GB2504185A

GB2504185A - A spray suppression device for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2504185A
Application number: GB201308936A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fred Pilling
Original assignee: ANDREW ROSEBURY; TIMOTHY ROBIN DOCKER
Current assignee: ANDREW ROSEBURY; TIMOTHY ROBIN DOCKER
Priority date: 2012-05-17
Filing date: 2013-05-17
Publication date: 2014-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2033-05-17
Also published as: GB2504185B; GB201308936D0; GB201208695D0

Abstract

A suppression device 10 adapted for mounting behind the wheel 5 of a vehicle 1 to reduce water spray on an outer side of a wheel 5 caused by rotary action of the wheel is provided. The device 10 comprises a guidance member 12 providing a passage between an outer side of the wheel 5 and an inner side of the wheel 5. The passage is arranged to draw water spray and/ or air through the passage from the outer side of the wheel 5 as it rotates and release the spray/ air on the inner side of the wheel 5 in order to deposit or direct the spray/air under a chassis 3 of the moving vehicle 1.

Description

SPRAY AND/OR TURBULENCE SUPPRESSION ON VEHICLES

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of spray prevention on vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention concerns a spray suppression device for a wheel to minimise spray in the wheel area of a motor vehicle, more particularly, in the wheel area of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), such as trucks and lorries.

Description of the Related Art

A conventional HGV comprises a cab comprising an engine and a chassis.

The chassis comprises a frame, which provides the mountings for the drive components (axles, suspension, steering box), the exhaust, any hydraulics and the wheels. The frame also carries the cargo trailer.

Wheel guards or fenders are mounted! provided over the wheels on most IS vehicles to protect the body of the vehicle, passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians from water, snow, mud and other flying debris thrown into the air by the tyre of a rotating wheel. Conventional guards! fenders generally comprise a rigid arch for mounting over the wheel (wheel well) and are typically made from a material that is not easily damaged by contact with flying debris, the tyre, or the road surface.

Drivers often encounter difficulties when driving in wet conditions from with water that is forced up from the road as vehicles drive over it, known as spray.

However, heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses cause the most spray and passing a heavy vehicle at speed can often result in the spray very quickly covering a passing vehicles windscreen and reduce visibility to almost zero. This presents a real hazard to drivers.

Occasionally, the guard or fender will have a skirt, or spat, namely a piece of bodywork on the guard! fender that covers an upper portion of the tyre to allow air to flow smoothly over the bodywork and prevent it from being trapped in the wheel well.

Such conventional wheel guards are not effective at suppressing spray and this has prompted development in the area of spray suppression.

Developments in the area of spray suppression have led to the inclusion of flaps and pelmets that extend downwardly from the back of a conventional wheel guard and brush systems that can be attached to an existing wheel guard.

A more recent development in the area of spray suppression is the Aero Guard system offered by Spraydown Solutions (gw.sjray.çjo'Nn.cofjjj. The system comprises a panel that is adapted to be mounted substantially vertically behind a vehicle wheel. The panel has at least one passage or vane which leads from a first side (wheel side) to a rear second side of the panel. A water-collecting pocket is provided along the side of each passage or vane. In use, air and water is released by the wheel as it rotates from which it enters the passages! vanes of the panel on the wheel side. Since air and water travels at different speeds, the air quickly passes through the passages! vanes to the second side and the slower moving water is collected in the pockets and forced downward to the road surface behind the wheel, where it is deposited. Since the water is deposited in the path of an oncoming wheel, or in the path of an adjacent vehicle (in the wheel area), it continues to present a problem for other drivers.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the problems

of the prior art as discussed herein or otherwise.

Therefore, it is now desired to provide an improved arrangement for a suppression device to minimise spray in the wheel area of a motor vehicle. It is also desired to provide an improved arrangement for a suppression device to remove water from the wheel tracks of oncoming motor vehicles.

It is also desired to provide an improved arrangement for a suppression device to minimise air turbulence in the wheel area of a motor vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a suppression device adapted for mounting behind the wheel of a vehicle to reduce water spray on an outer side of a wheel caused by rotary action of the wheel, the device comprising a guidance member providing a passage between an outer side of the wheel and an inner side of the wheel, wherein the passage is arranged to draw spray through the passage from the outer side of the wheel as it rotates and release the spray on said inner side of the wheel in order to deposit the spray under a chassis of the moving vehicle.

With the above arrangement, the spray created in the outer wheel area by both the wheel in question and any forward wheels, is captured by the guidance member and drawn through the passage under the vehicle. The water droplets in the spray are deposited under the vehicle in the middle of the driving lane, instead of in the wheel track area of oncoming vehicles. Therefore, not only is the spray removed from the wheel area, which reduces visibility problems for other vehicles following and overtaking the fitted vehicle, it reduces the presence water in the path of oncoming vehicles, which would otherwise cause further spray.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suppression device adapted for mounting behind the wheel of a vehicle to reduce air turbulence on an outer side of a wheel caused by rotary action of the wheel, the device comprising a guidance member providing a passage between an outer side of the wheel and an inner side of the wheel, wherein the passage is arranged to draw air through the passage from the outer side of the wheel as it rotates and release the air on said inner side of the wheel in order to direct the air under the chassis of the moving vehicle.

With the above arrangement, the turbulence created in the outer wheel area by both the wheel in question and any forward wheels, is captured by the guidance member and drawn through the passage under the vehicle. The air is directed under the vehicle in a smooth airflow path where the laminar flow minimises air turbulence effects on the vehicle. Therefore, the turbulence is removed from the wheel area, which increases the aerodynamics of the vehicle, decreases air resistance and contributes to fuel savings.

Preferably, the passage comprises an open outer end at the outer side of the wheel and an open inner end at the inner side of the wheel. Preferably, the passage is also substantially open at a lower end.

Preferably, the passage is provided between the rear of the wheel and the guidance member.

With this arrangement, the guidance member does not contribute to turbulence between the wheel and the guidance member by introducing small clearance areas between the rear of the wheel and the guidance member.

Furthermore, only minimal consideration of clearance areas to prevent wheel interference, are required during installation.

Alternatively, the passage may be provided within the guidance member.

Preferably, the passage is adapted to widen between the outer end and the inner end at the inner side of the wheel. With this arrangement, the increase in volume of the passage causes the flow of air! spray to speed up as it travels through the passage, which creates a greater suction effect through the outer end, thereby drawing air/ spray from a greater wheel area.

The passage may be the same height and!or comprise the same height profile between the outer and inner ends thereof. Alternatively, the passage may reduce in height from the outer to the inner end, in order to direct the air!spray downwardly.

Preferably, the passage is at least partially contoured. By contoured' what is meant is the passage takes a curving form.

Preferably, the passage is contoured on only one side between the outer (entry) and inner (exit) ends. Preferably, the passage is transversely contoured (across the passage) between the outer end and the inner end. The passage may also be contoured diagonally and! or downwardly. Preferably, the passage is contoured proximal to at least one end thereof. Preferably, the passage is convexly contoured proximal to the outer end, i.e. it widens exponentially. Preferably, the passage is concavely contoured proximal to the inner end. Preferably, the passage comprises a non-contoured portion. Preferably, the passage comprises the non-contoured portion between said contoured ends. Preferably, the contours of the passage comprise smooth transitions and not sharp crevices.

Preferably, the guidance member comprises a flow director. Preferably, the flow director is positioned in relation to the inner (exit) end of the passage, thereby further defining the shape and configuration of the passage. The flow director preferably comprises a substantially vertical panel mounted to extend reawardly from the inner side of the wheel.

Preferably, the passage is adapted to widen between an upper end and the lower end. The flow director may contribute to the extent of the widening of the passage.

Preferably, the passage is defined between the rear of the wheel and the guidance member. Preferably, the guidance member comprises a panel that is adapted to be mounted substantially vertically across the rear of a vehicle wheel.

Preferably, the guidance member comprises an outer edge adapted to be positioned outside the outer side of the wheel and an inner edge adapted to be positioned outside the inner side of the wheel.

Preferably, the guidance member is adapted to be angled transversely away from the rear of the wheel between the outer edge and the inner edge.

The guidance member may be substantially planar. Preferably, the guidance member is at least partially transversely contoured (across the member) between the outer and inner edges. Preferably, the contouring of the guidance member provides the contouring to the passage.

The guidance member may also be contoured diagonally and/ or downwardly.

Preferably, the guidance member is contoured proximal to at least one edge thereof.

Preferably, the guidance member is convexly contoured proximal to the outer edge, i.e. it widens exponentially. Preferably, the guidance member is concavely contoured proximal to the inner edge. Preferably, the guidance member comprises a non-contoured portion. Preferably, the guidance member comprises the non-contoured portion between said contoured edges.

Preferably, the contours of the guidance member comprise smooth transitions and not sharp angles. Preferably, the transverse shape of at least a lower portion of the guidance member substantially comprises the shape of a sigmoid curve from the outer edge to the inner edge.

Preferably, a lower edge! or part of the guidance member is angled outwardly of an upper edge! or part. Preferably therefore, the upper edge or part is mounted proximal to an upper rear portion of the wheel. Preferably, the lower edge terminates substantially half way down the rear of the wheel.

Preferably, the device comprises a means for mounting the device in relation to a wheel.

Preferably, the device comprises a wheel guard. Preferably, the body of the wheel guard comprises an arcuate member adapted to be mounted over a wheel.

Preferably, the body of the wheel guard is prematurely shortened and therefore, terminates in an upper rear region of the wheel. Preferably, the wheel guard provides a short downwardly extending arcuate pemet on each sides of the body thereof (outer and inner pelmets). However, preferably, the outer pelmet on at least an outer side of the body extends in the same arcuate line beyond the end of the body and to substantially half way down the front of the wheel. Most preferably, the inner pelmet on the inner side of the body extends in the same arcuate line beyond the end of the body and to substantially half way down the front of the wheel. Preferably, the extended portion of the inner pelmet provides the flow director. The flow director preferably comprises a substantially vertical panel extending reawardly from the extended portion of the inner pelmet (whether integrally formed therewith or otherwise), Most preferably, the rear part of the wheel guard is connected to the guidance member. Preferably, the rear part of the wheel guard is attached to the upper edge or part of the guidance member.

The wheel guard and the guidance member may be integrally formed. In this respect, the guidance member may comprise a distended and! or extension rear part of a wheel guard. Alternatively, the guidance member may be attached to the wheel guard as a separate part.

The upper part of the guidance member may be substantially lateral.

Preferably, the lower part of the guidance member is substantially uphght. Most preferably, the lower part of the guidance member is angled outwardly. Preferably, the upper part smoothly transitions into the lower part.

The upper part of the guidance member may comprise a downwardly extending pelmet along an inner edge thereof. Preferably therefore, the flow director also extends substantially downwardly from the pelmet of the guidance member.

Preferably, however, a portion of the upper part of the guidance member comprises a downwardly curved lip along an inner edge thereof. The lip preferably recedes before the transition into the lower part.

The lower part of the guidance member may comprise a mud flap.

It will be appreciated that the preferred features described apply to both aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a cab, and wheel base of a typical lorry with a

conventional wheel guard in place (PRIOR ART);

Figure 2 is a partial side view of a wheel and wheel base of a typical lorry with an first embodiment of a spray suppression device in place; Figure 3 is a near side perspective view of the spray suppression device as shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a far side perspective view of the spray suppression device of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a partial plan view of a wheel and wheel base of a typical lorry with the spray suppression device of Figure 2 in place; Figure 6 is a partial plan view of a wheel and wheel base of a typical lorry with a second embodiment of a spray suppression device in place according to the invention; Figure 7 is a partial plan view of a wheel and wheel base of a typical lorry with a third embodiment of a spray suppression device in place according to the invention; Figure 8 is a near side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spray suppression device according to the invention; and Figure 9 is a far side perspective view of the spray suppression device of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1, a conventional lorry, truck or other HGV (1) comprises a cab (2) with an engine and a chassis (3). The chassis comprises a frame (4), which provides mountings for drive components (axles, suspension, steering box), the exhaust, any hydraulics and a wheels (5). The frame (4) also carries a cargo trailer.

Conventional arcuate wheel guards (6) are mounted over some of the wheels (5) on vehicles (I).

Figures 2 -5 show a suppression device (10) for use in place of a conventional wheel guard (6) according to a first embodiment of the invention.

A suppression device (10) adapted for mounting behind the wheel (5) of a vehicle (1) to reduce water spray/ air turbulence on an outer side of a wheel (5) caused by rotary action of the wheel (5), comprises a guidance member (12) providing a passage between an outer side of the wheel (5) and an inner side of the wheel (5), wherein the passage is arranged to draw spray/air through the passage from the outer side of the wheel (5) as it rotates and release the spray /air on said inner side of the wheel (5) in order to deposit/ direct the spray /air under a chassis (3) of a moving vehicle (I).

The spray suppression device (10) comprises a front end (ba), a rear end (1 Ob) and near and far sides (1 Oc, 1 Od) extending between a lower plane (1 Oe) and an upper plane (1 Of).

The front end (I 0a) of the device (10) is positioned over the circular arc of a wheel (5) and covers a portion of the tyre (7) of a wheel (5), whilst the rear end (lOb) is located behind the tyre (7) of the wheel (5).

The device (10) therefore, comprises an arcuate wheel guard (11) located at the front end (1 Oa) with the guidance member (12) located at the rear end (lob).

The wheel guard (11) comprises a longitudinal panel (13) comprising a near side edge (14), afar side edge (15) a front end edge (16) and a rear edge (17).

The front end edge (16) is located at the front end (1 Oa) proximal to the lower plane (iDe). From the front end edge (16) the longitudinal axis of the panel (13), the near side edge (15) and the far side edge (15) all follow substantially parallel semi-arcuate paths (1 3a, 1 4a, isa) from the front end edge (16).

The wheel guard (11) covers over only part of the wheel that a conventional guard (6) covers. Therefore, both the near side and far side edges (14, 15) terminate at an early locus on the arcuate path (15a) at approximately i4O from the front end 1 5 edge (15) defining the location of the rear edge (17).

The wheel guard (ii) comprises a radially extending pelmet (18, 19) on each edge (14, 15) and the near side pelmet (18) continues along the arcuate path (14a) beyond the rear edge (17) to provide a substantially semi-arcuate pelmet (18), whilst the far side pelmet (19) terminates with the far side edge (15) at the rear edge (17).

The unbound portion of the near side pelrnet (18) constitutes a free' portion.

The guidance member (12) comprises a continuous contoured panel (20) that extends from the rear edge (17) of the wheel guard (ii) and the unbound portion of the near side pelmet (18). ii

The contoured panel (20) can comprise a distended and/or extended portion of the wheel guard (11), or alternatively, be a separate moulded part attached to the wheel guard (11). In either event, whilst the wheel guard (11) creates a semi-circular wheel hollow thereunder, the panel (20) of the guidance member (12) creates a generally triangular hollow thereunder. The hollow defines a passage between the rear of a wheel (5) and the panel (20).

In a first embodiment of the invention, as show in Figures 2-5, the panel (20) is contoured to provide an upper part (21) and a lower part (22). The upper part (21) extends substantially laterally from the rear edge (17) of the wheel guard (11). The lower part (22) extends substantially transversely from the upright free' portion of the near side pelmet (18) and is angled rearwardy towards the far side (1 Od) of the device (10). Since the lower part (22) is angled rearward, the upper part (21) takes a triangular shape with a back edge (23) continuing in the same plane as the far edge (15) along the far side (lOd). The lower part (22) comprises a substantially IS rectangular/ polygonal shape.

The transition between the upper part (21) and the lower part (22) is smooth at least on the inside thereof to encourage smooth spray/ air flow thereunder.

The back edge (23) of the upper part (21) comprises a pelmet (24) thereacross, as a continuation of the arcuate pelmet (19).

An outwardly turned flange (25) s provided at the end of the lower part (22) and a mud flap (26) is appended to the lower part (22) by rivets and hangs below the lower part (22).

The overall dimensions of the device (10) are selected to cover a sufficient portion of the tyre (7). It will be readily appreciated that the width of the device (10) should be at least the width of, and preferably more than the width of a wheel (5). On vehicles that have a plurality of wheels (5) on an axle, a single device (10) is dimensioned to adequately extend the full width of all of the wheels (5).

In use, a device (10) is mounted over one or more sets of wheels (5) on a lorry (1), with the far side end (lOb) proximal to the frame (3) of the lorry (1), the front end (ba) facing in the direction of the cab (2) and the rear end (lOb) facing in the direction of the rear of the lorry (1). The wheel guard (11) is therefore, mounted over the tyres of the wheels (5) with an acceptable clearance distance there between, and the guidance member (12) located behind the wheels (5).

When a vehicle (1) is moving in forward drive mode, a central airstream is created under the chassis of the vehicle, which creates a suction effect. Parallel and distinct airstreams are also produced on either side of the vehicle (1).

The aerodynamics of the device (10) takes advantage of the suction effect of the central airstream. The path of the spray/ air has been shown on Figure 5. The guidance member (12) provides a distinct path or passage between the airstreams on either side of the vehicle (1) and the central air stream and guides the flow of air into the passage of the guidance member (12) and under the frame (3) of the vehicle.

Furthermore, minor airstreams that emerge from between the wheel itself and the wheel guard (11) at the front of the device (10) are sucked into the guidance member (12). This effect reduces turbulence from the wheel area of a vehicle (1) and acts to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle (1), improving petrol consumption and comfort of travel.

In wet conditions, the airstreams carry atomised water in the form of spray.

Accordingly, the aerodynamics of the device (10) guides spray streams in the same way as airstreams. The atomised water in the spray is eventually deposited under the vehicle (I), or in the centre of the path of travel. This not only minimises spray at the sides of the vehicle (1) in the wheel area, but also keeps deposited water from spray away from the wheel tracks of oncoming vehicles.

Therefore, even if only one pat of guards (10) is mounted on the most rearward of wheels of a vehicle, spray will be significantly minimised, since the effect of the guidance member (12) in combination with the suction effect created by the central airstreams under the vehicle function to pull in spray generated by both the wheels in front and the wheel itself on any one side of the vehicle.

In a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in figure 6, at least the lower part (22) of the panel (20) is contoured transversely so as to take the shape of a sigmoid wave from the near side (bc) to the far side (lod). In this respect, the lower part (22) comprises an outward! convex curve (22a) near to the junction between the free portion of the near side pelmet (18), which blends into a substantially straight portion (22b) and finishes with an outward! concave curve (22c) at the outer edge.

This arrangement improves the spray/ air flow from the near side (1 Do) to the far side (1 Od) and under the vehicle by encouraging a smoother path.

In a third embodiment of the invention, as shown in figure 7, in addition to having the transverse contours, the lower part (22) is angled or inclined substantially, away from the rear of the wheel (5). The upper part (21) is also angled slightly downwardly to improve the internal aerodynamic effect of the member (12) and guide the spray! air flow downwardly towards the ground under the chassis (3).

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the panel (120) is contoured to provide an upper part (121) and a lower part (122). The upper part (121) extends substantially laterally from the rear edge (117) of the wheel guard (111). The lower part (122) extends substantially transversely from the upright free' portion of the near side pelmet (118) and is angled rearwardy towards the far side of the device (110). Since the lower part (122) is angled rearward, the upper part (121) takes a triangular shape with a back edge (123) continuing in the same plane as the far edge (115) along the far side. The transition between the upper part (121) and the lower part (122) is smooth at least on the inside thereof to encourage smooth spray! air flow thereunder. The lower part (122) comprises a substantially rectangular! polygonal shape. The back edge (123) of the upper part (121) comprises a pelmet (124) thereacross, as a continuation of the arcuate pelmet (119). In this particular embodiment, a far side panel (130) is provided to function as a flow director, which depends downwardly from the pelmet (124). The panel or fin (130) is provided as a naturally curved extension of the arcuate pelmet (119) of the wheel guard (ill) and extends from around the rear edge (117) thereof partly along the pelmet (124). The panel (130) extends somewhere between 30% and 70% along the pelmet (124) towards the end of the device (110), before regressing back into the pelmet (124).

The panel (130) prevents projectiles from the wheel travelling sideways into the chassis and is found to further improve air flow to the zone at the side and behind wheel by reducing sideways air turbulence, which in turn increases the directive effect forcing spray to the rear centre of the truck.

It is to be appreciated that, as with the second embodiment, at least the lower part (122) of the panel (120) is contoured transversely so as to take the shape ol a sigmoid wave from the near side to the far side. In this respect, the lower part (122) may comprise an outward! convex curve near to the junction between the free portion of the near side pelmet (118), which blends into a substantially straight portion and finishes with an outward! concave curve at the outer edge. It is also to be appreciated that, as with the third embodiment, the lower part (122) may be angled or inclined substantially, away from the rear of the wheel (5) and the upper part (121) may also be angled slightly downwardly to improve the internal aerodynamic effect of the member (112) and guide the spray! air flow downwardly towards the ground under the chassis (3).

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing Irom the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A suppression device adapted for mounting behind the wheel of a vehicle to reduce water spray on an outer side of a wheel caused by rotary action of the wheel, the device comprising a guidance member providing a passage between an outer side of the wheel and an inner side of the wheel, wherein the passage is arranged to draw water spray and! or air through the passage from the outer side of the wheel as it rotates and release the spray! air on said inner side of the wheel in order to deposit or direct the spray/air under a chassis of the moving vehicle.

2. The device according to Claim I, wherein the passage comprises an open outer end at the outer side of the wheel and an open inner end at the inner side of the wheel.

3. The device according to Claims 1 or 2, wherein the passage is provided between the rear of the wheel and the guidance member.

4. The device according to Claims 2 or 3, wherein the passage is adapted to widen between the outer end and the inner end at the inner side of the wheel.

5. The device according to Claims 1 to 4, wherein the passage is at least partially contoured.

5. The device according to Claim 5, wherein the passage is transversely contoured (across the passage) between the outer end and the inner end.

7. The device according to Claim 6, wherein the passage is convexly contoured proximal to the outer end, i.e. it widens exponentially.

8. The device according to Claims 1 to 7, wherein the guidance member comprises a flow director.

9. The device according to Claim 8, wherein the flow director is positioned in relation to the inner (exit) end of the passage, thereby further defining the shape and configuration of the passage.

10. The device according to Claim 9, wherein the passage is adapted to widen between an upper end and the lower end.

11. The device according to Claims 1 to 10, wherein the guidance member comprises an outer edge adapted to be positioned outside the outer side of the wheel and an inner edge adapted to be positioned outside the inner side of the wheel.

12. The device according to Claim 11, wherein the guidance member is adapted to be angled transversely away from the rear of the wheel between the outer edge and the inner edge.

13. The device according to Claims 1 to 12, wherein a lower edge! or part of the guidance member is angled outwardly of an upper edge! or part.

14. The device according to Claim 13, wherein the upper edge or part is mounted proximal to an upper rear portion of the wheel.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device comprises a wheel guard comprising an arcuate body adapted to be mounted over a wheel, wherein the arcuate body of the wheel guard is prematurely shortened and therefore, terminates in an upper rear region of the wheel.AMENDED CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-CLAIMS1. A suppression device adapted for mounting behind the wheel of a vehicle to reduce water spray on an outer side of a wheel caused by rotary action of the wheel, the device comprising a guidance member providing a passage between an outer side of the wheel and an inner side of the wheel, wherein the passage is arranged to draw water spray and! or air through the passage from the outer side of the wheel as it rotates and release the spray! air on said inner side of the wheel in order to deposit or direct the spray!air under a chassis of the movng vehicle, wherein the passage is provided between the rear of the wheel and the guidance member and is adapted to widen between the outer end at the outer side of the wheel and the inner end at the inner side of the wheel.2. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the passage comprises an open outer end at the outer side of the wheel and an open inner end at the inner side of the wheel. r3. The device according to Claims 1 to 2, wherein the passage is at least partially contoured.4. The device according to Claim 3, wherein the passage is transversely contoured (across the passage) between the outer end and the inner end.5. The device according to Claim 4, wherein the passage is convexly contoured proximal to the outer end, i.e. it widens exponentially.6. The device according to Claims 1 to 5, wherein the guidance member comprises a flow director.7. The device according to Claim 6, wherein the flow director is positioned in relation to the inner (exit) end of the passage, thereby further defining the shape and configuration of the passage.8. Tho dovico according to Claim 7, whoroin tho passago is adaptod to widon bctwcon an upper ond and tho lowor ond.9. Tho dovico according to Claims 1 to 8, whorcin tho guidanco mombor comprises an outcr edge adaptod to bo positioned outsido tho outor sido of tho whool and an innor odgo adaptod to bo positioned outsido tho innor side of the whool.10. The device according to Claim 9, wherein the guidance member is adapted to be angled transverscly away from thc rcar of the whccl bctweon the outcr edge and tho inner odgo.11. The device according to Claims 1 to 10, wherein a lower edge! or part of the guidance momber is anglcd outwardly of an upper cdgc/ or part.12. Tho dovico according to Claim Ii whoroin tho uppcr odgo or part is mountod proximal to an upper rear portion of the wheel.13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the device comprises a wheel guard comprising an arcuato body adaptod to be mounted ovcr a whool, whoroin the arcuate body of the wheel guard is prematurely shortened and therefore, torminatos in an uppor roar rogion of tho whool.