NZ625197B2 - Aerodynamic fairings for trailer - Google Patents
Aerodynamic fairings for trailer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ625197B2 NZ625197B2 NZ625197A NZ62519712A NZ625197B2 NZ 625197 B2 NZ625197 B2 NZ 625197B2 NZ 625197 A NZ625197 A NZ 625197A NZ 62519712 A NZ62519712 A NZ 62519712A NZ 625197 B2 NZ625197 B2 NZ 625197B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- trailer
- panels
- fairing
- fairings
- gap
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 12
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 9
- 235000014571 nuts Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 230000003014 reinforcing Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 description 5
- 210000001503 Joints Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- -1 rbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N AI2O3 Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 240000005781 Arachis hypogaea Species 0.000 description 1
- MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butadiene-styrene rubber Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylhydroxytoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC(C(C)(C)C)=C(O)C(C(C)(C)C)=C1 NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000008733 Citrus aurantifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000426 Microplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010627 Phaseolus vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000005158 Phaseolus vulgaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000015450 Tilia cordata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011941 Tilia x europaea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001336 alkenes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035512 clearance Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000571 coke Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000005824 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011499 joint compound Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004301 light adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004571 lime Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002905 metal composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000020232 peanut Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002910 rare earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000741 silica gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002027 silica gel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
-
- 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
- B62D35/00—Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining
- B62D35/02—Streamlining the undersurfaces
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/82—Elements for improving aerodynamics
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/88—Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses
Abstract
Disclosed is a system and method for aerodynamic fairings including a gap fairing. The gap fairing may include multiple panels. The multiple panels may interconnected utilizing connectors to form an aerodynamic shape in the form of a part-cone extending from a front portion of a trailer. The gap fairing also includes supports connected to the plurality of panels through support structure of the trailer. Another embodiment provides a pneumatic container trailer with a gap fairing. The pneumatic container trailer may include a support structure. The pneumatic container trailer may also include multiple panels interconnected to form a substantially half conical shape. ring also includes supports connected to the plurality of panels through support structure of the trailer. Another embodiment provides a pneumatic container trailer with a gap fairing. The pneumatic container trailer may include a support structure. The pneumatic container trailer may also include multiple panels interconnected to form a substantially half conical shape.
Description
PCT/U82012/066206
AERODYNAMIC FAIRINGS FOR TRAILERS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. ional Patent Application Serial No.
61/628,083, filed November 22, 2011 entitled NAMIC FAIRINGS FOR TRAILER,
the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to rs, and includes the type of trailer that is
utilized to ort particulate materials.
BACKGROUND
Many particulate materials are conveniently transported by truck, although they may also
be transported by railcar, barge or by other means. Trucks that are used to transport such
materials commonly include a tractor and an attached trailer having a tank or other ner
mounted n. Such trailers may also be loaded on rs or barges, or a ner may be
mounted directly on a railcar or barge.
Frequently, these transport containers are referred to as pneumatic containers because of
the pneumatic , involving gas or air—entrainment, by which they may be loaded and
unloaded. Particulate materials that are generally transported in pneumatic containers include
agricultural products such as grain, corn s, beans, flour, sugar, peanuts and the like, light-
weight aggregate products, and intermediate products for various industrial uses such as plastic
pellets, powders, coke, lime, silica gel, powdered acid resins, rare earth s, powdered
alumina, and so forth.
Pneumatic containers generally include one or more product compartments that are
usually cylindrical and/or spherical in shape in order to facilitate unloading by a method which
involves pressurizing the compartments. Cylindrical or spherical product compartments are also
generally easy to completely empty. For example, each product compartment may be ed
with a discharge hopper that may be generally cylindrical or conical in shape. Each discharge
hopper may have a material outlet at the bottom and a valve which controls the entry of material
into the outlet.
An unloading system may also be provided which includes a blower or other mechanism
for pressurizing air or another gas. The blower may provide the energy required for unloading the
material from the container in the form of compressed air or r gas. For e, one end
of a pressurizing gas conduit may be attached to the blower and the other end to a pressurizing
gas inlet in the container. Operation of the blower compresses air or gas to move it through the
pressurizing gas inlet into the container, thereby increasing the pressure of the air or gas above the
material in the product compartments in the container in order to assist in discharging material
through the hopper outlets. One end of a al ing conduit may also attach to the
blower and extend past and connect to each material outlet so that when the product
compartment has been pressurized, air or another gas may be directed into the material conveying
conduit to entrain al passing through each material outlet and carry it to the rge end
of the conduit. The container may be d on a frame which includes the undercarriage of a
trailer. The product compartments of the container are generally enclosed by a sheet metal sheath,
although the front of the sheath enclosure usually has a flat or nearly flat face.
[0007] It is known to streamline the undercarriage of a box—type trailer. However, the
aerodynamic characteristics of a box-type trailer are quite different from those of a pneumatic
container trailer.
WO 78272 PCT/U52012/066206
SUMMARY
One embodiment includes a system and method for aerodynamic fairings including a gap
fairing. The gap fairing may include a multiple panels. The le panels may interconnected
utilizing connectors to form an aerodynamic shape extending from a front portion of a trailer.
The gap g also includes supports connected to the plurality of panels through support
structure of the trailer.
Another embodiment provides a pneumatic container r with a gap fairing. The
pneumatic container trailer may include a support structure. The tic ner trailer may
also include multiple panels interconnected to form a substantially half conical shape. The
multiple panels are interconnected utilizing tors. The pneumatic container trailer may also
include supports connected between multiple panels through the support structure of the r.
Yet r embodiment provides a gap fairing. The gap fairing may include multiple
panels. The multiple panels are interconnected utilizing connectors to extend over a support
structure of a pneumatic container trailer. The gap fairing may also include supports connected to
the multiple panels that extend through the support structure of the trailer to secure the multiple
panels.
PCT/U82012/066206
BRIEF PTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with
reference to the attached drawing , which are incorporated by reference herein and
wherein:
[0012] is a side view of a tractor and a pneumatic trailer in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
is a schematic, pictorial representation of a tic container trailer with a gap
fairing and an undercarriage fairing installed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, side view of a gap g mounted on a pneumatic ner r
1 O in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, top View of components of the gap fairing in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, top view of the gap fairing in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
[0017] is a schematic, front view of the gap g in ance with an illustrative
ment;
is a schematic, side view of the gap fairing in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
is a schematic, rear View of the gap fairing in accordance with an illustrative
2 O embodiment;
is a schematic, pictorial representation of a pneumatic container trailer with an
undercarriage fairing installed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, frontal pictorial representation of a pneumatic container trailer
with an undercarriage fairing installed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0022] is a schematic, ial representau'on of an undercarriage fairing in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, pictorial representation of an inside View of supports of an
undercarriage g in accordance with illustrative embodiment;
is a tic, pictorial representation of an inside View of supports of an
undercarriage fairing in accordance with illustrative embodiment;
[0025] is a schematic, top view of components of the arriage fairing in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, side view of the undercarriage g in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
is a schematic, front view of the undercarriage fairing in accordance with an
1 O illustrative embodiment; and
is a schematic, bottom View of the undercarriage Faring in accordance with an
illustrative ment; and
is a schematic, pictorial representation of another gap fairing in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE GS
The illustrative ments e a system, method, fairings, and components for
improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a pneumatic container trailer, and thereby reducing
dragging and improving the fuel efficiency of the trailer. Field testing shows that the described
embodiments may result in fuel economy improvements as much as seven tenths of a mile per
gallon. Other advantages and features of the illustrative embodiments are apparent from an
examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.
The illustrative embodiments provide a first and second fairing (“fairings” or “pair of
fairings”) for improving the aerodynamic teristics of trailers, such as a pneumatic container
trailer. A gap g is provided for the front end of the pneumatic container trailer and an
undercarriage fairing is provided for the wheel assembly. The gap fairing may be utilized to
improve the aerodynamics of wind striking and being diverted around the front portion of the
pneumafic container trailer. The undercarriage g may be placed proximate the wheel
assembly with components on both sides of the pneumatic container r (just in front of the
rear wheels) thereby reducing the drag of the wheel assembly and other portions of the pneumatic
container trailer.
The fairings may be positioned, adjusted, and customized to fit rs of ent types
(e.g. Super Jet dry bulk and Super Jet rs) and produced by different manufacturers (e.g. Heil,
J&L Trailers, etc.). For example, during installation the fairings may be bent, trimmed, cut,
adjusted, or otherwise modified to fit the selected trailer. A person installing the rs may need
to accommodate gauges, hoses, storage components, hoppers, sion, or different frame
sizes.
The gap fairings and the undercarriage fairings may be configured to be shipped in flat
packages to reduce the shipping price and cost. For example, the fairings may be shipped as kits
that may be installed on new or existing trailers to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency for the
vehicle (e.g. semi—truck, truck, etc.) pulling the trailer. For example, the components of the
fairings may be shipped on a 4 x 8 foot pallet reducing shipping prices. The gs may be
shipped as modular kits including plastic panels, metal connectors, connection components (cg.
bolts, washers, nuts, fasteners, etc), and support components (e.g. U-channels, metal brackets,
flexible rods, etc).
In one embodiment, the components of the fairings may be bolted together and attached
or clamped to existing trailer components. The bolts and other fasteners (e.g. carriage bolt, jam
2012/066206
nut fasteners, etc.) may nfigured to specific thicknesses to secure the components of the
fairings without inhibiting the thermal expansion of the c components. The fairings may be
installed by one or more individuals utilizing hand tools. In one embodiment, the fairings may be
fabricated, shipped, and installed in kits that reduce the number of holes or modifications that are
required to the trailer itself.
The gs may also be easily removed for trailer maintenance or repairs. In one
embodiment, the components of the fairings may include rigid high-density plastic and aluminum
to provide strength while keeping weight low. The fairings are configured to resist road salts and
corrosion, do not fade or discolor, and are easily d with typical r wash agents. The fuel
savings implemented by installing the fairings generate a significant return on investment with
typical payback being realized in less than one year. The size and shape of the fairings may vary
between different trailer types and manufacturers. For example, the panel sizes and tors
may vary to accommodate the different frame, beam, and rail sizes and configurations, trailer
components, and so forth.
[0036] In one embodiment, the panels may have different cut-outs or knock~out based on the
make, model, operator, and configuration of the trailer. The fairings may have a surface (cg. low
affinity for material adherence) that ts materials, such as mud, salt, or dust from adhering
to the different components. The fairings may be sold and shipped er or separately based
on the needs of the dual operator. Although the fairings are described as having multiple
panels (i.e. front and rear panels for both a left side of the trailer and a right side of the trailer) for
an lation kit. In one embodiment, the fairings may include only a left side and right side
panel that may be attached or connected to form the gap fairing or the undercarriage fairing.
The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “the” and similar terms in the context of describing the
invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated
herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprisin ”, “havin ”, “including” and
ining” are to be construed as open~ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited
to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “substantially”, “generally” and other words of degree
are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible ion from the characteristic so
modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic of the
invention is not ed to limit such characteristic to the absolute value which the term
modifies, but rather to e an approximation of the value of such physical or functional
characteristic.
PCT/U82012/066206
The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as” and “preferably”)
herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiments
thereof, and not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification
should be construed as indicating any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless
explicitly so stated. The different embodiments, features, and description for the fairings may be
utilized in any number of combinations and are not limited to a particular embodiment.
Several terms are specifically defined herein. These terms are to be given their broadest
le construction consistent with such definitions, as follows:
The term “particulate material” refers to granular, fluent or comminuted material that is
capable of being orted through a t by an entraining gas. The terms “front”,
“forward” and r terms refer to the end of a trailer, or a component or portion of a trailer,
which is nearest the tractor when the trailer is in use on a highway. The terms , “rearward”
and similar terms refers to the end of a r, or a component or portion of a trailer, which is
farthest away from the tractor when .the trailer is in use on a highway. The illustrative
embodiments may be applied to trailers, vehicles, trains, or other moving apparatuses.
is a side View of a tractor 12 and a pneumau'c container trailer 10 in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment. Figure 1 illustrates a pneumatic container trailer 10 which is
ed to tractor 12. The tractor 12 ents any number of rucks, tractors, cars, trains
or other vehicles that may pull the pneumatic container r 10. The pneumatic container trailer
10 includes tic ner 14 including four product compartments that are enclosed by an
exterior sheath. The pneumatic container trailer 10 is representative of any number of containers
as utilized in numerous applications or as are described and shown herein. The pneumatic
container 14 has a front end 16 and a rear end 18, and is mounted on frame 20 which includes
front frame portion 22 and undercarriage wheel ly 23.
[0042] is a schematic, pictorial entation of a pneumatic container trailer 200 with a
gap fairing 202 and an undercarriage g 900 ly the “fairings 201”) installed in accordance
with and illustrative embodiment. Each of the fairings 201 may be utilized to reduce drag of the
pneumatic container trailer 200 between 3-5%‘ As a result, the fairings 201 provide an improved
fuel economy to the vehicle pulling the pneumafic container trailer 200.
[0043] The fairings 201 e a system and method of equipping the pneumatic container
trailer 100 with fairings 201 that produce the benefits of fairings utilized on traditional box or
rectangular shaped trailers. In one embodiment, the components that make up the fairings 201
are manufactured and shipped as flat or substantially flat components to significantly reduce the
domestic or worldwide shipping costs.
The fairings 201 may be bent, cut, trimmed, modified, or otherwise positioned to fit any
number of different trailer types that e, but are not limited to, pneumatic or liquid container
trailers. For e, ns of the fairings 201 may be cut to slip over hoses, tubes, ,
ions or so forth. The cut portions may then be connected back together utilizing metal
connectors, brackets, or so forth on one or more internal and external sides of the fairings. As a
result, the fairings 201 are extremely adaptable while still providing enhanced fuel economy. The
slope of the gap fairing 202 may also vary based on the height of the pneumatic container trailer
200 components (eg. storage ner) and the length of the front end of the pneumau'c
container trailer 200. The gap fairing 202 (and corresponding angle) may be positioned between a
top of a front head of the front end 206 and bottom end. The gap g may be adapted to fit
any strut frame trailer design.
In one embodiment, the gap fairing 202 is adapted to be attached to a front end 206 of
the pneumatic container trailer 200. The gap fairing 202 may have a substan‘n'ally half conical
shape (e.g. right circular cone or an oblique cirwlar cone. For example, the gap g 202 may
have a l conical shape (e.g. envision a cone d in half vertically from the vertex in a
straight line or at various angles to odate the trailer shape). For example, a bottom
portion of the circle of the cone may have extensions that extend laterally to wrap further around
the front portion of the pneumatic container trailer 200. The bottom edge of the gap fairing 202
may be positioned against the pneumadc container trailer 200. For e, the bottom edge of
the gap g 202 (i.e. front or edges that wrap around) may be secured to front or side gussets,
braces, beams, frame, or other support structure of the pneumatic container trailer 200. The
t structure of the pneumatic container trailer 200 includes the frame, beams, and other
structural components of the tic container trailer 200. The internal structure of the gap
fairing 202 may keep the panels and other portions of the gap fairing 202 in tension to maintain
the desired positioning and .
Turning now to FIGS. 3—8 illustrating a gap fairing 202 in accordance with an illustran've
embodiment. The gap fairing 202 may be shipped alone or with the described undercarriage
fairing as a kit based on the needs of a user and specifications of a trailer. In one embodiment,
the gap fairing 202 may be made up of panels 208, 210, 212, and 214 (jointly the “panels 215”),
such as four flexible plastic parts, and connectors 216—226 (jointly the “connectors 227”), such as
ten or more metal connectors (including L—shaped brackets, U—channels, and flat panels).
PCT/U82012/066206
The panels 215 may also be referred to as cowls because of their respective positions and
. The panels 208 and 210 may also referred to as front panels and the panels 212 and 214
may be referred to as rear panels based on their relative positioning (this applies to the other
ments as well). In another embodiment, the panels 208 and 212 may represent a single
panel and panels 210 and 214 may represent a single panel.
In one ment, the panels 215 are connected er in a substantially half cone or
hemiconical shape. As a result, the gap fairing 202 has a half—conical shape that decreases drag on
the other components of the pneumatic container trailer 200. The panels 215 may be bent
around or against the support structure (e.g. hose holder, front frame, front head, container,
, etc.) of the pneumatic container trailer 200 to provide a custom fit.
In one embodiment, the panels 208 and 212 may be approximately 80” long and
approximately 48” wide. The panels 210 and 214 may be imately 42” wide and 23.25”
wide. The panels described herein may be formed of ThermoPlasn'c Olefin (TPO), Acrylontrile
Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic, flexible polyurethane, thermo—plastic, rbonate,
polypropylene, rigid r alloys, nylon alloys, fiberglass, reinforced polyester, aluminum alloy,
or other r types of plastic, metal, or ites that are strong and lightweight.
The components of the gap fairing are more efficiently shipped and positioned if they are
shipped flat and then subsequently bent into position during installation. In one embodiment, the
panels 215 may be .2” thick. The connectors described herein may be formed aluminum, steel,
polymers, or a metal composite and may be approximately .125” thick. However, the ess of
the different components may vary based on application between approximately 1/8”-l/4” or
larger in some circumstances (e.g. increased winds or object strikes are expected).
The components of the gap fairing 202 may be produced or manufactured with holes 220
for bolts, washer, and nuts to attach the various components to each other or to a front frame
portion of a pneumatic container trailer 200. For example, a bottom n of the panels 215
adjacent the frame of the pneumatic container trailer may be attached in the front and/or sides of
the frame. For e, matching holes may be drilled or pre—drilled through the frame, beams,
or support structure to secure the panels 215 in place utilizing bolts and aluminum fastener plates
on one or more sides of the panels 215.
[0052] In one embodiment, the panels 215 may be connected utilizing shoulder bolts. The
shoulder bolts may have a shaft with a thickness greater than a threaded portion where a nut is
screwed on. The shoulder bolts may be utilized to ensure that the panels 215 are not overly
WO 78272 PCT/U52012/066206
tightened onto the frame of the pneumatic container trailer 200 resuln'ng in potential failure of the
panels 215 or other connectors, such as ic sheets. The shoulder bolts or other similar
fasteners may provide a loose yet secure connection. In one ment, the holes 220 may be
slotted to accommodate the thermal expansion of the panels 215. In one embodiment, panels
208 and 212 may be joined together in the front or exterior surface by connector 218 and in the
rear or against the interior surface by the connector 216.
In one embodiment, the connected panels 208 and 212 are connected to gussets of the
pneumatic container trailer 200 utilizing any number of bolts. The panels 208 and 212 may
include an angled bracket (not shown) for connecting the panels 208 and 212 to the gussets
utilizing bolts.
The panels 210 and 214 are attached to the panels 208 and 212, respectively. In one
embodiment, each of the panels 208— 214 are interconnected utilizing connectors 228 and 230,
represented as metal strips. In other embodiments, the panels 208—214 may be connected utilizing
rivets, plasn'c welding, industrial adhesives, or so forth.
[0055] The internal ure of the gap fairing 202 may include one or more horizontal or
diagonal ts. The supports make extend through the struts and other structural components
of the pneuma’dc container trailer 200 to stabilize and secure the panels 215 to form the gap
fairing 202. In one embodiment, the back side of the gap fairing 202 is ted to a reinforcing
box 228. The reinforcing box 228 may be formed utilizing connectors 220 and 222, shown as
metal strips, and tors 224 and 226, shown as metal angles. The reinforcing box 228 may
be attached to panels 210 and 214 and/or h or to a front frame portion of the pneumatic
container trailer 200. The reinforcing box 228 or ated components provide a tension
bearing support to support the panels 215 that are bent into shape. In another ment, the
reinforcing box 228 is replaced may cables, rods, or other tensioned connectors that extend
n the panels 215 to maintain the desired shape and cohesion of the gap fairing in the event
of unforeseen stances, such as a wreck, bad weather, strikes, or so forth.
The gap fairing 202 may be connected to the front frame portion utilizing connectors 232
and 234 and any number of other similar connectors. The gap fairing 202 may be further
stabilized utilizing diagonal supports, such as brackets, connecting rods, or other components.
The gap fairing 202 including the panels 215 may be secured by the al supports including
the reinforcing box 228 through the struts, beams and other components that make up the
pneumatic container trailer 200 itself.
In one embodiment, the gap g 202 may only weight 66 pounds, but may improve
fuel economy by as much as four tenths of a mile per gallon. The gap fairing 202 may be
oned at the front of the pneumatic container trailer 200 against, over, adjacent, or extending
from the structural components of the front of the pneumatic container trailer 200, such as a hose
holder mast (“flag pole” front frame, and front head.
Turning now to FIGS. 9—17, illustrating an undercarriage fairing 900 in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. As previously described, the components of the undercarriage fairing
900 may be d as a kit to be assembled. The undercarriage fairing 900 may include at least
panels 902, 904, 906, and 908, front connector 910, front bridge 912, connectors 914, connectors
915, and joints 916. The components of the undercarriage fairing 900 may be pre—drilled or
provided with holes for bolting the components to each other and to the undercarriage of the
frame of the trailer. When the components are assembled, the undercarriage fairing 900 forms a
bell-like shape (see FIGS. 11 and 17) that increases the aerodynamics of the trailer by reducing
drag on the undercarriage, frame, rear wheel assembly, and other portions of the trailer.
[0059] In one embodiment, the panels 902 and 904 may be approximately 81” long and
imately 19” high at a front end 917 and widened to approximately 28” high at a rear end
919. The panels 902 and 904 may include one or more cut—outs including cut—out 903. In one
embodiment, the panels 902 and 904 may narrow or taper from the rear end 919 to the front end
917 to accommodate components, such as a rge pipe of a pneumatic ner trailer. In
other embodiments, the panels 902 and 904 may have a uniform width.
The cut—out 903 may be configured to accommodate the frame 926 of the trailer. For
example, the cut—outs 903 may fit t one or more beams of the frame 926. The panels 902
and 904 may also have a cut—out corner near the front end 917 configured to fit over or against
the rge pipe. The panels 902-908 may have any number of cut—outs, knock outs, or holes
providing access to different trailer components or allowing trailer components to extend through
the undercarriage fairing 900. In one embodiment, approximately 6«10” of nce is left
between the bottom of panels 902—908 and the roadway. However, the clearance may vary based
on the driving environment associated with the trailer.
In one embodiment, the panels 906 and 908 are positioned at the sides/edges of the trailer
just in front of the rear wheels and rear wheel assembly. For example, the plane of the panels 906
and 908 may be inwardly angled toward the center of the trailer. The panels 902 and 904 come
together from the rear end 919 underneath the middle of the r to be connected in a front end
2012/066206
917. As a , the undercarriage fairing 900 may form a wedge, V, or bell shape for g
through the air to reduce the air drag (see and 17). In another embodiment, the panels
902 and 906 may represent a single panel and panels 904 and 908 may represent a single panel.
Panels 902 and 904 may be attached or joined together at the front end 917 of the
undercarriage fairing 900 by the front connector 910 (shown as a V—shaped bracket) and the front
bridge 912. For example, the front connector 910 may be connected to an exterior surface 918 of
the undercarriage fairing 900 and the front bridge 912 may be connected to an or surface 920
of the undercarriage fairing 900.
In one embodiment, the front bridge 912 may be ted to the panels 902 and 904
utilizing any number of bolts, washers, and nuts. The front bridge 912 may be wider than the
front connector 910 to provide additional stability where connected to the panels 902 and 904.
As shown in the front bridge 912 may extend above a top edge 923 of the undercarriage
fairing 900. In one embodiment, the front bridge 912 may be connected directly to the
undercarriage or frame of the trailer. In another embodiment, the front bridge 912 may connect
to a U—channel that is also attached to the frame 926 as is subsequently described (e.g. U-channels
922 and 924 connected n ts of the frame).
The front connector 910 may be a metal angled piece with an angle configured to bring
the panels 902 and 904 er. The front connector 910 es holes that align with holes of
the panels 902 and 904 for bolting the components together. In one embodiment, the front
bridge 912 is a connector with two side flanges for securing to the panels 902 and 904 and a
vertically extending portion for connecting to the frame 926 (e.g. cross beam, support structure)
or a U-shaped channel that is clamped horizontally to the frame (as is subsequently described).
The front bridge 912 may be connected to the undercarriage of the frame of the trailer, such as
the frame rails, a hopper lip, or so forth. For example, the front bridge 912 may extend above a
top edge of the panels 902 and 904 to connect to the frame 926. The panels 906 and 908 are each
connected to one of the panels 902 and 904. For example, the panels 906 and 908 may be directly
connected to the interior surface 920 of the panels 902 and 904 utilizing carriage bolts.
In one embodiment, the weight of the rear portion 919 of the panels may be supported by
nels 922 and 924 that are connected to the frame of the trailer. The joints 916 may be
connected to or between the channels 922 and 924 and to the panels 902 and 904. The joints 916
may be shipped pre—bent or may be bent or formed when received to fit the trailer. For example,
the joints 916 may be bent to form a lip 913 that is then connected to the panels 902 and 904.
The U—channels 922 and 924 may be clamped to a frame 926 of the trailer (see ) to
securely affix and hold the U-channels 922 and 924 and the undercarriage fairing 900. For
example, clamping ts 928 and 930 may be attached to the frame 926 (shown as a beam).
The clamping brackets 928 and 930 may be connected utilizing carriage bolts and nuts, screws, or
other attachment components or mechanisms known in the art. In one embodiment, the
clamping brackets 928 and 930 may be loosely fitted against the nels 922 and 924 while
assembling the undercarriage fairing 900 to allow for a custom fit of the frame 926 of the r.
In one embodiment, the panels 902 and 904 may be further supported by ting rods
932 and 934. For example, the connecting rods 932 may be connected to brackets 934 that are
secured to the panels 902 and 904 at one end and to the U—channels 922 and 924 at a second end.
In one embodiment, the connecting rods 932 may be pivotally connected at a first end to a
bottom portion at or near the edge of the panels 902 and 904 and at a second end to the U—
channel 922 and 924.
As a result, the panels 902 and 904 and connecting rods 932 may bend slightly, move, or
reposition in response to striking objects, such as tires, rocks, or other roadway hazards. The
connecting rods 932 provide diagonal supports that t the panels 902 and 904. The ability
to flex or move slightly may prevent the undercarriage fairing 900 from breaking in response to
heavy winds, striking s, or other unforeseen stances. In one embodiment, the
connecting rods 932 are fiberglass rods that are configured to receive substantial strikes or
impacts t the panels 902—908 without breaking. As a result, the panels 902-908 may flex in
response to a strike before returning to the default installed position.
In one embodiment, the rear portion 919 of the panels 902 and 904 may be positioned
directly in front of the wheel assembly to reduce drag on the wheels, undercarriage and so forth.
In one embodiment, the undercarriage fairing 900 adds only about 63 pounds to the weight of the
trailer while increasing the fuel economy by as much as three tenths of a mile per gallon.
is a schematic, pictorial representation of r gap fairing 1800 installed on a
trailer 1801 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The gap fairing 1800 illustrates panels
1802, 1804, 1806, and 1808 (not visible) of different sizes and configurations. In one
embodiment, the panels 1802 and 1804 may extend to be flush with the support structure (see
. The gap fairing 1800 may not extend all the way. In another embodiment, the gap
fairing 1800 es another panel (not shown) to r extend the length of the front fairing
main section created by the panels 1802 and 1804. In yet r embodiment, an additional
upper panel or side panels (not shown) may be connected to further reduce drag.
The gap fairing 1800 may include a cut-out 1810 for the hose holder 1812. In one
embodiment, the cutout 1810 may be ted or fabricated during the manufacturing process.
In another embodiment, the cut—out 1810 may be created by a person installing the gap fairing
1800.
The panels 1802 and 1804 when connected by at least connector 1814 provide a
substantially rectangular shape with a rounded top portion 1818. In one embodiment, a top
portion of the panels 1802 and 1804 may nearly reach a top n 1816 of the trailer 1801 to
provide effective drag reduction.
The panels 1806 and 1808 are substantially ular shaped and increased in size over
other ments. In one ment, the panels 1806 and 1808 may be connected to side
gussets (not shown) that are part of the t structure of the trailer 1801. The panels 1802-
1808 may be configured to be connected utilizing the connectors as are herein described with or
t overlapping ns of the panels 1802-1808.
The fairings may be installed by positioning the panels, bending the panels into shape
around the support structure of the trailer, onnecting the panels to one another, and
connecting the panels to the support structure of the trailer, and further securing the panels
utilizing one or more connectors. The support structure of the trailer may be modified, drilled, or
otherwise adapted to receive the fairings. The aerodynamic configuration of the fairings may take
any number of shapes that are customized for the particular trailer.
In one embodiment, the plastic panels (including holes, slots, and cut-outs), connectors,
brackets, or support components of the described embodiments may be automatically cut and
drilled using an tic cutting program and tool. The panels are fabricated, cut, and shipped
flat for ease of manufacturing and shipping. The panels are then bent into position to create an
aerodynamic shape for the respective gap fairings and undercarriage fairings.
In one embodiment, the fairings may be installed without cutting or ng holes in the
trailer or ated frame. In another embodiment, the fairings may be installed with minimal
holes or structural modifications to the trailer. For example, the fairings may clamp onto existing
beams, brackets, or structures of the trailer. In one embodiment, the fairings may have a floating
attachment for all or a portion of the components of the fairings such that the attachment points
2012/066206
of the fairings may float slightly in response to l ion, wind, object strikes, or so forth
to prevent undue damage.
The drag coefficient of the trailer may be reduced by installing the fairings because of the
smooth surfaces provided by the plastic panels as well as the aerodynamic shapes of the gap
fairing and the undercarriage fairing as are herein described and shown. The gs substantially
improve the aerodynamic properties of the trailers resulting in significant improvements in fuel
economy.
Although this descrip’don contains many specifics, these should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invenn'on but as merely providing illustrations of the presently preferred
embodiment thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the
invention. The invention, as described , is tible to various modifications and
adaptations, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
invention relates. The previous detailed descripn'on is of a small number of ments for
implemenn'ng the invention and is not intended to be limin'ng in scope. The following claims set
forth a number of the embodiments of the invention disclosed with greater particularity.
Claims (1)
- WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161628083P | 2011-11-22 | 2011-11-22 | |
US61/628,083 | 2011-11-22 | ||
PCT/US2012/066206 WO2013078272A1 (en) | 2011-11-22 | 2012-11-21 | Aerodynamic fairings for trailer |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ625197A NZ625197A (en) | 2016-06-24 |
NZ625197B2 true NZ625197B2 (en) | 2016-09-27 |
Family
ID=
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9090294B2 (en) | Aerodynamic fairings for trailers | |
US8408570B2 (en) | Vehicle side fairing system | |
US8186745B2 (en) | Device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance | |
US7658412B2 (en) | Frame for heavy-duty vehicles | |
US7789411B2 (en) | Extended forward tow saddlemount—single rail | |
WO2009105623A1 (en) | Vehicle side fairing system | |
CA3004069C (en) | Front tow extended saddle | |
US10940817B2 (en) | Side underride guard | |
US20130313856A1 (en) | Intermodal chassis side fairing system | |
US7637524B2 (en) | Method for securing saddlemount to vehicle | |
US10882572B2 (en) | Trailer underbody fairing system | |
NZ625197B2 (en) | Aerodynamic fairings for trailer | |
NZ625198B2 (en) | Undercarriage fairings for trailers | |
US7261353B2 (en) | Dividers for reduction of aerodynamic drag of vehicles with open cavities | |
US20080157506A1 (en) | Method For Securing Saddlemount To Vehicle |