Abstract: A windbreak structure for a saddle type vehicle to provide an increase in the windshield effect behind a leg shield. Exhaust ports for letting a flow of air from the front of a vehicle body rearwardly are provided at a side end portion of a leg shield. Further, sideward covering portions are provided that serve as exhaust air guide portions that extend rearwardly on the inner side in a vehicle widthwise direction of the exhaust port.

Abstract: An air guide structure for a saddle type vehicle for reducing the influence of a negative pressure on a rider. In an air guide structure for a motorcycle wherein a windscreen for the protection against air is provided on a front cover provided at a front portion of a vehicle body such that air is guided to the rear of the windscreen on the vehicle body to reduce a negative pressure to be generated behind the windscreen, an inlet port is provided between a central portion of a front end of the windscreen and the front cover. Further, a stepped portion that is formed stepwise in the forward and backward direction on an upper face of the front cover in the inside of the inlet port is provided, and a sectoral recessed portion is provided at a central portion of the stepped portion in the vehicle widthwise direction.

Abstract: A rear aerodynamic device for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with such a device are provided. The aerodynamic device can be fastened under a rear end of a vehicle frame of a cargo body of an industrial vehicle, behind the wheels. It includes a nozzle having an inlet positioned on a lateral external face of the device and capable of canalising air flowing along the vehicle and an outlet positioned at the rear part of the device and capable of ejecting the air flow underneath a vehicle rear face.

Abstract: A downforce-generating device for improving motor vehicle control is described. The device includes a movable underbody with a suspension-mounted support system such that the movable underbody transfers downforce load to, and moves with, the wheels of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the movable underbody from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting the movable underbody with a separate retraction system. A height-adjustment system may be provided to precisely control the ride height and orientation of the movable underbody relative to the roadway during vehicle travel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes at least one wheel designed to turn in a well defined by a wheelhouse. The vehicle also includes a wheel deflector of an elongate overall shape extending from the wheelhouse towards the wheel with one end provided with a radius R corresponding substantially to an exterior radius of the wheel. The deflector is arranged in an upper portion of the wheelhouse and extends longitudinally on each side of a median plane of the wheel passing through an axis of rotation of the wheel, with an overall angular length L between 1/20 and ¼ of an external circumference of the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle window panel mounted in a window opening formed in a vehicle to close the opening includes a panel body obtained by molding a resin material. A light-transmitting window is integrally connected to the panel body, and a protrusion is integrally connected to the panel body to protrude toward at least one of an inside or outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sail system and method for controlling the same is provided for use with large land vehicles. When deployed, at a vehicles normal cruising speed it will produce lift which reduces the ground weight of the vehicle, thus reducing friction and increasing fuel economy.

Abstract: A vehicle spoiler that is provided to the rear part of the vehicle body and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The spoiler is provided with a resin external surface member; and a metallic reinforcement member for reinforcing the external surface member. The reinforcement member is provided with a reinforcement body extending rearward with respect to the vehicle body from the rear part thereof. The external surface member has an upper member that extends in the width direction of the vehicle above the reinforcement body, and also has a lower member that extends in the width direction of the vehicle below the reinforcement body. The reinforcement body is inserted through the inside of the hollow closed cross-section formed by the upper member and the lower member. The upper member and the lower member are joined within the hollow closed cross-section to the reinforcement body.

Abstract: A front underfloor structure of a vehicle includes front deflectors disposed forward of front tires, respectively. The front deflectors each include a front apex portion disposed at a position closer to the vehicle front than a leading edge surface of each of the front tires when straight, and disposed at a position closer to a vehicle center line than an inner surface of each of the front tires when straight; an outer end portion disposed at a position closer to the vehicle rear than the front apex portion, and disposed at a position outward in the vehicle width direction of the front apex portion; and a second flow redirection surface connecting the front apex portion and the outer end portion, and being configured such that, when struck by air traveling from the vehicle front, the second flow redirection surface redirects a flow of the traveling air outward in the vehicle.

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 gap fairing and aerodynamic drag reduction method for a tractor-trailer. A fairing body is attached to a chassis of the tractor, independently of the cab thereof and within a gap between a cab of the tractor and the trailer. The fairing body has side portions, extending rearwardly from a front portion, adjacent the cab of the tractor, toward the trailer and an upwardly sloping top portion extending to the side portions and terminating in a trailing end. The trailing end can be situated behind the side portions to lessen the inclination of the top portion. A separation space between the front of the fairing body and the cab can be sealed by a sealing element that is at least in part resilient or flexible or both so as to allow relative motion between the fairing body and the 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 sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding sidewall panels. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented posts is disposed between and engages a respective substantially coplanar pair of the panels. Each post has an exterior surface that is entirely continuous in a vertical cross-sectional view throughout a portion of the post that extends beyond the panels in a lateral direction.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducer in the form of an air deflector fairing is provided for a trailer which is secured to the lower ends of each of the lower side rails of the trailer. Each of the fairings have upper outer ends which are secured to the respective lower side rail and which extends downwardly and inwardly therefrom, then upwardly and inwardly therefrom and then inwardly therefrom. The inner ends of the fairings are secured to the cross-members of the trailer. The drag reducers of this invention reduce the turbulence experienced by cross-winds subjected to the trailer thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag of the cross-winds.

Abstract: A maintenance cover includes a pair of lateral turning support parts provided at right and left sides of a front edge part, and a central turning support part. The lateral turning support parts have opening parts that can be caught by hook parts with an L-shaped cross-section that are provided at a cover main body part. The central turning support part has a stopper that is engageable with an inner wall surface of a side wall part provided at the cover main body part. When the maintenance cover is slid backwardly, a sliding operation of the maintenance cover is stopped by the lateral turning support parts and the central turning support part, and the maintenance cover is rotated with the lateral turning support parts being as supporting points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reducing drag on a vehicle. The device comprises a sheet of material and a plurality of depressions/elevations. The sheet of material having a base portion and an apex extending from the base portion.

Abstract: An energy-saving vehicle including a housing, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The housing includes an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle. The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle. The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. The vehicle consumes less energy and travels more stably compared to conventional vehicles.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a first cable disposed inside an inner cowl, and a second cable which is disposed between the inner cowl and an outer cowl and is connected to the first cable. The inner cowl is provided with a through-hole through which to pass the first cable or the second cable. The through-hole is provided with a recess by which a part of the first cable or the second cable is locked. This enables wiring of short cables to easily connect two kinds of cables.

Abstract: A vehicle window panel mounted in a window opening formed in a vehicle to close the opening includes a panel body obtained by molding a resin material. A light-transmitting window is integrally connected to the panel body, and a protrusion is integrally connected to the panel body to protrude toward at least one of an inside or outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air splitter panel is attached to a vehicle fascia panel. One of the panels has a plurality of longitudinal extending slots and the other of the panels has a plurality of fastener holes that register with the slots. Fasteners are mounted in each of the holes and extend through the slot registered therewith to attach the panels together while permitting sliding movement of the splitter panel relative to the fascia panel. A yieldable detent acts between the fastener and the one of the panels with the slot to block the sliding movement of the splitter panel until a force applied upon the splitter panel overcomes the yieldable detent to permit the sliding movement of the splitter panel.

Abstract: A vehicle airstream deflector is provided. The deflector provides an air curtain to divert oncoming air flow past the passenger cabin of a vehicle, thereby reducing drag. Furthermore, air flow from the rear of the vehicle is induced to move forward, providing additional vehicle momentum in the direction of travel.

Abstract: This beam (4) is intended to be located between a shield skin (2) and a front end (6) of a motor vehicle front assembly (1), said beam (4) being designed to deform by absorbing energy in the event of an impact with the shield skin (2), said beam (4) having an approximately planar front face (8). The beam (4) comprises a rear fairing element (10) having a concavity (16) facing the front of the vehicle so as to promote a laminar flow of air from the front face (8) of the beam (4) toward the front end (6) of the front assembly (1) of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mutually adhering a first moulded article of an at least partially vulcanized rubber polymer and a second moulded article of a polymer. The method comprises at least the steps of providing a first moulded article of a rubber polymer which comprises a compound containing carboxylic acid anhydride; providing a second moulded article of a polymer; providing an adhesive composition comprising at least a polyisocyanate, a polyol and a catalyst; arranging an adhesive layer of the adhesive composition on the surface for adhesion of at least one moulded article; bringing the surfaces for adhesion together under pressure; and polymerizing at least the adhesive layer at a suitable temperature.

Abstract: In a vehicle whose tire is wholly covered from the left, right and back, a negative pressure area to the rear of the vehicle is reduced. In a vehicle including a left trunk and a right trunk in a rear portion of the vehicle, a rear fender continuous with respective rear faces of the left and right trunks is provided, and a plane formed of the respective rear faces of the left and right trunks and the rear fender is provided with negative pressure correction holes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the aerodynamic efficiency (e.g., reduce drag) on vehicles, such as class 8 tractors. In some disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize exhausted gases from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle to direct a stream of gas forwardly of the vehicle. In other disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize generated air flow from, for example, electric fans, engine driven or pneumatically/hydraulically driven pumps, etc., to direct a stream of gas forwardly of the vehicle for reducing the aerodynamic drag on vehicles. In yet other disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize a unique configuration of the vehicle's radiator fan(s) in order to direct a stream of gas forwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that utilize exhausted gases from an internal combustion engine (e.g., piston engine, rotary engine, turbine engine, etc.) of a vehicle for reducing the aerodynamic drag thereon. In some disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize a generated gas flow from, for example, electric fans, engine driven or pneumatically/hydraulically driven pumps, etc., for reducing aerodynamic drag. The generated gas flows in several disclosed examples are directed in a generally opposing direction of (i.e., against) prevailing cross winds.

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 system and methods for reducing aerodynamic drag and mitigating detrimental side wind effects on vehicles moving through air or water with a plurality of new subsystems disposed in a plurality of locations on the vehicles. Each one of the subsystems includes a sub-set of small-scale vortex generators that have an intake for air from airflow around the vehicle and that produce intensive small-scale vortices with large lifespan, and/or a new fairing device that streamlines airflow and produces a sheet of small-scale-vortices. The subsystems direct the vortices with large lifespan and/or sheets of vortices into the vehicle's drag-producing volumes. The vortex generators have one or several air channels preventing airflow from bypassing vortex-producing elements and the elements inside the channels that produce small-scale vortices. The novel fairing devices are of bluff shape and/or with bluff obstructions and/or slots for generating sheets of intensive small-scale vortices in surrounding airflow.

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 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 wheel cover or panel assembly for use on a long haul truck is provided. These wheel covers can provide enhanced aerodynamic effects to a truck or other vehicle thereby reducing wind drag and enhancing fuel efficiency. Still further, the wheel covers can articulate or turn along with the steering by design.

Abstract: In a vehicle-body stiffening device, a wind-receiving plate that receives traveling wind is fixed to a main bar portion of a lower bar that connects brackets formed at left and right lower sections of a suspension cross member to each other and supporting suspension lower arms. The wind-receiving plate receiving a traveling-wind pressure biases the main bar portion so as to generate bending stress. Due to this bending stress, a preload is generated between the left and right brackets. Since the preload is generated by the traveling-wind pressure, the preload is 0 (kg/mm) when the vehicle speed is 0 (km/h), but increases as the vehicle speed increases.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body, a drive system, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of tires, and a plurality of protrusions. The body has a centerline and a front portion. The front portion comprises a front surface comprising a driver's side front surface and a passenger's side front surface. The drive system is disposed within the body. The wheels are coupled to the drive system, and include front wheels. Each of the tires is mounted on a respective wheel. The tires include front tires mounted on the front wheels. The protrusions extend outward from the front surface for protection of the front tires. The protrusions include a first pair of protrusions and a second pair of protrusions. The first pair of protrusions extend outward from the driver's side front surface. The second pair of protrusions extend outward from the passenger's side front surface.

Abstract: Fairings described herein aim to direct air streams into a gap formed between first a vehicle and a trailing vehicle, such as in a tractor-trailer combination, to reduce low pressure wake regions near the rear surface of the first vehicle thereby reducing drag forces on the vehicles. One or more embodiments of the fairings disclosed herein further aim to accelerate air streams such that the air streams travel quickly across the gap thereby reducing pressure forces on a front surface of a trailing vehicle. In some embodiments, the angle of the fairing relative to a surface of the vehicle is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reducing drag on a vehicle. The device comprises a sheet of material and a plurality of depressions/elevations. The sheet of material having a base portion and an apex extending from the base portion.

Abstract: An energy-saving vehicle including a housing, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The housing includes an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle. The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle. The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. The vehicle consumes less energy and travels more stably compared to conventional vehicles.

Abstract: A pneumatic system has a compressor (8), a pneumatic reservoir (20) for a gaseous pressure transmission medium, at least one valve device (12) and at least one pneumatically actuable actuator (4). To provide satisfactory functioning even under extreme temperatures, and to provide a simple cost effective construction, the pneumatic reservoir (20) to which the compressor (8) is connected has a variable volume.

Abstract: An aerodynamic stowable bed extender for pickup trucks meant to be mounted upon the lowered tailgate of the truck bed and utilized in conjunction with either an aerodynamic truck bed cap or tonneau cover. The aerodynamic bed extender is positioned in either a deployed configuration, upon the lowered tailgate, or a stowed configuration within the bed of the pickup truck. Deployed, the bed extender increases the fuel efficiency of the truck while also increasing usable cargo space within the truck bed. The aerodynamic bed extender comprises a cover and two side panels. The cover can be raised to an open position allowing access to the truck bed or detached from the side panels and stowed within the truck bed. The side panels can be repositioned from a deployed position to a stowed position within the bed of the pickup truck.

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 roof apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second projecting members each mounted on a roof of the vehicle and each including an elongated shape. The first and second projecting members are arranged at first and second end portions of the vehicle in a width direction of the vehicle. A height of each of the first and second projecting members is equal to or greater than a height of an upper end of a boundary layer of an airflow flowing on the roof.

Abstract: A drag reducing device includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, so the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is sized for a minimal prominence when stowed.

Abstract: A drag reduction assembly is mountable on a vehicle or other object experiencing relative motion in a fluid environment. The assembly comprises at least one shell of flexible web material movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. In addition, the shell is configured to provide at least an outer flow surface in the deployed position (e.g., a curved surface) to reduce the effects of aerodynamic drag. In many embodiments, intake apertures such as NACA ducts may be provided to allow a portion of the flowing fluid into the shell. The flowing fluid will cause the shell to assume automatically the deployed position. In cases where fluid enters the shell, an exit location is provided in the shell to permit such fluid to exit and rejoin fluid on the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for affecting airflow in a gap between a lead vehicle and a connected trailing vehicle, includes a guide vane having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a gap side surface, and an outward facing surface, and a support apparatus mountable on a vehicle for supporting the guide vane in a vertical orientation relative to the vehicle with a space between the vehicle and the guide vane gap side surface and with at least a portion of the vane extending beyond an end of the vehicle. The flow guide divides an air flow at the trailing edge of a vehicle to avoid the creation of turbulence in the air flow as it encounters the gap between the vehicle and the trailing vehicle.

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 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: A vehicle rear outlet structure includes: an outer member constituting an outer surface of a rear vehicle body and defining a flow path space inside of the vehicle body; and a protrusion portion provided on an outer surface of the outer member to protrude in an outboard direction. The outer member is provided with an air outlet opening through which the flow path space and a space outside of the vehicle body communicate with each other. The protrusion portion is arranged forward of the air outlet opening in the vehicle longitudinal direction and continuously in a vertical direction of the vehicle, such that the flow of air flowing along the outer surface of the outer member sucks out air in the flow path space through the air outlet opening to an outboard side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.

Abstract: A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib.