GB2475032A

GB2475032A - An inflatable aerodynamic device for streamlining on a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2475032A
Application number: GB0917081A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andy Mcgarrie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-29
Filing date: 2009-09-29
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Also published as: GB0917081D0

Abstract

An aerodynamic device 30 for a vehicle 10 which comprises a flexible body 32 having a top panel 34 and side panels 40. The aerodynamic device 30 is configured to inflate upon vehicle movement and to deflect air there-around. Also disclosed are cases in which the aerodynamic device may be disposed along the underneath of the vehicle, fitted directly to the cab of the vehicle, and fitted directly to a front end of a trailer unit.

Description

Aerodynamic Device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an aerodynamic device. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an aerodynamic device for use in the haulage industry.

Background to the Invention

An articulated lorry having a tractor configured to tow a trailer typically experiences drag in the region of the bulkhead (i.e. the front vertical face) of the trailer, which is exposed above the tractor cab. More specifically, laminar air flowing smoothly over the cab is abruptly obstructed by the vertical bulkhead and this causes turbulent air flow in and around the interface between the tractor and the trailer. The air hitting the bulkhead causes increased resistance to the vehicle movement, which is overcome by an increase in vehicle thrust. Consequently, poor aerodynamics can have a significant increase in fuel consumption, resulting in higher running costs and higher emissions. It is therefore desirable to improve the aerodynamics of lorries for both economic and environmental reasons.

The problem of aerodynamic drag is not limited to articulated lorries but is also encountered in rigid lorries. However, in the case of rigid lorries a simple solution is to make the vehicle more streamlined by fitting aerodynamic parts to smoothly deflect air around the bulkhead. Similar aerodynamic parts can also be employed on articulated * vehicles and whilst they can improve the aerodynamic performance of such a vehicle there are practical considerations that limit their effectiveness. The primary complication with articulated vehicles is that a gap is essential between the tractor cab and the bulkhead of the trailer so as to permit articulated movement therebetween. It is also preferable for tractors to have the flexibility to tow a variety of differently sized trailers. These factors therefore place constraints on the extent of any aerodynamic elements designed to reduce drag at the interface between the tractor and trailer.

It will be understood that aerodynamic drag is encountered not only at the bulkhead of the trailer but also at other places on a lorry such as underneath the tractor and trailer bodies, when viewed both from the front and from the side. The turbulence caused in these areas also contributes to increased fuel consumption, which is further increased by adverse weather conditions.

The present invention therefore aims to provide an aerodynamic device that addresses some or all of the afore-mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerodynamic device for a vehicle comprising a flexible body configured to inflate upon vehicle movement and to deflect air there-around.

Embodiments of the invention provide a dynamic device that can be arranged to fill the entire gap between a tractor and a trailer so as to effectively deflect air around the bulkhead, whilst at the same time the flexibility of the device permits relative movement between the tractor and trailer. In use, the device will be arranged to fill with air when the vehicle is in motion such that the enclosure will inflate to form a relatively rigid structure (i.e. wall) between the tractor and trailer. This structure will * :: therefore be abie to deflect air smoothly over the bulkhead to reduce drag and improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. When the truck slows, for example to * manoeuvre around bends, the air will escape from the body causing it to deflate and : : become flexible so that the lorry can bend without any obstruction or damage as a result of the presence of the aerodynamic device. The flexibility of the device may also enable it to be fitted to a plurality of differently sized trailers, particularly those of S.....

* different heights.

Other embodiments of the invention may be configured to reduce drag and turbulence at other regions of a vehicle. For example, the aerodynamic device defined above could be placed underneath the vehicle, along the front and/or side of the vehicle to minimise turbulence in these areas.

It will be understood that improving the aerodynamic performance of a vehicle will result in lowering fuel consumption, thereby lowering costs and emissions. It is therefore clear that the present invention not only provides for economic savings but also provides for more environmentally friendly vehicles.

In order to get a feel for the possible savings that the present invention may facilitate, it is estimated, at the time of writing, that a single conventional articulated lorry averaging 1500 miles per week at 8 miles per gallon will have a fuel cost of approximately £749.10 (assuming diesel costs 88 pence per litre, excluding VAT). It is also estimated that use of the present invention in the gap between the tractor and trailer of such a vehicle would save at least 1 mile to the gallon and this translates to a weekly cost saving of83.24. Over a year, this would result in an estimated saving of £3995.52 per vehicle (assuming 48 weeks of use). If similar devices according to the present invention are employed in a fleet of 16 articulated vehicles, this would result in estimated savings of £63928.32 per year. From an environmental perspective, it may be possible to save approximately 95 litres of fossil fuel (diesel) per vehicle per week, which would result in a total saving of 72960 litres per year, for a fleet of 16 trucks.

According to the Road Haulage Association there are approximately 400,000 articulated trucks operating in the UK so if even a third of them made use of the present invention it would be possible to save approximately 608,000,000 litres of diesel and £535,040,000 per year. * S

It will be understood that the body effectively serves as an enclosure, trapping air within S.....

* 5 its structure thereby causing it to inflate. In some embodiments, the body itself may : only form part of an enclosure but with said part being arranged to co-operate with one s..' 5 or more surfaces of the vehicle to which it is attached, in use, to form a more complete S...

enclosure. For example, where the body is designed to fill a gap between a tractor and a trailer, the rear of the tractor and the front of the trailer may co-operate with the body to trap air in said gap. In which case, the body may comprise at least a top panel having two depending side panels.

The device may include an air inlet/outlet. The air inlet/outlet may be constituted by one or more slots or vents in the body and/or one or more pipes arranged to feed air into the body. The pipes may be formed from the same material as the body. Alternatively, the device can be configured for attachment to the vehicle so as to provide one or more gaps between the body and the vehicle, such that said gaps constitute an air inlet/outlet.

The body may include a region or side that is open to allow air to exit there-from. In such embodiments, it will be understood that the device will be arranged so that air will preferentially enter the body through the air inlet/outlet and flow through the body before exiting from the open regionlside. The provision of an exit of this form may help to ensure that the body remains inflated and is less susceptible to oscillations caused by temporary fluctuations in the ambient air flow. The open region/side may be disposed along the base or rear portion of the body.

The flexible body may be formed from a plastics material such as a vinyl material.

Conveniently, the flexible body may be formed from the same material as is traditionally employed for the curtains used in curtain-sided containers. Advantages of using a vinyl material are that it is durable, it will not rust and that it can be dyed any suitable colour so as to match the colour of the vehicle, for example. It is also possible to weld vinyl material to itself, for example, to form the air inlet/outlet pipes and/or to attach them to the body.

The body may further comprise a framework configured to impart a defined structure to the body when it is inflated. The frame may be formed by welding parts of the body *: together.

* * The device may further comprise an attachment means for securing the body to the vehicle. When used in an articulated truck, the attachment means may comprise means for securing a forward region of the body to a tractor. The attachment means may comprise a permanent fixing, for example, in the form of rivets, screws or adhesive. **

* The attachment means may be configured to secure the body directly to the tractor cab or it may be configured to secure the body to an existing (fixed) deflector. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means may comprise a detachable fixing. The detachable fixing may comprise a channel capable of being attached to a tractor and a rail or beading provided along an edge of the body; the rail/beading being capable of being fed into the channel to thereby secure the body to the tractor. In other embodiments, the detachable fixing may comprise press-studs, ties or releasable fasteners.

Particularly when employed between a tractor and a trailer, it will be understood that the aerodynamic device may be configured for fixing only to the tractor and not to the trailer. This will enable articulated movement between the tractor and trailer to be unhindered by the aerodynamic device therebetween. It will also allow (temporary) access between the tractor and trailer, for example, to permit the required connections (e.g. electrical connections) to be made between the tractor and trailer. However, to achieve the greatest aerodynamic benefit it will be understood that the aerodynamic device may be configured to buffer against the trailer when inflated.

The device may further comprise a pinched (for example, elasticated) region around at least a portion of the body. In one embodiment, the pinched region may be provided around a rear edge of the body to help capture air within the body so that it inflates as intended.

The device may be configured to deflect air around at least a portion of the bulkhead of a trailer, Alternatively, the device may be configured for location beneath a vehicle, e.g. along at least a portion of the underside of the cab, tractor bed or trailer. In such locations, the device will help to deflect air around the sides of the lorry which is more preferable that allowing the air to pass underneath the lorry where it can cause S...

: .: turbulence and instability. The advantages of using devices according to the present invention in such locations are that they are significantly lighter than traditional, rigid deflectors. A further advantage is that because the device deflates when the vehicle is * 20 stationary or moving slowly, the volume of the body of the device is reduced so that the device is kept clear of obstructions. The devices are therefore less susceptible to S...

damage caused by contact with other structures, for example by movement of the vehicle over uneven ground at building sites or by contact with forklift trucks during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The deflated device also facilitates access to the underneath of the vehicle for servicing or repair work.

In a further embodiment, the device may be configured to form a spoiler, for example, at the rear of a trailer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle incorporating an aerodynamic device according to the first aspect of the invention.

The vehicle may be constituted by one or more of a lorry, a tractor, a trailer, a car, a caravan, a motor home, a bus, a railway engine or carriage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically a side view of an articulated tractor and trailer employing a conventional, fixed, aerodynamic kit; Figure 2 illustrates schematically a side view of an articulated tractor and trailer similar to that shown in Figure II but further comprising a flexible, aerodynamic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3 illustrates schematically a side view of an articulated tractor and trailer similar to that shown in Figure 2 but wherein the trailer is of a lower height and further aerodynamic devices (according to a second embodiment of the present invention) are provided underneath the vehicle; Figure 4 illustrates schematically a side view of an articulated tractor and trailer similar to that shown in Figure 2 but wherein a flexible, aerodynamic device according to a * third embodiment of the present invention is fixed directly to the tractor such that a *.

conventional, fixed, aerodynamic kit is not required; Figure 5 illustrates schematically a part-perspective view of an articulated tractor and * : : trailer comprising a flexible, aerodynamic device according to a fourth embodiment of *:: 20 the present invention; and Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the cab shown in Figure 5 illustrating the air inlets to *** the aerodynamic device also shown in Figure 5. * *

Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments

With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated an articulated truck 10 comprising a typical tractor 12 and trailer 14 and employing a conventional, fixed, aerodynamic kit 16. The fixed aerodynamic kit 16 is formed of metal panels permanently attached by rivets (not shown) to the tractor 12 and comprises a roof deflector 18 and two wing deflectors 20 (only one of which is visible in Figure 1).

More specifically, the roof deflector 18 is attached to the top of the cab 22 to form a gently inclined plane sloping upwardly and rearwardly of the cab 22. The aim of the roof deflector 18 is to encourage air to flow smoothly over the bulkhead 24 of the trailer 14. However, as can be seen from Figure 1, the roof deflector 18 in the present case is not sloped sufficiently to direct air completely over the bulkhead 24 and so drag will still be experienced at the bulkhead 24.

Each wing deflector 20 is attached to the cab 22 along the rear portion of each side panel 26. The wing deflectors 20 are configured to deflect air around the sides 28 of the trailer 14.

As clearly illustrated in Figure 1, it is essential that a gap is provided between the rear of the fixed aerodynamic kit 16 and the front of the trailer 14 so as to permit articulated movement between the tractor 12 and the trailer 14. However, the provision of this gap causes turbulent air and increased drag which in turn results in increased fuel consumption.

Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of an aerodynamic device 30, according to the present invention, which attempts to overcome the afore-mentioned problem, In fact, the aerodynamic device 30 is shown in use in Figure 2 attached to the articulated truck * : *.: 10 of Figure 1 and so like reference numerals will be employed where appropriate.

The aerodynamic device 30 comprises a flexible vinyl body 32 having a top panel 34, which is attached along a front edge 36 to an upper, rear edge of the fixed roof deflector 18. Depending from either side of the top panel 34 are side panels 40, also formed from **** vinyl material. Each side panel 40 is attached along a front edge 36' to a rear edge of * the adjacent wing deflector 20. When the body 32 is inflated during use (as shown), the rear edges 38, 38' of the body 32 abut the front edge of the trailer 14. The base of the body 32 in this particular embodiment is open although in other embodiments a base panel may be provided between the bottom edges of each side panel 40.

The means for attaching the body 32 to the tractor 12 and trailer 14 is not shown in Figure 2 but comprises a plastic C-shaped channel riveted along the respective edges (as specified above) of the tractor 12, such that the channel opening faces outwardly. Each of the respective edges 36, 36' of the body 32 (as specified above) are provided with a flexible plastic rail configured for insertion into the corresponding channel on the tractor 12 to thereby retain the body 32 (releasably) thereon.

Figure 3 shows an articulated truck 50 similar to that shown in Figure 2 but, in this case, the trailer 14' is of a smaller height. In this embodiment, a similar aerodynamic device 30' (to that shown in Figure 2) is provided between the tractor 12 and trailer 14' but in this instance the slope of the top panel 34' is less steep due the reduced height of the trailer 14'.

In addition to the above, the articulated truck 50 of Figure 3 is fitted with four further aerodynamic devices 52, 54, 56, 58, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The further aerodynamic devices 52, 54, 56, 58 are located along the underneath of the tractor 12 and trailer 14' and although varying in their individual dimensions, each is essentially a rectangular cuboid and is configured to occupy a gap between the edge of the truck 50 and the nearest set of wheels 60. Each of the aerodynamic devices 52, 54, 56, 58 also include a plurality of slots (not shown) to serve as air inlets/outlets. In the present embodiment, the aerodynamic devices 52, 54, 56, 58 are provided with an open, uppermost face and are secured to the truck 50 by a plurality ** of ties (not shown) provided around their uppermost edges. * *

Figure 4 shows a further articulated truck 70 similar to that shown in Figure 2 but, in this case, the aerodynamic device 30" is fitted directly to the cab 72 of the tractor 12 * :: 20 since no fixed aerodynamic kit 16 is present. The structure and means for attaching the * e*** aerodynamic device 30" is essentially the same as described above in relation to Figure S...

* 2 except that, in this embodiment, the top panel 34" is attached towards the centre of *5S5S * the roof 74 of the cab 72so that the resulting slope of the panel 34" is less severe than if it were attached at the rear edge of the cab 72.

A part-perspective view of an articulated truck 10, similar to that shown in Figure 2, is illustrated in Figure 5. This more clearly illustrates the shape of the aerodynamic device in use and how it may be attached to the fixed aerodynamic kit 16. In particular, it can be seen that a central, horizontal opening 80 is provided between the front edge 36 of the top panel 34 and the roof deflector 18. A relatively small vertical side slit 82 is also provided towards the top of each side panel 40, between each side panel 40 and the adjacent portion of the fixed aerodynamic kit 16. It will be understood that the opening and side slits 82 all serve as air inlets/outlets to the body 32.

In addition, the embodiment shown in Figure 5 includes three pipes 84 which are also formed from vinyl material and are arranged to channel air underneath the fixed roof deflector 18 and into the body 32 of the aerodynamic device 30.

Figure 6 shows a rear view of the cab 72 shown in Figure 5, illustrating the respective exits from the pipes 84. It will be noted that the body 32 and trailer 14 are omitted from Figure 6 for clarity.

With reference to each of Figures 2 to 6, it will be understood that, in use, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an aerodynamic device capable of being filled with air when the vehicle moves such that the body of the device will inflate to form a structure which can smoothly deflect air over and/or around the vehicle to thereby reduce drag and turbulence. Furthermore, the flexibility of the device permits relative movement between the different parts of the vehicle which may be attached to the device. In view of these and other benefits it is believed that the present invention ****e* allows for significant reductions in fuel consumption thereby leading to cost and * . * environmental savings.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, whilst the above discussion has been primarily concerned with * aerodynamic devices suitable for use with an articulated tractor and trailer the invention * is equally applicable to other uses such as between fixed cabs and trailers, between cars and caravans, between railway carriages and between any other fixed or articulated connections between transporting bodies.

Claims

Claims: 1. An aerodynamic device for a vehicle comprising a flexible body configured to inflate upon vehicle movement and to deflect air there-around.
2. The device according to claim I wherein the body serves as an enclosure, trapping air within its structure thereby causing it to inflate.
3. The device according to claim I wherein the body forms part of an enclosure and is arranged to co-operate with one or more surfaces of a vehicle to which it is attached, in use, to form a more complete enclosure.
4. The device according to claim 3 wherein the body is designed to fill a gap between a tractor and a trailer such that the rear of the tractor and/or the front of the trailer co-operate with the body to trap air in said gap.
5. The device according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the body comprises at least a top panel having two depending side panels.
6. The device according to any preceding claim including an air inlet/outlet.
7. The device according to claim 6 wherein the air inlet/outlet is constituted by one or more slots or vents in the body and/or one or more pipes arranged to feed air into the body.

**.SS* *
8. The device according to claim 7 wherein the pipes are formed from the same material as the body.
9. The device according to claim 6 wherein the device is configured for attachment to a vehicle so as to provide one or more gaps between the body and the vehicle, such that said gaps constitute an air inlet/outlet.
10. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes a region or side that is open to allow air to exit there-from.
11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the open regionlside is disposed along the base or rear portion of the body.
12. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible body is formed from a plastics material.
13. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible body is formed from the same material as is traditionally employed for the curtains used in curtain-sided containers.
14. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the body further comprises a framework configured to impart a defined structure to the body when it is inflated.
15. The device according to claim 14 wherein the frame is formed by welding parts of the body together.
16. The device according to any preceding claim further comprising an attachment means for securing the body to the vehicle.
17. The device according to claim 16 wherein the attachment means comprises : 25 means for securing a forward region of the body to a tractor for an articulated truck. **
18. The device according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the attachment means comprises a permanent fixing. : 30
19. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the attachment means is configured to secure the body directly to a tractor cab or to an existing fixed deflector.
20. The device according to any one of claims 16, 17 or 19 wherein the attachment means comprises a detachable fixing.
21. The device according to claim 20 wherein the detachable fixing comprises a channel capable of being attached to a tractor and a rail or beading provided along an edge of the body; the rail/beading being capable of being fed into the channel to thereby secure the body to the tractor.
22. The device according to claim 20 wherein the detachable fixing comprises press-studs, ties or releasable fasteners.
23. The device according to any preceding claim further comprising a pinched region around at least a portion of the body.
24. The device according to claim 23 wherein the pinched region is provided around a rear edge of the body to help capture air within the body so that it inflates as intended.
25. The device according to any preceding claim configured to deflect air around at least a portion of a bulkhead of a trailer.
26. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24 configured for location beneath a vehicle to deflect air around the sides of the vehicle.*..... * *
27. The device according to any one of claims Ito 24 configured to form a spoiler. *I*. *
28. A vehicle incorporating an aerodynamic device according to any preceding claim.

*.: 30 * S *
29. An aerodynamic device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.* **.e * .S aS... r**SI **.I