Vented Trailer Side Skirts for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long-haul cargo trailers exhibit suboptimal aerodynamic performance, leading to significant aerodynamic drag, increased fuel consumption, and Nitrogen Oxide emissions due to turbulent airflow and premature wear from wind-force loading.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic trucking system comprising a side skirt fairing, transition, and vented skirt fairing with longitudinal vents, designed to minimize drag by promoting laminar airflow and reduce turbulence, featuring adjustable mounting for universal adaptability to various trailer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional trailers are used without aerodynamic modifications, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but aerodynamic drag increases significantly leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic system is divided into separate functional components: front fairing, side skirts, rear fairing, and wheel well covers. Each component addresses specific airflow problems in different regions of the trailer, allowing modular installation and maintenance while achieving comprehensive aerodynamic improvement
Solution Approach 2:
Different aerodynamic components are applied to different locations on the trailer based on local airflow characteristics. The front fairing addresses bow wave formation, side skirts manage undercarriage turbulence, and rear fairing handles wake region flow separation, optimizing performance for each specific zone
2Loss of energy
If aerodynamic fairings are added to reduce drag, then fuel efficiency improves, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic components serve multiple functions simultaneously: reducing aerodynamic drag, protecting underlying structures from wind-force loading, improving vehicle stability, and potentially reducing noise. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The fairings utilize streamlined shell structures that guide airflow smoothly around the trailer. These thin-walled aerodynamic surfaces are designed to be sufficiently rigid to withstand wind loads while remaining lightweight, balancing structural requirements with aerodynamic performance
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solid skirt fairings are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but wheel cooling and brake ventilation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The side skirts incorporate strategic openings and porous sections that allow controlled airflow through the skirt structure. This enables the skirts to maintain their aerodynamic function of reducing drag while simultaneously providing cooling airflow to wheels and brakes, solving both aerodynamic and thermal management requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The vented skirt design acts as an intermediary between the aerodynamic flow field and the wheel/brake cooling requirement. The controlled openings in the skirts mediate between these two competing needs by allowing selective airflow passage that benefits both aerodynamic performance and thermal management
4Productivity
If aerodynamic components are installed to reduce drag, then fuel consumption decreases, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic system is divided into separate modular components that can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing for each component while allowing flexible assembly and installation on existing trailers, reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic components are designed with adjustable and removable features that allow for easy installation, removal, and reconfiguration. This dynamic design approach simplifies the manufacturing and installation process compared to permanent fixed installations, enabling adaptability to different trailer configurations
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 reduces aerodynamic drag, lowers fuel consumption, and decreases Nitrogen Oxide emissions while minimizing wear and noise, enhancing the overall aerodynamic performance and longevity of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
designed to minimize drag by promoting laminar airflow and reduce turbulence
Implementation Method 2
The system significantly reduces aerodynamic drag
Implementation Method 3
Conventional trailers develop a substantial amount of turbulent airflow in the region between the axles below the trailer box
Data Source
AI summary
The aerodynamic skirt assembly for attachment to a trailer may comprise a side skirt fairing, a transition, and a vented skirt fairing. The transition may be located aft of the side skirt fairing and forward of the vented skirt fairing. The vented skirt fairing may be located aft of the transition. The vented skirt fairing may comprise at least one longitudinal vent configured to allow air to flow therethrough. The vented skirt fairing may extend outwardly of the side of the trailer frame to accommodate the wheels. One or more mounting brackets may be used to couple the elongated skirt panel, the transition, and the vented skirt fairing to one or more transverse structural support members. A rear exhaust fairing may be located aft of the vented skirt fairing and coupled to one or more transverse structural support members.