Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
AERODYNAMIC TRUCKING SYSTEMS
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0001] This technology relates to aerodynamic trucking systems. More
particularly, this technology relates to providing a system of aerodynamic
apparatus configured to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air
flow over highway-operated vehicles, particularly long-haul tractor-trailer
vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Most large long-haul cargo trailers exhibit less than optimal
aerodynamic
performance during highway operation. At highway speeds, conventional trailers
develop a substantial amount of turbulent airflow in the region between the
axles
below the trailer box. This turbulence results in significant aerodynamic
drag,
increasing both fuel consumption and Nitrogen Oxide (N0x) emissions at the
motorized towing vehicle. Additionally, temporarily sustained vibration of
external vehicle surfaces due to transient wind-force loading is often
associated
with premature wear, noise, and early failures within such aerodynamic vehicle
structures. A system and method to improve the aerodynamic performance of
long-haul transport vehicles in the above-noted areas is described below.
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SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0003] An aerodynamic faring assembly for attachment to a trailer of
a tractor-
trailer may comprise a side skirt fairing, a transition, and a vented skirt
fairing.
The transition may be located aft of the side skirt fairing and forward of the
vented
skirt fairing. The vented skirt fairing may be located aft of the transition.
The
vented skirt fairing may comprise at least one longitudinal vent configured to
allow air to flow therethrough. The vented skirt fairing may extend outwardly
of
the side of the trailer frame to accommodate the wheels. One or more mounting
brackets may be used to couple the elongated skirt panel, the transition, and
the
vented skirt fairing to one or more of the transverse structural support
members. A
rear exhaust fairing may be located aft of the vented skirt fairing and
coupled to
one or more or of the transverse structural support members.
[0004] In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment, there
is provided
an aerodynamic fairing assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-
trailer
comprising a top, bottom, front, rear, a pair of sides, wheels having tires
and
brakes, and a trailer frame comprising transverse structural support members
extending between sides of the trailer, and having at least one rear wheel
assembly
situated below the trailer frame, the aerodynamic fairing assembly comprising:
a
side skirt fairing comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; a
transition
located aft of the side skirt fairing; a vented skirt fairing located aft of
the
transition comprising at least one longitudinal vent configured to allow air
to flow
therethrough, wherein the vented skirt fairing extends outwardly of the side
of the
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trailer frame to accommodate the wheels; and one or more mounting brackets
configured to couple the side skirt fairing, the transition, and the vented
skirt
fairing to one or more of the transverse structural support members.
[0005] In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment, there
is provided
an aerodynamic fairing assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-
trailer
comprising a top, bottom, front, rear, a pair of sides, wheels having tires
and
brakes, and a trailer frame comprising transverse structural support members
extending between sides of the trailer, the aerodynamic fairing assembly
comprising: a side skirt fairing comprising an inner surface and an outer
surface; a
transition located aft of the side skirt fairing, wherein the transition is
canted
outwardly at an angle less than 12 degrees; a vented skirt fairing located aft
of the
transition comprising at least one longitudinal vent configured to allow air
to flow
therethrough, wherein the vented skirt fairing extends outwardly of the side
of the
trailer frame to accommodate the wheels; a rear exhaust fairing located aft of
the
vented skirt fairing proximate the rear of the trailer and coupled to one or
more or
of the transverse structural support members; and one or more mounting
brackets
configured to couple the side skirt fairing, the transition, the vented skirt
fairing,
and the rear exhaust fairing to the one or more of the transverse structural
support
members.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment, there
is provided
an aerodynamic assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer
comprising
a top, bottom, front, rear, a pair of sides, wheels having tires and brakes,
and a
trailer frame comprising transverse structural support members extending
between
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sides of the trailer, the aerodynamic fairing assembly comprising: a side
skirt
fairing comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; a transition located
aft of
the side skirt fairing, wherein the transition is canted outwardly at an angle
less
than 12 degrees; a vented skirt fairing located aft of the transition
comprising at
least one longitudinal vent configured to allow air to flow therethrough,
wherein
the vented skirt fairing extends outwardly of the side of the trailer frame to
accommodate the wheels; a rear exhaust fairing located aft of the vented skirt
fairing and coupled to the one or more of the transverse structural support
members; an exit fairing system comprising: a pair of side fairing coupled to
the
rear sides of the trailer and extending from the top of the trailer to the
bottom of
the trailer; and a top fairing coupled to the top rear of the trailer and
extending
between the pair of side fairings; and one or more mounting brackets
configured to
couple the side skirt fairing, the transition, the vented skirt fairing, and
the rear
exhaust fairing to the one or more of the transverse structural support
members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of the present technology may be
derived
by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with
the
following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference
numbers
refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.
[0008] Figure 1 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a
truck and a
trailer with an aerodynamic tracking system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present technology;
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[0009] Figure 2 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a
trailer with an
aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present technology;
[0010] Figure 3 representatively illustrates a partial perspective
view of a trailer
with an aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present technology;
[0011] Figure 4 representatively illustrates a partial perspective
view of a vented
side skirt and a rear exhaust fairing of the aerodynamic trucking system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0012] Figure 5 representatively illustrates a partial, rear,
perspective view of a
truck and a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0013] Figure 6 representatively illustrates a partial rear view of a
rear exhaust
fairing of the aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present technology;
[0014] Figure 7 representatively illustrates a partial, rear,
perspective view of a
truck and a trailer with a vented side skirt in an open position in accordance
with
an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0015] Figure 8 representatively illustrates a partial, rear,
perspective view of a
truck and a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system showing a vented side
skirt in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present technology;
Date recue/Date received 2023-05-03
[0016] Figure 9 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a
truck and a
trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system showing an alternative embodiment
of
the exit fairing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present technology;
[0017] Figure 10 representatively illustrates a partial perspective
view of a vented
side skirt and a rear exhaust fairing of the aerodynamic trucking system
showing
an alternative embodiment of the exit fairing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0018] Figure 11 representatively illustrates a partial, rear,
perspective view of a
truck and a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system showing an alternative
embodiment of the exit fairing system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present technology;
[0019] Figure 12 representatively illustrates a partial rear view of
a rear exhaust
fairing of the aerodynamic trucking system showing an alternative embodiment
of
the exit fairing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present technology;
[0020] Figure 13 representatively illustrates a partial, rear,
perspective view of a
truck and a trailer with an aerodynamic trucking system with a vented side
skirt in
an open position showing an alternative embodiment of the exit fairing system
in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0021] Figure 14 representatively illustrates a rear view of a
mounting system for
the various skirt fairings in an open and closed position in accordance with
an
exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
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[0022] Figure 15 representatively illustrates a partial, exploded,
rear, perspective
view of a mounting system for the various skirt fairings in a closed position
in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0023] Figure 16 representatively illustrates a partial, exploded,
rear, perspective
view of a mounting system for the various skirt fairings in a closed position
in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;
[0024] Figure 17 representatively illustrates a side view of a pair
of assembled
side skirt fairings in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
technology;
[0025] Figure 18 representatively illustrates a side view of a pair
of disassembled
side skirt fairings in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
technology;
[0026] Figure 19 representatively illustrates a partial perspective
view of a first
end of a side skirt fairing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present technology;
[0027] Figure 20 representatively illustrates an underside of a
partial perspective
view of a second end of the side skirt fairing in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present technology;
[0028] Figure 21 representatively illustrates a partial perspective
view of the
second end of the side skirt fairing of Figure 20; and
[0029] Figure 22 representatively illustrates a rear, exploded view
of the
aerodynamic trucking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present technology.
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[0030] Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and clarity
and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence.
For
example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in a different order are
illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the
present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present technology may be described in terms of functional
block
components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be
realized
by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and
achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ
various types of materials, connectors, panel, mounts, and the like for
aerodynamic
trucking systems, and the system described is merely one exemplary application
for the technology.
[0032] Methods and apparatus for providing an aerodynamic trucking
system
designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over
highway-operated vehicles, particularly long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.
Various
representative implementations of the present technology may be applied to any
system for reducing aerodynamic drag and maintaining smoother air flow over
highway-operated vehicles, particularly long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.
[0033] Generally, an undercarriage of a conventional cargo trailer is
comprised of
groupings of various drag-producing components, which generally reside below a
cargo-supporting floor deck, customarily having a rectangular shape. The drag-
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producing components of a semi-type cargo trailer undercarriage customarily
include longitudinal and transverse structural support members, rear axles,
brake
components, mud flaps, wheels, tires, etc. An aerodynamic skirt fairing
functions
to direct air away from the central regions of the trailer undercarriage,
which
contain the majority of such drag-producing components. Such directional
control
of airflow during transport operations reduces the parasitic drag-producing
interactions between the air and the above-noted structures. More
specifically,
aerodynamic skirt fairings of aerodynamic trucking system are preferably
designed
to reduce aerodynamic drag by promoting a more continuous laminar air flow
along the sides of the cargo trailer. The aerodynamic skirt fairings further
reduce
turbulence along the sides of the cargo trailer to promote a greater region of
more
laminar air flow along the sides of the cargo trailer.
[0034] Despite a general conformity of van-type trailer designs within
the trailer
industry, variations exist between the offerings of the various trailer and
component manufacturers. Aerodynamic trucking systems are typically designed
to be universally adaptable to most conventional semi-type cargo trailers. To
accommodate specific aerodynamic variations within the various trailer
configurations, the aerodynamic skirt fairing system may be designed to be
adjustably mountable to the undercarriage of the cargo trailer. The adjustment
feature within the system allows an installer to optimize the aerodynamic
performance of an installed aerodynamic skirt fairing system based on the
unique
aerodynamic requirements of a specific vehicle platform.
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[0035] Referring to Figures 1-2 an aerodynamic trucking system 100 is
shown
corn-rising an aerodynamic skirt faring system 102 mounted to an undercarriage
of
a cargo trailer 104. The aerodynamic trucking system 100 extends substantially
around the perimeter of the cargo trailer 104 to reduce a relatively lower air
pressure under, behind, and around the cargo trailer 104 as compared ambient
conditions or areas of relatively higher pressure surrounding the cargo
trailer 104.
[0036] The aerodynamic trucking system 100 may be constructed of any
suitable
material. Each of the components may be constructed from industry-standard
materials selected to comprise a structural rigidity sufficient to support the
required air deflection function, while offering a level of mechanical
flexibility
sufficient to deflect resiliently under small to moderate impact loads,
thereby
reducing the need for frequent panel repair or replacement due to permanent
impact damage. Materials suitable for use in the aerodynamic skirt faring
system
102 may comprise, such as, for example, aluminum, molded polymer panels,
polymer-based composite panels, fiber- reinforced polymer panels, and
injection
molded polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS") plastic,
polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") or
any
suitable combination or mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the material for
the
aerodynamic skirt faring system 102 may comprise an injection molded mixture
of
polycarbonate and ABS plastic. One of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate
that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, user
preference, etc., other material selections for the aerodynamic skirt faring
system
102 may be used. It should be understood to be highly beneficial for the
Date recue/Date received 2023-05-03
aerodynamic skirt faring system 102 to comprise light and more flexible
materials,
without exhibiting unstable behavior.
[0037] The aerodynamic skirt faring system 102 may comprise various
combinations of at least one of a front skirt fairing 106, a pair of side
skirt fairings
108, a pair of vented skirt fairings 110, and a pair of rear exhaust fairings
112. The
front skirt fairing 106, side skirt fairings 108, and vented skirt fairings
110 can be
sized appropriately and made of one or more than one components and
constructed
depending on any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the front skirt
fairing 106 may be removed. A pair of transitions 114 connects the side skirt
fairings 108 and the vented skirt fairings 110.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows left-side perspective view, illustrating left-
side components
of an aerodynamic skirt fairing system 102, mounted in an operable position
adjacent an underside of the cargo trailer 104, according to an embodiment of
the
present technology. It should be noted that the structures and arrangements of
the
depicted left-side components are a mirror of the right-side components. As
shown in Figure 22, the right-side and the left-side components are equally
applicable to the mountable embodiments at both sides of the cargo trailer
104.
The front skirt fairing 106, a pair of side skirt fairings 108, a pair of
vented skirt
fairings 110, and a pair of rear exhaust fairings 112 of aerodynamic skirt
fairing
system 102 may be coupled to the underside structures of the cargo trailer
104.
[0039] In general, the placement of the aerodynamic skirt fairing
system 102 may
be symmetrical and generally parallel, although the angle may be adjusted
depending of the specific trailer and or tractor-trailer combination, with
respect to
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longitudinal axis of cargo-supporting floor deck (not shown). The aerodynamic
skirt fairing system 102 may be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the
cargo
trailer 104.
[0040] The front skirt fairing 106 is located just aft of the truck
wheels 105 and
extends transverse of the centerline of the cargo trailer 104. The side skirts
108
and vented skirt fairings 110 extend rearward from the front skirt fairing 106
to
approximately a rearmost end 107 of the cargo trailer 104. The front skirt
fairing
106 may be connected to the side skirt fairings 108 by a pair of corner pieces
116.
The side skirt fairings 108 are substantially straight and run parallel to the
centerline of the cargo trailer 104. In one embodiment the side skirt fairing
may
comprise a profile as shown in Figure 21. The front skirt fairing 106 and side
skirt
fairings 108 comprise substantially planar external faces 109, 111 that are
essentially solid (that is, impermeable to the passage of air). The front
skirt fairing
106 and side skirt fairings 108 may comprise a continuous single piece or
multiple
piece configuration. Each of the front skirt fairing 106 and side skirt
fairings 108
are preferably mounted to the transverse structural support members 170 (shown
in
Figure 14 and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) extending
between
sides of the trailer frame of the cargo trailer 104. In one embodiment, the
front
skirt fairing 106 may depend downwardly and rearwardly from the transverse
structural support members 170.
[0041] In various embodiments, the components of the aerodynamic
skirt fairing
system 102 are constructed to interconnect with one another by any known
method. In various embodiments, the components may comprise any type of male
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to female, tongue and groove, and/or hand to glove connector configuration as
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In various embodiments, the
components may simply abut. Additionally, any of the front skirt fairing 106,
side
skirt fairings 108, vented skirt fairings 110, rear exhaust fairings 112, and
transitions 114 may be connected to each other and/or one another in the
manner
described above and below.
[0042] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 17-21 the side skirt
fairings 108
may be coupled by mating portions located on opposite ends of each side skirt
fairing 108. Figure 17 shows a pair of assembled side skirt fairings 108 and
Figure
18 shows a pair of disassembled side skirt fairings 108. Figure 19 shows a
first
end 230 of the side skirt fairing 108 and Figures 20 and 21 show a second end
232
of the side skirt fairing.
[0043] The first end 230 of the side skirt fairing may comprise a
pair of tabs 234
depending generally perpendicularly downward from an inner face 236 of the
side
skirt fairing 108. The second end 232 of the side skirt fairing 108 comprises
a
receiving portion 238 that receives the first end 230. The receiving portion
238
may comprise a recessed area 240 and a pair of slots 242 that receive the tabs
234.
The receiving portion 238 may comprise a ridge 244 that may abut an edge 246
of
the first end 230 when assembled. The receiving portion 238 may comprise inset
tabs 248 located inwardly of the slots 242 that receive the tabs 234 from the
first
end 230. In one embodiment, the tab 234 may be continuous and extend along the
length of the inner face 236 from the first end 230 to the second end 232 of
the
side skirt fairing 108 to provide support. At the second end 232 tab 234 may
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become inset tab 248. It should be understood that one or more than one tab
and
slot configuration may be contemplated.
[0044] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a pair of transitions 114 provides
a smooth
transition from a rear edge of the side skirt fairings 108 to a front edge of
the
vented skirt fairings 110. In one embodiment, the transitions 114 are
configured to
reside proximate the side skirt fairings 108 and the vented skirt fairings
110. In
one embodiment the transitions 114 are configured to proximately contact the
side
skirt fairings 108 and the vented skirt fairings 110. In
one embodiment, the
transitions 114 are configured to not proximately contact the side skirt
fairings 108
and the vented skirt fairings 110. In one embodiment, the transitions 114 are
configured to reside proximate the side skirt fairings 108 and the vented
skirt
fairings 110. In one embodiment, the side skirt fairings 108, the transitions
114,
and the vented skirt fairings 110 have a linear path in line with the side of
the
trailer 104 and parallel to the centerline of the trailer. In each of the
above
embodiments, the orientation of the transitions 114 still allow for upward
rotation
of the side skirt fairings 108 and the vented skirt fairings 110 as will be
discussed
below.
[0045] The transitions 114 may be angled slightly outwardly from the
side skirt
fairings 108 but at no more than a 12 degree angle with respect to the
centerline of
the cargo trailer 104. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 22, the transitions
114
may be angled slight outwardly from the side skirt fairings 108 but at no more
than
a 12 degree angle with respect to the centerline of the cargo trailer 104. In
other
words, to augment aerodynamic performance of the overall fairing assembly, a
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leading edge 113 of each transition 114 may be canted outwardly at an
inclination
of less than 12 degrees. In one embodiment, the leading edge 113 of each
transition 114 is canted outwardly at an inclination of less than 12 degrees.
In one
embodiment, the leading edge 113 of each transition 114 is canted outwardly at
an
inclination of 7-10 degrees. In one embodiment, the leading edge 113 of each
transition 114 is canted outwardly at an inclination of 7 degrees.
[0046] This slight angle provides additional clearance for the vented
side skirt
fairings 110 to be located an additional distance of 3 inches outward of the
side
skirt fairings 108 to accommodate the trailer wheels 115. A smaller angle may
be
used to provide less clearance distance to accommodate various configurations
and
designs. As such, the linear path along the length of the cargo trailer 104
for the
vented side skirt fairings 110 is located outward of the linear path of the
side skirt
fairings 108 in order to clear the tires on the trailer wheels 115. In
standard
configurations, the tires on the trailer wheels typically extend only to the
outer
base/trailer envelope of the cargo trailer 104. However, Federal law allows
the
tires on the trailer wheels 115 to exceed the outer base/trailer envelope by 3
inches.
As such, the orientation of the transition 114 and vented skirt fairings 110
allow
the tires reside within the 3 inch envelope to comply with Federal law. In
other
words, the orientation of the transition 114 and the vented skirt fairings 110
allow
the tires reside outside the outer base/trailer envelope.
[0047] Referring now to Figures 2-5 and 22, a trailing edge 117 of
transition 114
may be formed to a substantially partially convex curve 119. The vented side
skirt
fairings 110 may comprise a similar profile of a substantially partially
convex
Date recue/Date received 2023-05-03
curve 121 that generally corresponds to the external shape of the trailer
wheels
115. The curved nature of the arcuate profile of the transition 114, the
vented side
skirt fairings 110, and rear exhaust fairings 112 allows the components to be
located in a position closely adjacent the trailer wheels 115, without the
risk of
contact interference. The arcuate profile of the vented side skirt fairings
110 also
provides the 3 inch clearance for the tires on the trailer wheels 115, as
discussed
above.
[0048] The vented side skirt fairings 110 operate to more fully
enclose the entire
length of cargo trailer 104 to improve aerodynamic performance but still
provide
for airflow to the brakes and tires on the trailer wheels 115 such that they
do not
overheat. The vented side skirt fairings 110 may comprise multiple members
configured to allow the trailer wheels 115 to be moved forward and rearward
based on various configurations of the cargo trailer 104. The configuration of
the
vented side skirt fairings 110 and rear exhaust fairings 112 provides multiple
types
of air flow. In one embodiment the vented side skirt fairings substantially
cover
the trailer wheels 115 but allow for air passage to cool the brakes and tires
on the
trailer wheels 115.
[0049] The vented side skirt fairings 110 may comprise an upper panel
118, a
vented panel 120, and a lower panel 122. The vented panel 120 resides between
the upper and lower panels 118, 122 and is slightly recessed to form a channel
124.
The channel may comprise one or more longitudinal vents and/or openings 126,
which are oriented generally from forward to aft of the vented panel 120. The
channel 124 aligns with a recessed channel 131 located in the transition 114.
In
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one embodiment, the upper panel 118 may comprise an arcuate profile and the
vented panel 120 and the lower panel 122 may depend generally vertically
downwardly therefrom.
[0050] The vented side skirt fairings 110 may comprise a continuous,
single piece
or multiple pieces. The vented side skirt fairings 110 are mounted to the
transverse structural support members 170 extending between sides of the
trailer
frame adjacent sides 123 of the cargo trailer 104 and extend generally
vertically
downwardly therefrom. The vented side skirt fairings 110 can be coupled to the
cargo trailer 104 in any suitable manner as will be discussed in detail below.
[0051] Referring now to Figures 4-6 and 10-12, the rear exhaust
fairings 112 are
located aft of the vented skirt fairings 110. The rear exhaust fairings 112
comprise
a forward face 128 and a rear panel 130 with an exhaust scoop 132. In one
embodiment, the rear panel 130 may taper inwardly towards the centerline of
the
trailer from top to bottom. The forward face 128 is configured to transition
the air
from the vented side skirt fairings 110 to the rear of the cargo trailer 104.
The rear
panel 130 may be coupled to the forward face 128, which is inset a distance
from
an outer surface 125 of the vented side skirt fairings 110. The forward face
128
may comprise a vertical opening 134 or slot located therewithin. The exhaust
scoop 132 may comprise an inlet opening 136 and a wall 138 having inner,
outer,
upper, and lower faces 140, 142, 144, 146. The rear panel 130 may comprise an
inner wall 135 that when combined with the inner face 138, upper face 144, and
lower face 146 provides an exit 137 for the air to flow therethrough.
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[0052] The aerodynamic trucking system 100 is configured to manage
airflow
around, behind, and under a semi-type cargo trailer 104, with the goal of
significantly reducing aerodynamic turbulence during operation. The vented
side
skirt fairings 110 and rear exhaust fairings 112 are configured to provide
multiple
types of air flow during operation of the truck and cargo trailer 104. The air
may
flow in a normal manner, along the upper panel 118, vented panel 120, and
lower
panel 122 of the vented side skirt fairings 110 outside of the cargo trailer
104. The
air may flow within the channels 124, 131 of vented panel 120 and transition
114,
but not through longitudinal vents and/or openings 126, and leave through the
opening 136 in the exhaust scoop 132 located in the rear exhaust fairings 112.
The
flow of air through the exhaust scoop 132 out the exit 137 and out of the rear
negates a portion of low air pressure behind the trailer to reduce negative
pressure
behind the trailer 104.
[0053] The air may flow within the channels 124, 131 of vented panel
120 and
transition 114, through longitudinal vents and/or openings 126, over the tires
and
brakes, under the trailer, through the vertical opening or slot 134 in the
forward
face 128, and out the opening 136 in the exhaust scoop 132 outwardly of the
outer
face 142/wall 138. The flow of air through the longitudinal vents and/or
openings
126 provides airflow over the tires and brakes for cooling and under the
trailer
before exhausting the air from the rear of the trailer 104. The flow of air
through
the exhaust scoop 132 outwardly of the outer face 142/wall 138 and out the
exit
137 and under the cargo trailer 104 negates a portion of low air pressure
behind the
trailer 104 to reduce negative pressure behind the trailer 104.
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[0054] The air may flow within the channel 124 of vented panel 120,
through
longitudinal vents and/or openings 126, over the tires and brakes and out the
rear
of the trailer 104 inwardly of the inner face 140/wall 138, but not through
the
vertical opening 134 or slot 134. The flow of air through the longitudinal
vents
and/or openings 126 provides airflow over the tires and brakes and under the
trailer. The flow of air through the exhaust scoop 132 and inwardly of the
outer
face 142 out of the rear negates a portion of low air pressure behind the
trailer 104
to reduce negative pressure behind the trailer 104 and also serves to cool the
tires
and brakes located on the trailer wheels 115.
[0055] Referring again to Figure 1, the aerodynamic trucking system
100 may
comprise an exit fairing system 148. The exit fairing system 148 may comprise
a
top fairing 150 and a pair of vertically oriented side fairings 152, which are
rotatably coupled to the cargo trailer 104. In one embodiment the top fairing
150
and side fairings 152 may be coupled by an L-shaped bracket (not shown). In
one
embodiment, the top fairing 150 and side fairings 152 may be coupled by a
bolted
flange (not shown). In one embodiment, the top fairing 150 and side fairings
152
may be coupled by a spring assisted flange (not shown), which bias the top
fairing
150 and side fairings 152 upwardly and outwardly, respectively, but still
allow the
top fairing 150 and side fairings 152 to deflect downwardly and inwardly. In
one
embodiment, the top fairing 150 and side fairings 152 may be coupled by an air
cylinder assisted flange (not shown), which bias the top fairing 150 and side
fairings 152 upwardly and outwardly, respectively, but still allow the top
fairing
150 and side fairings 152 to deflect downwardly and inwardly.
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[0056] The top fairing 150 may extend substantially the width of a
top rear portion
127 of the cargo trailer 104. The vertically oriented side fairings 152 may
extend
from the top of the cargo trailer 104 to a lower portion 129 of the rear
exhaust
fairings 112.
[0057] In another embodiment, shown in Figure 9, the aerodynamic
trucking
system 100 may comprise an exit fairing system 154. The exit fairing system
154
may comprise top fairing 150 and a pair of vertically oriented side fairings
156,
which are rotatably coupled to the cargo trailer 104 in the same manner as
discussed above. The top fairing 150 extends substantially the width of a top
rear
portion 127 of the cargo trailer 104. The vertically oriented side fairings
156
extend from the top of the cargo trailer 104 to approximately the sides 123 of
the
cargo trailer 104.
[0058] In various embodiments the components of the aerodynamic
trucking
system 100 may be coupled to the underside structures of the cargo trailer
104.
The front skirt fairing 106, the pair of side skirt fairings 108, the pair of
vented
skirt fairings 110, the pair of rear exhaust fairings 112, the transitions
114, and the
corner pieces 116 of the aerodynamic skirt fairing system 102 may be coupled
to
the underside structures of cargo trailer 104 by any suitable method. In one
embodiment, the components of the aerodynamic skirt fairing system 102 may be
coupled to the transverse structural support members 170 extending between
sides
of the trailer 104.
[0059] In various embodiments, the components of the aerodynamic
skirt fairing
system 102 may be coupled to the cargo trailer 104 in accordance with the
Date recue/Date received 2023-05-03
embodiments shown in the disclosure of U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application
Serial No. 14/935,647, and U.S. Patent Nos. 9,211,919, 8,727,425, and
8,303,025.
[0060] In various embodiments, the components of the aerodynamic
skirt fairing
system 102 may be coupled to the cargo trailer 104 by an L-shaped bracket or a
descending strut (not shown), as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
In one embodiment, the L-shaped bracket or a descending strut (not shown) may
be coupled to the transverse structural support members 170 extending between
sides of the trailer 104. The L-shaped bracket or a descending strut may look
similar to what is shown in the above referenced patents and patent
application
without the adjustability portions.
[0061] Referring now to Figures 14-16, a mounting system for the
aerodynamic
trucking system 100 will be discussed. In one embodiment, shown in Figures 14
and 15, a mounting system 160 for coupling the front skirt fairing 106 and the
side
skirt fairings 108 is shown. The mounting system 160 comprises an upper mount
162 and a lower mount 164 connected by an intermediate section 166. The upper
mount 162 is oriented generally horizontal and comprises a mounting plate 168
having a number of apertures. The mounting plate 168 is configured to couple
the
mounting system 160 to transverse structural support members 170 extending
between sides of the trailer 104 by a bolted connection. It should be
understood
that any fastening method contemplated such as welding, couplers, bracket,
etc.
will suffice.
[0062] The intermediate section 166 comprises an arcuate member 172,
a vertical
support 174, channel 176, and a stop 178. The arcuate member 172 depends
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downwardly and outwardly from an outward edge 180 of the mounting plate 168
and is coupled to the vertical support 174. The lower mount 164 is coupled to
the
vertical support 174 by an offset member 182. The lower mount 164 is coupled
to
a lower bracket 184 located on the side skirt fairing 108 by a quick release
fastener
(not shown). The channel 176 receives an elongate rod 186 to form a joint 188.
The elongate rod 186 is formed in an upper bracket 190 shown attached to an
upper portion 192 of the side skirt fairing 108. The upper bracket 190 and
lower
bracket 184 can be formed with the side skirt fairing 108. In operation, as
shown in
Figure 14, the user may remove the fastener (not shown) to allow the side
skirt
fairing 108 to rotate about the joint 188 from a generally horizontal position
(Figure 13) to a generally vertical position, where the stop 178 rests upon a
lower
portion 194 of the upper bracket 190. The joint 188 connection of the elongate
rod
186 within channel 176 provides a slidable coupling such that the side skirt
fairing
108 may be adjusted linearly along the side of the trailer 104 during
installation
and maintenance. It should be understood that while not shown, in some
embodiments, a similar configuration may be used to mount the front skirt
fairing
106, the transition 114, and the corner pieces 116.
[0063] In another embodiment, shown in Figure 16, a mounting system 200
for
coupling the vented skirt fairings 110 will be discussed. The mounting system
200
comprises an upper mount 202 and a lower mount 204 connected by an
intermediate section 206. The upper mount 202 is oriented generally horizontal
and comprises a mounting plate 208 having a number of apertures. The mounting
plate 208 is configured to couple the mounting system 200 to transverse
structural
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support members 170 extending between sides of the trailer 104 by a bolted
connection. It should be understood that any fastening method contemplated
such
as welding, couplers, bracket, etc. will suffice.
[0064] The intermediate section 206 comprises an arcuate member 210, a
vertical
support 212, and a channel 214. The arcuate member 210 depends downwardly
and outwardly from an outward edge 216 of the mounting plate 208. The vertical
support 212 extends downwardly from a lower portion 218 of the arcuate member
210. The lower mount 204 is located at the lower end of the vertical support
212.
The lower mount 204 is coupled to a recessed aperture 220 located on the
vented
skirt fairings 110 by a quick release fastener 222. The channel 214 receives
an
elongate rod 224 to form a joint 226. The elongate rod 224 depends downwardly
from an upper portion 228 of the vented skirt fairings 110. The elongate rod
224
can be formed with the vented skirt fairings 110. In operation, the user may
remove the quick release fastener 222 so that the vented skirt fairings 110
may
rotate about the joint 226 from a generally horizontal position (Figures 7 and
8) to
a generally vertical position to allow for access to the trailer wheels,
brakes, tire,
etc. for maintenance. As such, the vented side skirt fairings 110 may be
rotatably
coupled to the cargo trailer 104 such that access to the wheels, tires, and
axles is
available. The joint 226 connection of the elongate rod 224 within channel 214
provides a slidable coupling such that the vented skirt fairings 110 may be
adjusted
linearly along the side of the trailer 104 during installation and
maintenance. It
should be understood that while not shown, in some embodiments, a similar
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configuration may be used to mount the front skirt fairing 106, the transition
114,
and the corner pieces 116.
[0065] The above configurations maintain the vented skirt fairings 110
in
generally vertical position during use, while permitting upward rotation of
vented
skirt fairings 110 in response to the needs of the user.
[0066] For example, the aerodynamic skirt fairing system 102 may be
configured
to be adjustably mounted to the transverse structural support members 170 of
the
cargo trailer 104, as shown. Each mounting system 160/200 may be configured to
be adjustable along a linear axis to facilitate the above-noted optimized
aerodynamic positioning of respective aerodynamic skirt fairing system 102
within
a specific tractor-trailer setup.
[0067] The technology has been described with reference to specific
exemplary
embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without
departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and
figures
are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one
and all
such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present
technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by
the
generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by
merely
the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any
method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise
expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in
the
specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any
apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in
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Date recue/Date received 2023-05-03
a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the
present
technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration
recited in
the specific examples.
[0068] Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have
been described
above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage,
solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit,
advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be
construed as critical, required or essential features or components.
[0069] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any
variation
thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a
process,
method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does
not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements
not
expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or
apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described
structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or
components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to
those not
specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to
specific
environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other
operating
requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
[0070] The present technology has been described above with
reference to a
preferred embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the
preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present
technology.
Date recue/Date received 2023-05-03
These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within
the
scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.
26
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