HRP20040336A2 - Aerodynamic siut for cycling and motorbikes riders - Google Patents

Abstract

When riding a bicycle, motorcycle / motorcycle, the rider's body is to a greater or lesser extent exposed to the air current, which leads to an increase in aerodynamic resistance or loss of energy. The essence of the present invention called aerodynamic suit for cyclists and motorcyclists (1) approximates the shape of the rider's body to the teardrop shape. and reducing energy loss.

Description

The field to which the invention relates

This invention relates to a modification of the form of a suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders. The new shape of the suit allows for a significant reduction in the aerodynamic resistance of the shape.

Technical problem

It is known that a drop-shaped body has minimal aerodynamic resistance, that is, it creates a minimal vortex trail in the fluid through which it moves. As the shape of the driver's body deviates significantly from the teardrop shape, it is clear that the aerodynamic resistance of the driver's body, i.e. the vortex wake behind the driver, will be significantly greater than the minimum possible. The conclusion follows that the aerodynamic resistance when riding a bicycle or motorcycle/scooter is largely determined by the resistance of the rider's own body.

State of the art

When a body moves through the air, there is resistance to that movement in the form of aerodynamic resistance. Aerodynamic drag has two components; friction resistance and shape resistance. Frictional resistance depends on the roughness of the surface of the obstructed body, and shape resistance on the shape of the body.

In order to improve aerodynamics when riding a bicycle/motorcycle, there are various solutions for improving the external form of protective helmets and the body of a bicycle or motorcycle. All these solutions have in common that the external form of a certain body tries to get as close as possible to the form of a droplet body. However, this type of optimization was not carried out for the shape of the driver's suit.

By choosing a material with a smooth surface for the outer layer of today's well-known solutions for driver's suits, the friction resistance is somewhat reduced, but as the suits practically completely follow the shape of the driver's body, the shape resistance is almost the same for the driver with and without the suit.

Presentation of the essence of the invention

The primary objective of the invention is to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the rider, either bicycle or motorcycle/scooter, by means of a suitable form of rider suit.

The secondary goal is to reduce energy consumption per kilometer traveled. What does the driver's physical energy mean when riding a bicycle, or fuel consumption in the case of a motorcycle/scooter.

Furthermore, the described invention reduces the swirling of air against the driver's body. This is especially important for bicycle riders, where the thickness of the suit is not sufficient to prevent the sweaty body of the rider from cooling down caused by the mentioned vortex. Since the cooling of a sweaty body over a long period of time can cause chronic diseases, this invention contributes to the health protection of the driver himself.

The aerodynamic suit for bicycle, motorcycle/moped riders consists of a basic part that fully fulfills the task of suits already known on the market and a secondary part that serves to reduce the vortex wake. The secondary part has the form of a cone-shaped mantle that continues to the back of the basic part. This brings the external form of the driver closer to the shape of a droplet body. As the drop body has minimal resistance, the driver's resistance will be significantly reduced, i.e. the vortex trail will be significantly reduced.

This secondary part is an aerodynamic extension that serves to reduce aerodynamic resistance by reducing the vortex trail.

In addition, rounded accessories can be inserted from the front, which will bring the external form of the driver inside this suit even closer to the form of a teardrop body and thereby further reduce aerodynamic resistance.

Furthermore, the cavity inside the aerodynamic extension can be used as a container for carrying, for example, food and drinks during races or excursions without an additional increase in aerodynamic resistance.

Strengthening the jacket of the aerodynamic extension with a material with good heat-insulating properties, the contents inside the container will be additionally protected from excessive heat exchange with the environment, which contributes to preserving the quality of stored food. In addition, the reinforcement of the mantle will reduce the vibration of the mantle itself, which will further improve the aerodynamic properties of the mentioned extension.

The cavity of the aerodynamic extension can be used to insert additional protective coverings that, in the event of a fall, additionally protect the driver from more serious injuries, such as the spine. This is especially important with motorcycles, where high speeds increase the likelihood of more serious injuries caused by a fall.

Brief description of the drawing

Sl. 1 is a basic silhouette of a bike rider with an aerodynamic suit.

Sl. 2 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made with the technology of a self-supporting shell

Sl. 3 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made by tightening the weave of the end of the suit itself by means of an elastic composite support.

Sl. 4 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made by tightening the weave of the end of the suit itself by means of an elastic element inserted between the aerodynamic suit and the support.

Sl. 5 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made by tightening the weave of the end of the suit itself by means of an elastic element inserted between the aerodynamic suit and the support completely integrated into the end of the suit itself.

Sl. 6 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made by tensioning the weave by means of a support clamped between the driver's body and the end of the suit itself.

Sl. 7 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made by tightening the weave of the end of the suit itself by means of a support integrated into the suit's shell.

Sl. 8 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is made by tightening the weave of the end of the suit itself by means of multiple supports integrated into the shell of the suit itself.

Sl. 9 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is formed by pockets with compressed gas integrated into the shell of the suit itself.

Sl. 10 is a representation of an aerodynamic suit where the aerodynamic extension is formed by an insert with compressed gas.

Sl. 11 is a view of the stage guide of the aerodynamic finish.

Sl. 12 is a view of the detachable connection between the aerodynamic extension and the support fixed to the bicycle structure.

Detailed description of some ways of realizing the invention

This invention relates to improving the aerodynamics of a driver's suit. As it is an object that burdens the driver's body, it is a logical requirement that the increase in mass introduced by the aerodynamic extensions be minimal. Therefore, it is natural to look for ways of execution in the technology of making aircraft structures that have an aerodynamic shape and minimal mass. The driver's suit itself can be considered an aerodynamic formwork, the shape of which is provided by the driver's body and the appropriate supports supported either on the driver's body, the bicycle structure, or both on the driver's body and on the bicycle structure. The supports have a dual role. The first and basic role, as already said, is to give the suit the necessary aerodynamic shape. The second, no less important role is to ensure the required position of the aerodynamic extension/extensions in the air stream, independent of the position of the driver himself, so that the resistance is truly minimal. It seems that the uniqueness of this invention is manifested in the outer form of the suit, which is made using known sewing techniques, and the form of the appropriate support structure and special guiding elements made from some of the technologies (e.g. some of the composite materials,...) known in the construction of light constructions, such as .aircraft so it is not necessary to describe them in detail here. What is original about this invention is the form of the suit itself and the supporting elements, and they will be shown in the following series of pictures.

Sl. 1. Shows the basic silhouette of the driver in an aerodynamic suit 1 that reduces the vorticity in the air that drags the driver's body. This suit can be made as a multi-part suit, where the aerodynamic extension 2 is attached to the base suit by a detachable connection 3. By adding an opening 4 on the aerodynamic extension for the purpose of inserting/extracting objects 5, the space inside the aerodynamic extension can be used as a container for e.g. dam and drinks. If the aerodynamic extension is used as a container, then the conical end can be made with a bottom that, in case of separation from the suit and application of the appropriate strap(s) for carrying, turns it into a rucksack. At the end of the aerodynamic extension, a dotted line shows the possible shape of the aerodynamic stabilization surfaces 6. The addition of these surfaces (one or more of them) stabilizes the position of the aerodynamic extension in the air stream, which prevents its unwanted swaying in the transverse direction.

Sl. 2. Shows the performance of the aerodynamic suit in a side section with a support structure made in self-supporting shell technology 7. The figure shows a possible appearance of the rounding 8 at the very end of the aerodynamic extension, which can be added to reduce the possibility of injury when falling or bumping into another driver.

Sl. 3. Shows the design of an aerodynamic suit where the required form of aerodynamic finish is provided by tensile forces in the layer of the finish itself caused by the deformation of the elastic support 9 fixed to the bicycle structure 10. The said elastic support is made of spring steel or a composite material of pronounced elasticity. By appropriate profiling of the supports, different stiffness can be achieved in different directions, i.e. reduced stiffness towards bending in the vertical plane. This facilitates the longitudinal movement of the driver's center of gravity, e.g. when climbing, and at the same time reduces the possibility of swaying of the aerodynamic end in a transverse shift. The swaying of the aerodynamic extension is undesirable due to the increase in aerodynamic resistance and the unwanted impact on driving stability. By placing the special swing limiter 11 next to the elastic support either on the bottom side (as in the picture) or on the top or both sides, the effect of unwanted swinging of the elastic support itself can be further reduced. Namely, this motion limiter is more rigid than an elastic support. When the elastic support oscillates, contact occurs between the elastic support and the motion limiter, thereby changing the frequency characteristic of the elastic support, i.e. suppressing the unwanted oscillation. Both the elastic support and the swing limiter can be fixed to their support via the rotary connection 12 and 13. This rotary connection serves to adjust the angle between the elastic support or the swing limiter and their supports. By means of friction and/or screw connection, it is possible to ensure the required position.

Sl. 4. Shows an embodiment of an aerodynamic suit where the required form of aerodynamic termination is provided by tensile forces in an elastic element 14 inserted between a support 15 fixed to the bicycle frame 16 and the termination of the aerodynamic extension. In order to further suppress the influence of the possible swaying of the aerodynamic finish on the ride quality, a passive or active vibration dampener can be added to the suit. A passive vibration damper basically consists of three basic elements: mass, spring and motion damper. By adding mass to the aerodynamic extension or to the elastic support on the part of the corresponding section, the desired vibration of the choke can be adjusted. By introducing the possibility of moving the weights, the choke frequency can be additionally adjusted. As a motion damper, the damping effect of the weaving of the aerodynamic extension and the air current is used. Weight 17, which, together with an elastic element, represents a passive dampener of unwanted vibrations is shown in the picture with a drawn circular line. An active silencer can be formed by adding a piezo-actuator to an elastic support 15 along with a suitable control unit in the way it is known in the construction of the so-called. "intelligent" skis.

Sl. 5. Shows the performance of the aerodynamic suit where the required form of aerodynamic termination is also, as in the previous solution, secured by tensile forces in the elastic element 18, however, in this solution, the force caused by the stretching of the elastic element 18 is transmitted by the rigid support 19 to the aerodynamic termination 20. With this solution, the elastic the element is completely integrated into the aerodynamic finish, which reduces the length of the support fixed to the bicycle frame. Reducing the length of the support reduces its mass and increases its stiffness, which is desirable in terms of reducing the risk of unwanted intense swaying of the aerodynamic extension.

Sl. 6. Shows the design of the aerodynamic suit, where the support structure is made as a unique support 21, which rests on the driver's body with one end, and with the other part tightens the conical end of the aerodynamic suit.

Sl. 7. Shows the design of the aerodynamic suit where the support structure is designed as a single support. The solution is similar to the solution described in Figure 6, but with the difference that the support 22 is integrated into the suit's shell itself. The support is designed as a rod, the cross-section of which can be of variable shape in order to best adapt to the driver's body. Said stick is placed in the longitudinal pocket 23 as is known from the construction of sports kites and sails for sailboats. The length of the stick is slightly longer than the length of the pocket in which it is placed. Inserting the rod into the pocket and pressing it against the fastener 24 will cause tensile stresses that will lead to the formation of an aerodynamic finish. The pocket, and thus the stick, is located along the driver's back, which ensures the optimal position of the aerodynamic end in relation to the driver's body and the air current that flows through it. In addition, the appropriate profiling of the stick can provide additional protection of the spine against impact in the event of a fall.

Sl. 8. Shows the performance of an aerodynamic suit where the support structure is made as a series of longitudinal members 25 that are integrated into the mantle by means of a series of pockets 26. Here, the solution resembles the one previously described with the difference that here it is a series of small supports. With the appropriate profiling of the longitudinals, greater freedom can be achieved in the form of an aerodynamic finish, that is, the jacket of the aerodynamic finish itself is more stable with respect to the vibrations that may occur due to the swirling of the air next to the jacket itself.

Sl. 9. Shows an aerodynamic suit where the form of the extension is secured either by only one longitudinal support as in Figure 7 or with several supports as in Figure 8. only with the difference that the longitudinal pockets 27 are hermetically sealed, and the form is secured by blowing air instead of inserting sticks or some other gas under a certain pressure. The required pressure can be provided either by using the dynamic air pressure caused by the movement of the bicycle, or by blowing through the mouth or by a pump (compressoium) through the appropriate valves 28.

Sl. 10. Shows an aerodynamic suit where the shape of the extension is provided by an inflatable insert of the desired shape 29.

Sl. 11. Shows the performance of the aerodynamic suit where the support structure is supported on the driver's body (one of the solutions shown in Figures 2, 6, 7, 8 with the addition of a guide for the end of the aerodynamic suit of the stage type 30. A guide is passed through the opening at the end of the extension. The guide is by means of a support 31 fixed to the structure of the bicycle. Such a 'scenery' mechanism enables free movement forward and backward, i.e. changing the position of the driver when riding uphill. At the same time, this mechanism prevents unwanted swinging of the finish transversely to the direction of travel, which is undesirable from the point of view of driving safety and reducing aerodynamic resistance.

Sl. 12. Shows two of several possible ways of performing the primary connection, i.e. the connection of the end of the aerodynamic extension and the support structure fixed to some of the parts of the bicycle. In both cases, it is a separable bond, where the connection is achieved by a bond of form. In the first case, the connection is made through a hook 32 attached to the end of the aerodynamic suit and inserted into the cavity 33 provided for this on the support structure. By simply removing the pin, the connection is interrupted. In the second case, the connection is made via a pocket 34 at the end of the aerodynamic extension, which is pulled over the spherical extension 35 on the support structure. By removing the spherical extension from the pocket, the connection is disconnected. Of course, there are a number of possible detachable connections, such as using laces similar to those on shoes, etc.

When the aerodynamic suit is not in operation, its free end of the aerodynamic extension represents an obstacle to movement, or can even represent a danger due to possible tripping. In order to avoid this, elements of a secondary detachable connection can be added to the end of the aerodynamic extension, and on some other part of the suit (eg a button + a corresponding slot, a connection on the principle of 'buckle', etc.). Thanks to this connection, it is possible to fix the free end of the aerodynamic extension at times when the aerodynamic suit is not in operation. As part of this secondary detachable connection, the elements of the primary detachable connection can be used as shown in the picture. Namely, by inserting a wedge into the slot 36, it is possible to fix the end of the aerodynamic extension, so with the key, which is an element of the primary connection, it is also possible to create a secondary connection.

Method of application of the invention

By using the mentioned suit, the aerodynamic resistance of the driver of either the bicycle or the motorcycle is reduced, which makes it possible to improve the results in sports competitions, i.e. save fuel. At the same time, this suit enables a more comfortable ride due to reduced air swirling around the driver's body. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and changes could be made to the aerodynamic suit of the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, although it is not specifically stated in the description, it is clear to experts that this type of suit can be used equally successfully on bicycles and motorcycles.

Claims (26)

1. The aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders (1) consists of two parts, one part of which is attached to the body like all the suits known to the market, and the second part, which is an extension of the first part, indicated by the fact that said extension is made as a mantle that limits at least one volume of an elongated conical shape that gradually narrows in the direction of the air flow, forming an aerodynamic extension (2), bringing the external shape of the driver's body closer to a teardrop shape, thereby reducing the aerodynamic resistance of the driver. 2. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that accessories (29) are inserted between the rider's body and the suit, which bring the outer shape of the rider's body closer to the aerodynamic shape of minimum resistance, i.e. teardrop shape. 3. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said first part is composed of one or more parts. 4. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 1, characterized in that the said second part, i.e. the aerodynamic extension (2) is connected to the first part (1) by means of a detachable connection, e.g. a zipper. 5. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle drivers according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cavity inside the aerodynamic extension is used as a container, for example, for food and drinks (5) with the necessary openings (4) for insertion and removal. 6. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the openings (4) for inserting/extracting objects are secured against opening with a detachable connection, for example, of the 'velcro' type, a zipper or springs whose preload ensures the closure of the opening regardless of the dynamic air pressure that circulates the said suit. 7. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, characterized by the fact that at least one stabilizing surface (6) is added to the aerodynamic extension, which contribute to the stabilization of the position of the aerodynamic extension in the air stream that flows through the body the driver. 8. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, characterized by the fact that at the end of the aerodynamic extension, i.e. on some part of the support element, at least one passive/active vibration dampener (17) is added in in order to eliminate unwanted swinging of the aerodynamic finish. 9. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle drivers according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized by the fact that the outer form of the aerodynamic extension is derived from one of the technologies known in the construction of aircraft structures, such as self-supporting/ semi-supporting shell (7) or grid construction with option; or for the entire structure to be inserted under the fabric of the suit serving as a support or attached to the suit as an extension, and in that case it is in direct contact with the air that obstructs the driver's body. 10. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 9, characterized in that the self-supporting/semi-supporting shell (7) is made as a multi-layered sandwich structure with supporting layers made of light alloy, homogeneous polymer material or composite and foam, honeycomb or spongy fillings. 11. An aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 10, characterized in that the self-supporting/semi-supporting (7) shell is made as a single single-layer shell either of light alloy, homogeneous polymer material, composite or spongy material. 12. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized by the fact that the form of the aerodynamic finish is achieved by the appropriate cut of the suit and by tensioning the very end of the suit by the forces caused by the deformation of the elastic support ( 9) fixed to the body of the bicycle (10), either directly to the bicycle frame or indirectly via a part attached to the bicycle frame, such as the seat. 13. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle drivers according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized by the fact that the form of the aerodynamic finish is achieved by the appropriate cut of the suit and by tensioning the end of the finish itself by forces caused by stretching the suit's weaving itself or an elastic element (14) inserted between the end of the aerodynamic extension and the support (15) fixed to the body of the bicycle, either directly to the bicycle frame or indirectly via a part fixed to the bicycle frame, such as the seat. 14. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the elastic element (18) is connected to the end of the aerodynamic end by an additional element of significantly greater rigidity (19) and that it is located either inside the aerodynamic end itself or in the assembly multi-part mechanism that serves to tighten the continuation of the aerodynamic suit. 15. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized by the fact that the form of the aerodynamic finish is realized by the appropriate cut of the suit and by tensioning the end of the finish itself with a support (21) resting on the body of the driver himself. 16. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized by the fact that the form of the aerodynamic finish is realized by the appropriate cut of the suit and by fitting the appropriate support (22) into the mantle in the manner that its assembly causes tensile stresses in the layer of the aerodynamic suit and thus the formation of the required shape. 17. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 characterized in that the additional stiffening of the aerodynamic end is achieved by inserting at least one rib/longitudinal bar (25) of a suitable shape. 18. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, characterized in that said supports are made of two or more parts that are connected by a detachable connection with the possibility of fixing in the desired position, which enables adjustment curvature of the support itself, i.e. changing the angle between the support and its support. 19. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one sway limiter (11) of significantly greater stiffness than the elastic support itself is placed next to the elastic support. 20. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 19, characterized in that the swing limiter is designed in a way that allows changing the angle between the swing limiter itself and its support, i.e. the bicycle frame. 21. An aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 12, 13, 14 characterized in that the support fixed to the bicycle frame provides one or more additional functions such as guiding the end of the suit in the longitudinal direction, protection against splashing of particles and droplets water and impurities on the driver's back, signal light carrier. 22. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized in that the outer form of the aerodynamic extension is achieved by applying air or fluid under overpressure compared to atmospheric pressure. 23. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 22, characterized in that the aerodynamic extension includes at least one (29) or more volumes (27) that are either separate or connected and are either an integral part of the aerodynamic extension or inserted into its cavity as a separate element, and by generating overpressure, either by using the dynamic air pressure created by the movement of the bicycle/motorcycle, or by using an external air source or, in general, a high-pressure fluid, the desired form of the aerodynamic extension is achieved in full, or the stability of the aerodynamic extension is contributed to in the form of resistance to the occurrence of undesired shaking of the sheath of the bit, i.e. oscillation in the transverse direction. 24. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, characterized in that, in order to prevent swaying of the aerodynamic end in the transverse direction, at its end (30) there is an opening through which passes the guide (31) placed on a support fixed to the bicycle frame directly or indirectly, thus preventing unwanted swaying in the transverse direction with the simultaneous possibility of unhindered movement of the driver in the longitudinal direction. 25. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claim 24 characterized by the fact that the support is made of two parts connected to each other by a sliding connection, while the parts of the support are connected to the guide and the support fixed to the bicycle frame either directly or indirectly by hinged connections. 26. Aerodynamic suit for bicycle and moped/motorcycle riders according to claims 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 characterized in that the connection of the end of the aerodynamic extension and the support fixed to the bicycle structure is achieved by using an integral or by using some type of detachable connection (32 , 33, 34, 35), and if it is a detachable link on the suit itself, additional elements of a detachable link (36) are provided so that in the case when the aerodynamic suit is not in operation, the end of the aerodynamic extension can be fixed to the suit itself.