Abstract: A wind-diverting apparatus for minimally shielding only the faster-moving drag-sensitive uppermost wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces overall vehicle drag. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging directly thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body; a wing having an upper side and a front; a wing support mounted between the vehicle body and the wing, the wing support extending from the upper side of the wing, around the front of the wing, to the vehicle body and being pivotally attached to the wing at a first location on the wing so that the first location is positionally fixed relative to the wing support and the wing can rotate between a first position and a second position; a linear actuator for moving the wing between the first position and the second position; and a linkage pivotally attached to the wing at a second location forwards of the first location and coupled to the linear actuator so that the linear actuator can move the wing between the first position and the second position; wherein the wing is capable of imposing a downforce on the wing support acting through a centre of pressure of the wing as a result of the action of rearward airflow on the wing and the centre of pressure is located rearwards of

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a first lateral diffuser provided on a first side of the vehicle and a second lateral diffuser provided on a second side of the vehicle. The first and second lateral diffusers are movably mounted and can be displaced from a retracted position to at least a first deployed position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable rear spoiler apparatus of a rear bumper for a vehicle. The variable rear spoiler apparatus includes a linkage mechanism configured to be installed on a bumper back beam and having a length varying in a vertical direction when the linkage mechanism undergoes a rotation. A spoiler is connected to the linkage mechanism and is able to move up and down by the rotation of the linkage mechanism. A first driving mechanism, installed at the bumper back beam, is provided with a first rotation shaft connected to the linkage mechanism to transfer a torque. The spoiler is moved up and down by the rotation of the linkage mechanism by a rotation of the first rotation shaft. A second driving mechanism is connected to the first rotation shaft. The spoiler is tilted by a length varying operation of the second driving mechanism.

Abstract: A spoiler wing extension and retraction system, includes a vehicle mounting assembly, including a circular insert, a spider clamp flange, a clamp bolt and nut, and fasteners, seal and spacer plates; a linear-motion device, including a main body and an extendable shaft; an intermediate attachment assembly; such that the extendable shaft connects to a spoiler wing of a vehicle, such that the linear-motion device lifts and lowers the spoiler wing. A spoiler wing control system includes a spoiler wing extension and retraction system connected to a spoiler wing control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output component, a linear-motion controller, and a data bus, such that the linear-motion controller is configured to control the linear-motion device of the spoiler wing extension and retraction system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable spoiler apparatus of the rear bumper for vehicles. The variable spoiler apparatus includes a linkage device, to be installed on a bumper back beam, which is able to vary in length in an up-down direction during a rotating operation. A spoiler is coupled to the linkage device and is able to move in the up-down direction by the rotation operation of the linkage device. A first drive device, to be installed on the bumper back beam, includes a first rotating shaft coupled to the linkage device to transmit a rotating force. When the first drive device is operated, the linkage device is rotated by a rotation of the first rotating shaft so that the spoiler is moved in the up-down direction. A second rotating shaft is rotatably coupled to the linkage device. The second rotating shaft is penetrated and connected to a second drive device.

Abstract: A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, “v-braces,” “v-wings,” and integral rib bracing mechanisms are disclosed. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a “memory” to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.

Abstract: A vehicle, for example an All-Terrain Vehicle, having a front facing air intake. The air intake is substantially centered along a longitudinal center line and funnels air through an air duct that is positioned from the air intake to a rear mounted engine. The air duct may be located below a passenger seating arrangement and the air duct may extend along a substantial portion of a length. In one embodiment, the air chute is centered along the vehicle.

Abstract: A front air dam assembly for a vehicle includes a translatable front air deflecting panel for altering an airflow beneath the vehicle, a deploying mechanism for translating the front air deflecting panel between a raised position and one or more deployed positions, and a rapid raising mechanism for rapidly raising the front air deflecting panel from the one or more deployed positions. A controller in operative communication with the deploying mechanism and the rapid raising mechanism controls the operation thereof. At least one sensor is included for sending a signal indicative of a road or vehicle condition to the controller. A locking mechanism under the control of the controller is provided for locking the front air deflector panel in the raised or the one or more deployed position.

Abstract: A frame-side air deflector for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The air deflector includes a first portion oriented substantially vertical with respect to an underside of the automotive vehicle, a second portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and a transition portion connecting the first and second portions. In some aspects, the first portion curves outward and away from a centerline of the vehicle and the second portion angles downward from the underside of the vehicle such that as the vehicle travels in a forward direction, air is directed downward, outward, and away from one or more rear-mounted components of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel air gap for a motor vehicle of which according to the invention at least one section of the wheel air gap open air comprises a sound-absorbing material.

Abstract: A part assembly includes: a first part and a second part. The first part defines thereupon an aperture and a first tongue extending from a first edge of the aperture. The first tongue and an opposing second edge of the aperture together define there-between a clearance. The second part defines a foot to be at least partially received through the clearance and to contact the first tongue at an assembled position.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a front spoiler with at least one spoiler lip made available in a front area of the vehicle and a spoiler lip drive by means of which the at least one spoiler lip may be displaced such that the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle can be changed in the front area by displacement of the at least one spoiler lip, wherein the spoiler lip drive of the at least one spoiler lip is electro-mechanical.

Abstract: A vehicle rear portion structure includes: a moving portion that is disposed at a vehicle rear end portion at an inner side of each of two corner portions of the vehicle width direction, the moving portion including a wall face that extends in a vehicle front-and-rear direction and a vehicle up-and-down direction, and the moving portion being movable to a stowed position and to a protruded position at which the moving portion protrudes from the stowed position to a rear side in the vehicle front-and-rear direction; a control section that moves the moving portion from the stowed position to the protruded position in a case in which a speed of the vehicle exceeds a specific speed; and a light-emitting portion that is disposed at the moving portion and emits light to the rear side in the vehicle front-and-rear direction relative to the vehicle rear end portion.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a first recess portion extending in a vehicle widthwise direction is located in a boundary portion between a hood portion and a front bumper portion. A second recess portion is located in each of headlight portions. A third recess portion extending in the front-rear direction is located in each of front fender portions. The upper edges of the first, second, and third recess portions define a ridge line which projects toward the outside of the vehicle body and extends from the center in the vehicle widthwise direction to the vehicle body rear side beyond the lower end of a pillar portion through position lamp portions. The ridge line is defined by a first overhang portion of the hood portion, a lamp cover of each of the position lamp portions, and a bulge portion of each of the front fender portions.

Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter body side-section and a second splitter body side-section. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face incident ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. A mechanism is configured to selectively and individually shift each of the first splitter body side-section and the second splitter body side-section relative to the first vehicle body end. The shifting of the splitter body side-sections by the mechanism in turn adjusts the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body side-sections on the first vehicle body end.

Abstract: A vehicle body side structure includes a flow redirecting member that introduces a traveling wind in a direction toward a wheel arch for a rear tire. The flow redirecting member has an inlet portion through which the traveling wind is introduced and an outlet portion through which air having been introduced through the inlet portion is ejected to the wheel arch side. The inlet portion is positioned in front of the wheel arch. The outlet portion has a slit shape extending along a surface of the rear tire on an outer side in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is provided. In operation, the bracing system need not attach directly to a trailer base rail. The innovation includes straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wings,’ and integral rib bracing mechanisms are provided. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a ‘memory’ to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.

Abstract: A rear air-guiding device (20) for a fastback motor vehicle (10) is arranged in the region of a roof rear edge (15) above a rear window (13) and includes an air-guiding element (22) that is movable from a rest position (30) into at least one operational position (31; 32). The rear air-guiding device has a gap sealing device that seals off a gap between a leading edge of the air-guiding element (22) and a body surface when the air-guiding device (20) is in the operational position (31; 32) and around which air would flow during driving.

Abstract: A system of controlling an adjustable spoiler includes an ignition detector configured to detect whether an engine is turned on or off. A vehicle speed detector is configured to detect a vehicle speed. A weight detector is configured to detect a vehicle weight that is changed when the number of passengers or the amount of loaded freight is increased or decreased. A controller is configured to determine variation of the vehicle weight, set an extension reference speed and a retraction reference speed of the adjustable spoiler based on the variation of the vehicle weight, and extend or retract the adjustable spoiler trough an actuator.

Abstract: The dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles includes a pair of airfoils having their respective inner ends pivotally mounted to a central, vertical base on the rear of a road vehicle. An airfoil lift assembly is coupled to an outer end of each airfoil and to a rear wheel suspension system to facilitate dynamic adjustable positioning of the airfoils in response to movements of the suspension system. A split flap is pivotally mounted to each airfoil. A split flap actuator assembly is mounted inside each airfoil and coupled to a corresponding split flap to selectively and independently open or close the respective split flap. Opening of the split flap to various angles increases downforce exerted on the rear suspension system for improved performance. A controller controls deployment and angular disposition of the split flaps, depending on driving conditions.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame, an engine mounted on the frame, a pair of skis connected to the frame, and a front body including a nose cone, a pair of side panels, and a hood covering a front portion of the frame. The nose cone, the pair of side panels, and the hood are preferably made of plastic.

Abstract: A car having a frame, which supports a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, a passenger compartment, at least one pair of doors, and an underbody which delimits the car on the lower side, faces the road surface, and has an aerodynamic diffuser, which is arranged in a rear position and is provided with a chute having a height with respect to the road surface that progressively increases when longitudinally moving from the front to the rear. The underbody can include a pair of aerodynamic channels, each of which extends longitudinally, leads to the aerodynamic diffuser, is open on the lower side towards the road surface, has a shape of an upside-down “U” in its transverse section and is open underneath towards the road surface and has, in its transverse section, an area that progressively increases when longitudinally moving from the front to the rear.

Abstract: An air dam for a semi-truck tractor in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a rigid upper panel affixed to a bumper of the semi-truck tractor and a lower flexible panel affixed to the upper panel.

Abstract: A fairing assembly for a trailer having a wheel set and a hitch, the fairing assembly comprising a fairing connected to an underside of the trailer intermediate the hitch and the wheel set, the fairing including (i) a pair of opposing lateral surfaces separated by a distance, (ii) a bottom surface spaced from the underside of the trailer, and (ii) a leading surface, the leading surface substantially spanning the distance, wherein the leading surface includes an intake opening, wherein at least one of the bottom surface or the lateral surfaces includes an exit opening, and a flow path fluidly connects the intake opening and the exit opening.

Abstract: A variable aerodynamic device for a vehicle, comprising: a wing element (1) having a front and a rear; a frame or body (2) for mounting to a vehicle; a linear actuator (4, 5) mounted between the body (2) and a first mounting point or first location (8) on the wing element for moving the rear of the wing element between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the body; and a guide strut or linkage (9) mounted between the body and the wing element, the linkage being pivotally coupled to the wing element at a second mounting point or second location (10) forwards of the first location (8); the linkage being configured such that when the rear of the wing element is moved by the linear actuator between the raised position and the lowered position, the second location moves rearwardly relative to the body.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device is arranged for mounting to a vehicle or a trailer for reducing its wind resistance. The aerodynamic device includes at least one sheet material arranged to be mounted to the vehicle/trailer and associated with a corresponding wall portion of the vehicle/trailer. Each wall portion has an outer surface and an inner surface and extends towards the rear of the vehicle/trailer. In a deployed first state, each sheet material is arranged to at least partly extend beyond a rearmost position of the wall portion. In a stored second state, each sheet material is arranged to be inserted such that is faces towards the inner surface. A vehicle or a trailer including the aerodynamic device is also provided.

Abstract: A truck has a cabin, the cabin having a roof and an aerodynamic roof deflector panel mounted on the roof and covering at least partly the roof, thereby delimiting a space extending between the roof and the panel. The panel includes at least a member movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position of the movable member, an air passage is created in front of the space. In the first position, the air passage is closed or substantially closed.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer fairing for blocking cross-winds is inexpensive, attaches to a forward face of the trailer, is adjustable to the gap between the tractor and trailer, and is easily moved between trailers. The fairing comprises two pairs of identical upper and lower curved panels independently attached to opposing front corners of the trailer. The panels slide down over pins attached to brackets permanently mounted to the trailer. Pairs of adjustable diagonal struts reach from a forward face of the trailer to each of the curved panels to hold the panels in position. Flaps attach to the forward edges of the panels at about a 90 degree angle and restricts the cross-winds from passing between the panels and tractor cab.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body, a drive system, and a plurality of protrusions. The body has a centerline, an undercarriage, and a front portion. The drive system is disposed within the body. The plurality of protrusions extend from the front portion, and are positioned around the centerline for protection of the undercarriage.

Abstract: A self-drafting device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of sub-sonic vehicles includes an extension projecting forward from the vehicle in order to generate turbulence between a distal (forward) end of the extension and the vehicle itself, in order to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. The device may include a draft plate to increase the cross sectional area of the distal end and the draft plate may be tilted with respect to a vertical direction. The tilt, cross-sectional size and or extension of the device may be adjustable, and may be dynamically controlled by one or more motors during operation of the vehicle in conformity with a pressure profile across the vehicle that is measured using pressure sensors. The extension may be automatically retracted, e.g., a telescoping extension may be drawn under the hood of an automobile as the velocity of the vehicle decreases.

Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.

Abstract: A resilient strut adapted to secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is provided, the aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel including a front portion and a rear portion adapted to be substantially longitudinally mounted to the trailer, the skirt panel being adapted to move away from the aerodynamic configuration when contacting a foreign object and to recover its aerodynamic configuration thereafter, the resilient strut includes a shape variation adapted to change the mechanical strength thereof and also adapted to sustain an elastic deformation allowing the resilient strut to bend when a load is applied to the resilient strut when the skirt panel moves away from the aerodynamic configuration and to self-recover its original shape when the load is removed. A kit of resilient struts, a method thereof and a trailer equipped with same are also provided.

Abstract: An aerodynamic reducer for a trailer comprising one or more sheet members which are secured to the lower ends of at least some of the cross-members positioned beneath the floor of the trailer. The sheet members enclose the space between at least some of the cross-members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives air from the front of the tractor and channels the air through a center area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space that channels the air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of tractor rear wheels that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct channels air through ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A rear trailer louver system enables air in each duct to be channeled and pulled out of each respective duct, reducing drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.

Abstract: A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer fairing for blocking cross-winds is inexpensive, attaches to a forward face of the trailer, is adjustable to the gap between the tractor and trailer, and is easily moved between trailers. The fairing comprises two pairs of identical upper and lower curved panels independently attached to opposing front corners of the trailer. The panels slide down over pins attached to brackets permanently mounted to the trailer. Pairs of adjustable diagonal struts reach from a forward face of the trailer to each of the curved panels to hold the panels in position. Flaps attach to the forward edges of the panels at about a 90 degree angle and restricts the cross-winds from passing between the panels and tractor cab.

Abstract: Adjustable aerodynamic devices are controlled to control the drag on a vehicle. In one form, control is accomplished in response to pressure from a plurality of pressure sensors. In another form, control is accomplished in response to air movement measurements, such as of wind speed and direction at a location that a vehicle has yet to reach. In another form, the position and location of air vortices between a cab and trailer can be determined and adjusted to adjust the drag by controlling aerodynamic devices.

Abstract: A resilient strut adapted to secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is provided, the aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel including a front portion and a rear portion adapted to be substantially longitudinally mounted to the trailer, the skirt panel being adapted to move away from the aerodynamic configuration when contacting a foreign object and to recover its aerodynamic configuration thereafter, the resilient strut includes a shape variation adapted to change the mechanical strength thereof and also adapted to sustain an elastic deformation allowing the resilient strut to bend when a load is applied to the resilient strut when the skirt panel moves away from the aerodynamic configuration and to self-recover its original shape when the load is removed. A kit of resilient struts, a method thereof and a trailer equipped with same are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for drag reduction on a moving object through the atmosphere, thus increasing fuel efficiency. This is accomplished by attaching an inflatable boattail (i.e. drag reducer) to the aft face or rear end of a vehicle or trailer, thus delaying the flow separation to a point further downstream and mitigating the intensity of the negative pressure on the aft face.

Abstract: A motor vehicle front spoiler has a spoiler lip (11) extending in the region of a front part of the motor vehicle over the entire width or part of the width of the front part. An actuating element (12) enables the spoiler lip (11) to be shifted between an extended operating position, in which the spoiler lip (11) forms a downwardly directed extension of the front part and acts as an aerodynamic air-guiding device, and a retracted inoperative position, in which the spoiler lip (11) is directed to the rear and essentially has no aerodynamic air-guiding effect. A portion (13) of the spoiler lip (11) that is at the bottom in the operating position of the spoiler lip (11) and is in the vicinity of the roadway can be replaced.

Abstract: A vehicle substructure (1) having a rectifying fin (10) that is attached under the floor of a car body and rectifies a flow of fluid under the floor of the car body, wherein the rectifying fin (10) is an airfoil fin that has a blade thickness in a right-to-left direction of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.

Abstract: A resilient strut adapted to secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is provided, the aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel including a front portion and a rear portion adapted to be substantially longitudinally mounted to the trailer, the front portion being adapted to be mounted toward a forward portion of the trailer and the rear portion being adapted to be mounted toward a rear portion of the trailer in an aerodynamic configuration, the skirt panel being adapted to move away from the aerodynamic configuration when contacting a foreign object and to recover its aerodynamic configuration thereafter, the resilient strut adapted to sustain an elastic deformation allowing the resilient strut to bend when a load is applied to the resilient strut when the skirt panel moves away from the aerodynamic configuration and to self-recover its original shape when the load is removed. A kit of resilient struts, a method thereof and a trailer equipped with same are also provided.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure (10) for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall (24) provided rearward, in a vehicle body longitudinal direction, with respect to a front wheel (15) in a wheel house (14), and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, and an airflow guiding wall (22) hanging downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from a rear end portion (24A) in the vehicle body longitudinal direction of the airflow collision wall (24). The airflow guiding wall (22) extends in the vehicle body vertical direction, or extends in a tilting direction directed both toward the front wheel (15) side and toward the lower side in the vehicle body vertical direction.

Abstract: A vehicle's drag-reducing apparatus, adapted to be arranged at the tail end of a vehicle, includes a diversion body positioned at the lateral surface of the vehicle and a rotary piece. The airflow flowing across the lateral surface of the vehicle body is guided to the tail end of the vehicle by the diversion body. One end of the rotary piece is pivoted to the vehicle body, while another end is fixed to the diversion body. Rotating the rotary piece will bring along the diversion body to be abutted against the tail end of the vehicle body or to be moved to the position far away from the tail end of the vehicle body. Thereby, the opening of the rear door at the tail end of the vehicle won't be hindered, even where there is an arrangement of the diversion body.

Abstract: A diversion apparatus, adapted to be arranged at the tail end of a vehicle, includes a diversion assembly and a slide mechanism. The inside of the diversion assembly is hollow and formed an airflow channel. The slide mechanism is arranged fixedly at the tail end of the vehicle body and has slot tracks extended along the lengthwise direction of the tail end of the vehicle body. The diversion assembly arranged on the slot tracks can be moved and slid thereon. Therefore, the diversion assembly can be slid on the slot tracks and moved toward the front of the vehicle body to prevent the opening of the door leaf of the vehicle from being hindered by the diversion assembly.

Abstract: A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular body disposed above rear wheels, comprising a plurality of flexible opposing flat sheets and a plurality flexible load bearing struts attached to the bottom of the rectangular body, that bend to resist damage when struck by the ground, and guide airflow around the rear wheels of the vehicle to reduce its aerodynamic resistance when moving.