WO2020181239A1 - Systèmes de transport routier aérodynamiques - Google Patents

Systèmes de transport routier aérodynamiques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020181239A1
WO2020181239A1 PCT/US2020/021506 US2020021506W WO2020181239A1 WO 2020181239 A1 WO2020181239 A1 WO 2020181239A1 US 2020021506 W US2020021506 W US 2020021506W WO 2020181239 A1 WO2020181239 A1 WO 2020181239A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
trailer
fairing
skirt
panel
aerodynamic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2020/021506
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard P. SENATRO
Christian Lee
Daniel J. MCCORMACK
John Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Strehl LLC
Original Assignee
Strehl LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Strehl LLC filed Critical Strehl LLC
Priority to MX2021010561A priority Critical patent/MX2021010561A/es
Priority to CA3132676A priority patent/CA3132676A1/fr
Publication of WO2020181239A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020181239A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D35/00—Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining
    • B62D35/001—For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D37/00—Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements
    • B62D37/02—Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements by aerodynamic means

Definitions

  • This technology relates to aerodynamic trucking systems. More particularly, this technology relates to providing a system of aerodynamic apparatus configured to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated vehicles, particularly long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.
  • An aerodynamic fairing assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer having a top, bottom, front, rear, a pair of sides, a trailer frame having a centerline, transverse structural support members extending between sides of the trailer, and longitudinal members extending along a length of the trailer, and a bogie having a rear frame and at least one rear wheel assembly situated below the trailer frame.
  • the aerodynamic fairing assembly may comprise a front skirt fairing and a movable skirt fairing.
  • the front skirt fairing may comprise a front cap and a side skirt fairing.
  • the side skirt fairing may substantially straight and runs parallel to the centerline of the trailer or be angled outwardly from the centerline from the front to the rear of the trailer.
  • the movable skirt fairing may comprise a front panel, a wheel panel, and a rear panel and is configured to move forward and rearward along the length of the trailer.
  • the movable fairing may be coupled to the rear frame of the bogie.
  • the front panel may be angled inwardly toward the centerline of the trailer from a rear edge to a front edge of the front panel.
  • the front edge of the front panel may be covered or uncovered by a rear edge of the side skirt fairing, and wherein the movable skirt
  • the aerodynamic fairing assembly may further comprise an exit fairing system.
  • the exit fairing system may comprise a forward panel, a transition, and a rear panel.
  • the forward panel may coupled to a pair of side panels and a top panel of the trailer and the rear panel is coupled to a rear door frame of the trailer.
  • Figure 1 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology
  • Figure 2 representatively illustrates a bottom, perspective view of a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology
  • Figure 3 representatively illustrates an partial bottom view of a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology
  • Figure 4 representatively illustrates a partial side view of a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system showing a rear skirt in a first position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology
  • Figure 5 representatively illustrates a partial side view of a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system showing a rear skirt in a second position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology
  • Figure 6 representatively illustrates a cross section of a rear tail skirt in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology.
  • the present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results.
  • the present technology may employ various types of materials, connectors, panel, mounts, and the like for aerodynamic trucking systems, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the technology.
  • an undercarriage of a conventional cargo trailer is comprised of groupings of various drag-producing components, which generally reside below a cargo-supporting floor deck, customarily having a rectangular shape.
  • the drag- producing components of a semi-type cargo trailer undercarriage customarily include longitudinal and transverse structural support members, rear axles, brake components, mud flaps, wheels, tires, etc.
  • Each aerodynamic skirt fairing functions to direct air away from the central regions of the trailer undercarriage, which contain the majority of such drag-producing components. Such directional control of airflow during transport operations reduces the parasitic drag-producing interactions between the air and the above-noted structures.
  • aerodynamic skirt fairings of aerodynamic trucking system are preferably designed to reduce aerodynamic drag by promoting a more continuous laminar air flow along the sides of cargo trailer.
  • Aerodynamic trucking systems are typically designed to be universally adaptable to most conventional semi-type cargo trailers.
  • each aerodynamic skirt fairing system may be designed to be adjustably mountable to the undercarriage of the cargo trailer. The adjustment feature within the system embodiments allows an installer to optimize the aerodynamic performance of an installed aerodynamic skirt fairing system based on the unique aerodynamic requirements of a specific vehicle platform.
  • the aerodynamic trucking system may be designed to have a skirt that may cover or be located with the wheels and movable with the wheels while also maintaining suitable side skirt configurations.
  • a movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 comprising a front skirt faring system 102 mounted to an undercarriage of a cargo trailer 104 and a movable skirt system 106 that is attached to a bogie 108 or any other component that may be adjusted longitudinally along the length of the trailer 104.
  • the cargo trailer 104 may comprise a frame having a plurality of lateral cross-beams 110 and fixed longitudinal members (not shown). The fixed longitudinal members are welded to the lateral cross-beams 110.
  • the bogie 108 is comprised of the wheels, frame, tires and axles, and the suspension system of the trailer.
  • the bogie 108 is longitudinally adjustable by the driver/operator to accommodate various loading situations.
  • the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may be constructed of any suitable material.
  • Each of the components may be constructed from industry-standard materials selected to comprise a structural rigidity sufficient to support the required air deflection function, while offering a level of mechanical flexibility sufficient to deflect resiliently under small to moderate impact loads, thereby reducing the need for frequent panel repair or replacement due to permanent impact damage.
  • Materials suitable for use in the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may comprise, such as, for example, steel, steel composite, low- density steel composite, high-density steel composite, aluminum, aluminum composite, low-density aluminum composite, high-density aluminum composite, molded polymer panels, polymer-based composite panels, fiber- reinforced polymer panels, and injection molded polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or any suitable combination or mixture thereof.
  • the material for the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may comprise an injection molded material.
  • the material for the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may comprise an injection molded mixture of polycarbonate and ABS plastic. In other embodiments, the material for the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may comprise an injection molded mixture of polycarbonate, ABS plastic, polypropylene and the like.
  • the material for the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may comprise an injection molded mixture of polycarbonate, ABS plastic, polypropylene and the like.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, user preference, etc., other material selections for the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may be used. It should be understood to be highly beneficial for movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 to comprise light and more flexible materials, without exhibiting unstable behavior.
  • the placement of the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 may be symmetrical and generally parallel, although the angle may be adjusted depending of the specific trailer and or tractor-trailer combination, with respect to longitudinal axis of cargo-supporting floor deck.
  • the front skirt faring system 102 may comprise various combinations of a pair of side skirt fairings 112 and optionally a pair of front caps 114. As is understood these components, when combined provide a conventional side skirt.
  • the front skirt faring system 102 may be sized appropriately and made of one or more than one components and constructed depending on any suitable configuration.
  • the front skirt faring system 102 may be mounted to the lateral cross beams 108 by struts 116. Any suitable strut will suffice for mounting front skirt faring system 102 to the lateral cross beams 108 of the trailer.
  • One example of a strut and front skirt fairing is shown in U.S. Patent Publication No 2018/0237081, which is incorporated by reference.
  • the front skirt faring system 102 is located just aft of the truck wheels and extends transverse of the centerline of the cargo trailer.
  • the front skirt faring systems 102 may be substantially straight and run parallel to the centerline of the cargo trailer.
  • the front skirt faring system 102 comprise substantially planar external faces that are essentially solid (that is, impermeable to the passage of air).
  • the components of the movable aerodynamic trucking system 100 are constructed to interconnect with one another by any known method.
  • the components may comprise any type of male to female, tongue and groove, and/or hand to glove connector configuration as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the components may simply abut.
  • any of the side skirt fairings 112 and the front caps 114 may be connected to each other and/or one another in the manner described above and below.
  • any combination of the side skirt fairings 112 and the front caps 114 may be contemplated.
  • the side skirt fairings 112 and the front caps 114 are coupled together to comprise the front skirt fairing system 102.
  • the side skirt fairings 112 and the front caps 114 may comprise substantially planar external faces that are essentially solid (that is, impermeable to the passage of air).
  • the side skirt fairings 112 and the front caps 114 may comprise a continuous single piece or multiple piece configurations.
  • the front caps 114 may comprise any type of skirt that is curved inwardly toward the centerline of the trailer 104.
  • the front skirt faring system 102 may extend rearward from the front landing gear 118 on the trailer 104 to approximately a location forward of the rear wheels 120. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 1, the front skirt faring system 102 may not cover the landing gear 118. In another embodiment, shown in Figures 3-5, the front skirt faring system 102 may cover the landing gear 118. [0026] In one embodiment, the side skirt fairings 112 are substantially straight and run parallel to the centerline of the cargo trailer 102. In another embodiment the orientation of the side skirt fairing 112 may move outwardly from centerline from the front to the rear of the trailer 102. While not shown in the figures this orientation is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the movable skirt system 106 extends rearward from front skirt faring system 102 to approximately the rearmost end of the cargo trailer, depending on the location of the bogie 108.
  • the movable skirt system 106 is mounted to the bogie 108 by a rear frame 122.
  • the rear frame 110 may comprise cross beams 124, 126, and 128 and forward and rear beams 130, 132.
  • the movable skirt system 106 may comprise front panels 134, wheel panels 136, and rear panels 138.
  • the panels may be connected to one another by any suitable method or may be an integral piece.
  • the front panels 134, wheel panels 136, and rear panels 138 of the movable skirt system 106 may be coupled to the rear frame by struts 140.
  • the front panels 134 may be coupled to cross beams 124, 126 by strut 140.
  • the wheel panels 136 may be coupled to cross beam 126, 128 by strut 140.
  • the rear panels 138 may be coupled to cross beam 128 by strut 140.
  • the front end of the front panels 134 of the movable skirt system 106 may be located inwardly of the front skirt fairing system 102. As such, the movable skirt system 106 may be adjusted forward such that the front portion of the front panels 134 are covered by the rear portion of the front skirt fairing system 102.
  • Figures 2 and 4 show the movable skirt system 106 may be adjusted forward such that the front portion of the front panels 134 are covered by the rear portion of the front skirt fairing system 102
  • Figure 5 shows the movable skirt system 106 may be adjusted rearwardly such that there is a gap between the front portion of the front panels 134 and the rear portion of the front skirt fairing system 102.
  • front portion of the front panels 134 of the movable skirt system 106 may cover the rear portion of the front skirt fairing system 102.
  • the movable skirt system 106 may be adjusted forward or rearward to accommodate any preference by the user or to conform to various state laws.
  • the movable skirt fairing system 106 may be used in the“California Position” which is 40 feet from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle.
  • the movable nature of the movable skirt fairing system 106 allows the rear wheels to be still include fairings when the wheels are moved forward and/or rearward and in any position therebetween.
  • the front panels 134 may be angled outwardly from the centerline of the cargo trailer 104 from the front end to the rear end where they abut the wheel panels 136. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wheel panels 136 may be oriented generally in line with the side of the cargo trailer. In standard configurations, the tires on the trailer wheels typically extend only to the outer base/trailer envelope of the cargo trailer. However, Federal law allows certain safety equipment devices, such as splash and spray suppression devices, to exceed the outer base/trailer envelope by no more than 3 inches. Thus a movable skirt system 106 that covers the tires on the trailer wheels would provide a benefit in aiding splash and spray suppression.
  • the orientation of the movable skirt system 106 allows a portion or portions of the movable skirt system 106 to reside outside the outer base/trailer envelope.
  • This angle of the front panels 134 may provide additional clearance for the wheel panels 136 to be located an additional distance outward of the front panels 134 to accommodate the trailer wheels.
  • the linear path along the length of the cargo trailer 104 for the movable skirt system 106 may be located outward of the linear path of front skirt fairing system 102.
  • the orientation of the movable skirt system 106 allows the cargo trailer 104 to comply with Federal law. Examples of these types of designs are shown and further discussed in U.S. Patent No. 10,189,514, which is incorporated by reference.
  • the front skirt fairing system 102 is shown oriented parallel to the centerline of the cargo trailer.
  • the front skit fairing system may also be oriented as shown in U.S. Patent Publication No 2018/0237081, which is incorporated by reference.
  • the front skit fairing system may also be oriented as shown in U.S. Patent No. 10,189,514, which is incorporated by reference.
  • the 102 may comprise a door 142, for access the landing gear 118.
  • the door 142 may be pivotably attached to the trailer 104 such that a portion of the side skirt fairing 112 the may rotate for access to the landing gear 118.
  • the door 142 may be coupled to a strut 116 by a hinge or any other suitable rotational attachment component to allow the door 142/ side skirt fairing 112 to open and rotate forwardly for access to the landing gear 118.
  • the strut 116 may serve as the hinge for the door 142 to rotate about.
  • the strut 116 may further be configured to serve as the frame for the door 142.
  • the door 142 may be coupled to the strut 116 by any suitable attachment method including rivets, bolts, screws, and the like.
  • the door 142 may be configured to provide additional aerodynamic benefit.
  • the exit skirt faring 144 may be provided.
  • the exit skirt faring 144 may be made of the same material as the skirt faring system 102 discussed above.
  • the exit skirt faring 14 may be constructed of a deformable material.
  • the exit skirt faring 14 may be constructed of a deformable rubber material.
  • the exit skirt faring 144 may comprise a forward panel 146, a transition 148, and a rear panel 150.
  • the forward panel 146 may be mounted to a side panel 152 of the cargo trailer 104.
  • the rear portion may be mounted to a rear door frame 154 of the cargo trailer 104.
  • the transition 148 is located between the front panel 146 and the rear panel 150 and is configured to allow for smooth airflow over the rear door frame 154.
  • the transition 150 may be angled outwardly from the front panel 146 with respect to the centerline of the cargo trailer 104. In other words, to augment aerodynamic performance of the overall fairing assembly, a leading edge of each transition 148 may be canted outwardly at a suitable inclination.
  • the angle of the transition 148 causes misdirection of the air prior to reaching the rear door frame 154 of the cargo trailer 104. It should be appreciated that the exit skirt fairing 144 may be coupled to the cargo trailer 104 along the side panels 152 of the cargo trailer and along a top panel 156 of the cargo trailer 104 to conceal the rear door frame 154.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble carénage aérodynamique destiné à être fixé à une remorque d'une semi-remorque. L'ensemble carénage aérodynamique peut comprendre un carénage de jupe avant et un carénage de jupe mobile qui est conçu pour se déplacer vers l'avant et vers l'arrière le long de la longueur de la remorque. Le carénage de jupe avant et le carénage de jupe mobile sont accouplés à la remorque par un ou plusieurs supports de montage.
PCT/US2020/021506 2019-03-06 2020-03-06 Systèmes de transport routier aérodynamiques Ceased WO2020181239A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MX2021010561A MX2021010561A (es) 2019-03-06 2020-03-06 Sistemas aerodinamicos para camiones.
CA3132676A CA3132676A1 (fr) 2019-03-06 2020-03-06 Methodes et appareil pour un systeme de camionnage aerodynamique

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962814411P 2019-03-06 2019-03-06
US62/814,411 2019-03-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020181239A1 true WO2020181239A1 (fr) 2020-09-10

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2020/021506 Ceased WO2020181239A1 (fr) 2019-03-06 2020-03-06 Systèmes de transport routier aérodynamiques

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CA (1) CA3132676A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2021010561A (fr)
WO (1) WO2020181239A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2607895A (en) * 2021-06-14 2022-12-21 Daimler Ag Trailer for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle
US12103601B2 (en) 2022-06-22 2024-10-01 Bryan Smith Semi-trailer aerodynamic drag deflection assembly

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090212595A1 (en) * 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Aeroefficient Llc Vehicle side fairing system
US20110297035A1 (en) * 2009-01-27 2011-12-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Covering for a bogie of a rail vehicle and rail vehicle having a covered bogie
WO2013043890A1 (fr) * 2011-09-20 2013-03-28 Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc. Structure aérodynamique rétractable à montage arrière pour corps de chargement
US9004575B2 (en) * 2010-08-03 2015-04-14 Gary Alan Grandominico Aerodynamic skirt assembly
US20160121940A1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2016-05-05 Wabash National, L.P. Side skirt system for a trailer
WO2017059023A1 (fr) * 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Strehl, Llc Systèmes de camionnage aérodynamiques

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090212595A1 (en) * 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Aeroefficient Llc Vehicle side fairing system
US20110297035A1 (en) * 2009-01-27 2011-12-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Covering for a bogie of a rail vehicle and rail vehicle having a covered bogie
US9004575B2 (en) * 2010-08-03 2015-04-14 Gary Alan Grandominico Aerodynamic skirt assembly
WO2013043890A1 (fr) * 2011-09-20 2013-03-28 Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc. Structure aérodynamique rétractable à montage arrière pour corps de chargement
US20160121940A1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2016-05-05 Wabash National, L.P. Side skirt system for a trailer
WO2017059023A1 (fr) * 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Strehl, Llc Systèmes de camionnage aérodynamiques

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2607895A (en) * 2021-06-14 2022-12-21 Daimler Ag Trailer for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle
US12103601B2 (en) 2022-06-22 2024-10-01 Bryan Smith Semi-trailer aerodynamic drag deflection assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA3132676A1 (fr) 2020-09-10
MX2021010561A (es) 2021-11-12

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