape and surface area. These parameter changes allow the trailer to adapt its aerodynamic characteristics in real-time, switching between fuel-efficient operation and wind-mitigation mode based on environmental conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If aerodynamic wings are added to counteract wind forces, then trailer stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wind mitigation function into separate, modular wing units that can be independently controlled. Rather than a single complex active system, multiple simpler wing segments work in parallel, each capable of independent adjustment, which distributes the complexity across manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that enable the wings to automatically adjust in response to detected wind conditions without requiring constant external intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity by allowing the system to autonomously manage its own stabilization function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If real-time angle adjustment is implemented, then wind mitigation effectiveness is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing and adjustment cycles rather than continuous operation. The sensors periodically detect wind conditions and trailer orientation, and the motors make discrete adjustments at these intervals rather than operating continuously, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective real-time stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where sensors continuously monitor wind conditions and trailer level, and this information feeds back to the control system to adjust wing angles accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes energy use by making adjustments only when and where needed based on actual conditions rather than operating at constant maximum capacity.
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 effectively prevents semi-trailer rollover and maintains stability by dynamically adjusting wing angles to counteract wind forces, enhancing safety and potentially improving fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The control system will engage the motors to rotate a wing consistent with, and resembling an aircraft wing in shape and adjust the angle of attack to create downforce on the upwind wing, and lift on the downwind wing
Data Source
AI summary
A wind mitigation system can be used on tailers of various sizes. When parked the system can be deployed to offset forces that are oblique or perpendicular to the vehicle by rotating the wings up to 360 degrees in an orientation to generate downward force on the upwind side while simultaneously generating lift on the opposing side. These forces directly oppose the natural forces being generated on the trailer. By counteracting a portion of the force of the wind on the trailer, it will remain upright and undamaged in extreme winds