Abstract: A fairing includes a first part including a wall having and a top flange extending from the wall. A second part of the fairing includes a body and a bottom flange extending from the body. The bottom flange is configured to engage the top flange to couple the second part to the first part.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for autonomous vehicle control includes determining whether a cargo container is attached to the vehicle base. The method includes controlling a front shield associated with an autonomous vehicle to move from a closed position to an opened position when a cargo container is determined to be attached to a vehicle base associated with the autonomous vehicle. The method includes controlling the front shield to move from the opened position to the closed position when the cargo container is not attached to the vehicle base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energy efficient mobility are provided. The method may include identifying a vehicle moving on a road, calculating a first energy required to complete a trip, determining a size of an air pocket zone of the vehicle, calculating a second energy required to transition to the air pocket zone of the vehicle and to complete the trip in the air pocket zone of the vehicle, and transitioning to the air pocket zone of the vehicle if the second energy is more energy efficient than the first energy.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting an air deflector on a roof of a truck cabin to an optimal position when the truck is connected to a trailer, where the system comprises an air deflector, an electric actuator, and an electronic control unit, where the system further comprises a handheld device provided with stored information of different truck types and a table for different truck-trailer combinations, where the handheld device is adapted to determine a value corresponding to the height of the trailer and a value corresponding to the distance between the truck and the trailer, to determine a set value for the actuator based on the values and the stored information, and to send the set value to the electronic control unit, where the electronic control unit is adapted to set the air deflector in an optimal position by adjusting the actuator in dependency of the set value.

Abstract: A fairing includes a first part including a wall having and a top flange extending from the wall. A second part of the fairing includes a body and a bottom flange extending from the body. The bottom flange is configured to engage the top flange to couple the second part to the first part.

Abstract: A vehicle cab access assembly for easier and safer egress and ingress includes a step fairing, which is mountable to a respective side of a vehicle, such as a cab over engine vehicle, so that the step fairing is positioned below a door positioned in a cab of the vehicle. The step fairing comprises three steps and facilitates egress and ingress to the cab of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air guiding element, in particular a cooling air louver for an air inlet of a motor vehicle body, with a flat main body and with a bearing region. The air guiding element is arranged such that it can be pivoted by way of its bearing region about a pivot axis. The flat main body is formed from two shells, and with a carrier element which is arranged between the shells. The carrier element is molded between the two shells by an injection molding method such that the two shells are connected to one another in this way.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a deployable fairing system to a tractor trailer. The deployable fairing system includes an actuator used to extend the deployable fairing from an unextended configuration to an extended configuration to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer. The deployable fairing includes deployable upper and/or lower horizontal assemblies that are pivotally coupled to a frame attached to the tractor/cab, and two side panels that are pivotally coupled to one or both of the upper and lower horizontal assemblies. The deployable upper and lower horizontal assemblies and the two side panels fold in on one another along multiple hinged axes in the unextended configuration, and extend rearward from the top and sides of the tractor in the extended configuration to cover a portion of the gap. The fairing may advantageously flair from front to the rear.

Abstract: A trailer truck is the combination of a truck and one or more trailers used to haul freight. A trailer attaches to the truck via a trailer coupling (hitch), with much of its weight borne by the truck. The result is that both the truck and the trailer will have a distinctly different design than a rigid truck and trailer. Exemplary vehicles are provided, such as heavy duty trucks having truck bodies with improved aerodynamic characteristics, including improved drag coefficients.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrified vehicle configured to address an excess braking request, such as a braking request in excess of what can be met by an energy recovery mechanism, by selectively increasing the drag of the electrified vehicle. A corresponding method is also disclosed. An example electrified vehicle includes an energy recovery mechanism, an actuator configured to adjust a position of a moveable component influencing a drag of the electrified vehicle, and a controller. The controller is configured to instruct the energy recovery mechanism to meet a braking request and, when the braking request cannot be met by the energy recovery mechanism, the controller is configured to instruct the actuator to adjust the position of the moveable component to increase the drag of the electrified vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a moveable panel, such as a fairing, of a vehicle, such as a semi-truck. For a number of reasons, it may be desirable to gain access to the area behind the fairing, for example, to access batteries, air/gas tanks, auxiliary power units, and/or other components that are mounted to the vehicle frame. In order to move the fairing with respect to the vehicle frame, one or more examples of a mounting system are provided that enables the fairing to pivot/swing away from the vehicle frame in a first direction (e.g., forward toward the front wheel). In some embodiments, the fairing may also pivot/swing away from the frame in a second direction (e.g., rearward toward the rear wheels) opposite the first direction. This multiple pivoting/swinging movement of the fairing enables access to different locations behind the fairing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a deployable fairing system to a tractor trailer. The deployable fairing system includes an actuator used to extend the deployable fairing from an unextended configuration to an extended configuration to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer. The deployable fairing includes deployable upper and/or lower horizontal assemblies that are pivotally coupled to a frame attached to the tractor/cab, and two side panels that are pivotally coupled to one or both of the upper and lower horizontal assemblies. The deployable upper and lower horizontal assemblies and the two side panels fold in on one another along multiple hinged axes in the unextended configuration, and extend rearward from the top and sides of the tractor in the extended configuration to cover a portion of the gap. The fairing may advantageously flair from front to the rear.

Abstract: A vehicle camera mounting system includes, among other things, a first bracket portion that has a first attachment feature that is configured to be secured to an exterior of a vehicle. The first bracket portion extends laterally from the first attachment feature to a second attachment feature. The first attachment feature is provided by a plate that has apertures that are configured to receive fasteners that secure the first bracket portion to the vehicle. The second attachment feature is configured to mount to the vehicle at a location remote from the plate. The system further includes a camera assembly that is secured to the second attachment feature.

Abstract: The inventor, Cleo McCoy Jr. provides a unique, sleeper unit giving commercial tractor day cab truck operators an option to upgrade their day cab from a sleeping birth to a roomy sleeper unit that retracts and expands. The Retractable Day Cab Sleeper is designed for truck operators who find sleeping births and birth modifications inadequate but don't want to upgrade to a permanent sleeper modification. The Retractable Day Cab Sleeper can also be installed and uninstalled using common tools with no modifications to the existing truck.

Abstract: An environmental air cleaning device for a road vehicle removes dust, particulate matter, and/or gases from environmental air. The environmental air cleaning device has one or more filter elements. The environmental air cleaning device is provided with a mounting device that rigidly couples to a vehicle-side mounting device for roof loads. A road vehicle with such an environmental air cleaning device is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer assembly includes a moveable bracket or frame member mounted to a trailer at a location outboard from one or more rear wheels of the trailer; and at least one undercarriage skirt wall at least partially affixed to the moveable bracket or frame member positioned along a bottom portion of a trailer. The at least one undercarriage skirt wall is selectively positioned laterally around the one or more rear wheels of the trailer, and the at least one undercarriage skirt wall is retractable in at least one direction to expose a portion of an underside of the trailer and/or the one or more rear wheels of the trailer. Another vehicle trailer assembly includes at least one undercarriage skirt wall positioned on a bottom side portion of the trailer. The at least one undercarriage skirt wall may be made of a pliable material.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes at least one front ground-engaging member, at least one rear ground-engaging member, and a frame assembly extending along a longitudinal axis and supported by the at least one front ground-engaging member and the at least one rear ground-engaging member. The utility vehicle also includes an operator area supported by the frame assembly and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame assembly. The powertrain assembly includes at least an engine and a gearbox operably coupled to the engine. The utility vehicle also includes a cooling assembly fluidly coupled to at least the engine and supported by a front portion of the frame assembly. The cooling assembly includes a radiator with a lower portion positioned forward of an upper portion of the radiator.

Abstract: A fairing configured to be positioned on a roof of a vehicle. The fairing has a forward end and a rearward end. The fairing comprises a flow controlling outer body defining a central forward opening. The fairing includes at least one actuatable panel movably coupled to the flow controlling outer body and a central body aligned with the central forward opening of the flow controlling outer body. At least one air channel open to the central forward opening that extends between the at least one actuatable panel and the central body. The fairing includes at least one actuator configured to move the at least one actuatable panel through a plurality of positions to direct an air flow along at least one of 1) the at least one air channel and 2) an outboard side of the at least one actuatable panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wind deflector adapted for use with a truck pulling a trailer in conventional towing arrangement, with a towing hitch attached to the rear of the truck. The wind deflector has a panel that extends at an angle behind the rear end of the truck, such that the deflector panel acts as a wind deflecting surface that reduces the gap between the truck and the trailer and improves aerodynamic drag. The invention also provides an inclinable truck bed tailgate that can support the deflector. Tailgate can also be adapted for storing the deflector when not in wind deflecting position, and to extend the deflector for towing. The deflector can comprise multiple panel portions that can be folded together. The deflector brings fuel economy in the order of 18% with the truck and trailer vehicle combination, thereby lowering the environmentally harmful emissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air deflector configuration that can be fabricated into the construction of a new truck or trailer container or secured to the rear face of a flat rear box-like end of trucks and trailers as an attachment, with the aim of reducing aerodynamic resistance and correspondingly the fuel consumption of land vehicles used for the transportation of such containers.

Abstract: A tractor and trailer coupled together in a tandem towing relationship is provided with a Retractable Air Flow Gate System attached to the tractor which aerodynamically reduces the drag and turbulence on such combination by closing the gap between the cab of the tractor and trailer. The rack is attached to the support frame which is bolted to the tractor frame. The Retractable Air Flow Gate System is attached to the rack. The top adjustable hinges and bottom adjustable hinges are attached to the rack on one side and attached to the extrusions on the opposite side. The two electric gear driven motors are embedded in the top of the extrusions, they are powered by the electrical system from the tractor, this is what operates the air foil gates to open and close. The bottom adjustable hinges support the extrusions, air foil gates and rubber strips.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a deployable fairing system to a tractor trailer. The deployable fairing system includes an actuator used to extend the deployable fairing from an unextended configuration to an extended configuration to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer. The deployable fairing includes deployable upper and/or lower horizontal assemblies that are pivotally coupled to a frame attached to the tractor/cab, and two side panels that are pivotally coupled to one or both of the upper and lower horizontal assemblies. The deployable upper and lower horizontal assemblies and the two side panels fold in on one another along multiple hinged axes in the unextended configuration, and extend rearward from the top and sides of the tractor in the extended configuration to cover a portion of the gap. The fairing may advantageously flair from front to the rear.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable aerodynamic air drag reducing apparatus for reducing the air drag of a vehicle, the retractable aerodynamic air drag reducing apparatus being adapted to move between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration on a basis of a signal from the vehicle.

Abstract: A fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle is disclosed. The fairing assembly includes a fairing and a mounting system for mounting the fairing on a frame of the commercial vehicle. The mounting system includes a first mounting bracket assembly mounted on the fairing and a second mounting bracket assembly configured to be mounted on the frame. The mounting system is configured to hold the fairing in a covering position for laterally covering at least a major portion of a wheel of the commercial vehicle and allow the fairing and the first mounting bracket assembly to pivot from the covering position into an intermediate position and translationally move along the second mounting bracket assembly in a transverse direction of the commercial vehicle from the intermediate position into a stowed position in which the fairing rests on the second mounting bracket assembly via the first mounting bracket assembly.

Abstract: A semitrailer underbody screen and wheel-set fairing kit comprises several panels and fairings for retrofitting on conventional semitrailers. A sectioned panel like fish scales covers the dozens of transverse I-beam cross-members positioned underneath conventional enclosed trailer floors, and carries on down the length of the underbody. A v-hull air deflector is set just beneath these panel covers, ahead of the semitrailer's undercarriage, suspension and tandem rear axle wheels. Such v-hull air deflector splits and aerodynamically “flows” the air being pushed ahead outwards to the sides and around the wheels. The tandem rear axle wheels themselves are completely boxed inside full fenders that cowl over the front, sides, top, and rear. Removable access panels are provided on the outsides of the full fender units for wheel and tire maintenance. The result is significantly less wind drag and noise at highway cruising speeds. Less drag means better fuel economy for the tractor operator.

Abstract: The aerodynamic skirt assembly for attachment to a 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 transverse structural support members. A rear exhaust fairing may be located aft of the vented skirt fairing and coupled to one or more transverse structural support members.

Abstract: A side-skirt system for a vehicle includes first and second side-skirts. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first body end facing oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion, an opposing second body end, and first and second lateral body sides spanning a distance between the two body ends. The vehicle also includes at least one first road wheel proximate the first body end and at least one second road wheel proximate the second body end. The first and second side-skirts are mounted to the respective first and second lateral body sides between the respective first and second road wheels and configured to adjust respective magnitudes of aerodynamic disturbance at the lateral body sides when the vehicle is in motion. The system also includes a mechanism configured to shift the first and second side-skirts relative to the vehicle body and adjust the respective magnitudes of aerodynamic disturbance.

Abstract: A system for reducing drag on a vehicle body moving through fluid includes a sensor mounted on the vehicle body for measuring data adjacent to the vehicle body surface, an eddy disrupter element mounted on the vehicle body for motion to a transverse position relative to the plane of the vehicle body surface and a processor for facilitating a comparative analysis of the measured data with a threshold condition to determine if the threshold condition is satisfied, wherein the threshold condition is associated with drag resulting from the vehicle body movement through the fluid that can be reduced by the motion of the eddy disrupter element to a transverse position relative to the plane of the vehicle body surface and wherein the element is responsive to satisfaction of the threshold condition.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for reducing aerodynamic drag at a trailing end of a moving bluff body includes a first and a second panel, which are movable connected to each other to move together from a collapsed to an extended configuration. At least one bias element is provided for exerting a spring force to the first panel structure to support the movement of the panels. The bias element includes a bendable spring rod. The spring rod extends along a curvature in a pre-tensioned condition in between the first and second panel from a back region B of the drag reducing device to a front region F of the drag reducing device, such that the spring rod exerts a spring force to the panel structure. The spring rod effectively supports at least one panel, while at the same time maintains a simple and reliable configuration of the drag reducing device.

Abstract: A hood air extractor includes a support defining a first passageway. A first flap is carried on the support. The first flap is displaceable between a first position closing the first passageway to water passage in a first direction and a second position opening the first passageway to air passage in a second direction. A hood assembly incorporating one or more hood air extractors is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device includes an inflatable member convertible between a deflated position and an inflated position at a speed certain. When in the inflated position, the inflatable member on the aerodynamic device extends between the cabin wall on a vehicle and a leading wall on a container supported by a trailer towed by the vehicle. The inflatable member fills a gap ordinarily between the cabin wall and trailer to encourage laminar flow as truck hauls trailer through an air stream. The encouragement of laminar flow reduces drag which results in increase fuel economy for the truck's engine, amongst other advantages.

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: A method for increasing the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle includes monitoring operating condition of a vehicle, determining if a pre-selected event has occurred with respect to the operating condition of the vehicle, communicating a spacing value to a moving device and adjusting a spacing between a cab and a trailer of the vehicle based on the communicated spacing value.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for a trailer includes an inflatable member coupled to a rear wall on a trailer adapted to inflate rearwardly therefrom to reduce drag as the trailer is towed forwardly. The aerodynamic device further includes an air intake scoop mounted beneath the rear wall of the trailer in fluid communication the inflatable member for filling the inflatable member with air as the trailer moves forward.

Abstract: An aerodynamic gooseneck trailer includes a leading end configuration that provides an aerodynamically efficient shape, and a main body portion including substantially vertically oriented sidewalls that are curved, and a roof section that is narrower than the floor section.

Abstract: This method of reducing the drag between coupled vehicles is designed to improve the aerodynamics of coupled vehicles by enclosing the gap between the coupled vehicles with a series of overlapping panels. The panels are attached to the leading vehicle and adjust along the top and sides of the trailing vehicle as the vehicle moves and turns so that while turning the gap between the leading vehicle and trailing vehicle remains enclosed.

Abstract: An aerodynamic component is provided in the form of one or more ground skirt sections attached to one or more underbody fairings (e.g., trailer side skirts, tractor side fairings, etc.) of a vehicle. In use, the ground effects skirt sections improve air flow underneath the vehicle, thereby reducing drag.

Abstract: Provided is an aerodynamic drag reduction apparatus for reducing aerodynamic drag on an over-the-road vehicle while underway. The aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a frame assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a cargo-carrying portion of the over-the-road vehicle to couple the drag reduction apparatus to the over-the-road vehicle. First and second skirts are adapted to be supported beneath opposite lateral sides of the cargo-carrying portion of the over-the-road vehicle by arcuate rails. The first and second skirts are coupled to the frame assembly in a manner that allows thermal expansion and contraction of the first and second skirts relative to the frame assembly without warping of material forming an air-deflecting surface of the first and second skirts to an extent that would otherwise occur if the first and second skirts were fixedly connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A fairing mounting assembly for securing a fairing to a vehicle includes a fairing locator assembly having at least one fairing locator securable to an interior surface of a forward portion of a fairing, wherein the at least one fairing locator has a predetermined size and shape. The fairing mounting assembly further includes a locator attachment assembly securable to a portion of a vehicle that has at least one isolator receptacle that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to the predetermined size and shape of the at least one fairing locator. The fairing mounting assembly further includes a rear fairing attachment assembly configured to secure an aft portion of the fairing to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a side skirt of a truck may include a bracket, a striker, an upper bracket, through which a first push button hole is formed, a main plate having a first plate through which a second push hole is formed and a pair of second plates integrally formed with the first plate; a push button inserted and mounted to the first push button hole of the upper bracket and the second push button hole of the main plate; a latch pivotally connected to a rear end of the push button and rotatably mounted between the second plates of the main plate, a locking spring connected to a lower end of the first plate of the main plate, and a hinge unit that serves as a center of rotation about which an upper end portion of the side skirt is rotated outward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an aerodynamic drag reducing device for an articulated road vehicle; the articulated road vehicle comprising a tractor unit and a trailer unit, with the trailer tractor unit pivotably connectable to the tractor unit such that a gap is formed intermediate the tractor unit and the trailer unit when the trailer unit is connected to the tractor unit; the aerodynamic drag reducing device comprising an inflatable enclosure (2)attached to a support framework (10); the support framework (10) being mountable on a rearward facing portion of the tractor unit or on a forward facing portion of the trailer unit, so as to retain the inflatable enclosure (2) in the gap intermediate the tractor unit and the trailer unit; the inflatable enclosure (2) being made of a flexible material; wherein, the inflatable enclosure (2) comprises an outer wall (3) and an inner wall (4) spaced apart and defining an air-receiving cavity therebetween; and, the outer wall (3) and inner wall (4) being cur

Abstract: An active and passive boundary layer control system and method for reducing boundary layer separation and the resulting form drag from ground vehicles. Tubings with multiple venturis connected in series are attached to the side and/or roof of the ground vehicle. A flow of compressed air is created by an engine auxiliary, e.g., a turbocharger or a supercharger, or by a designated blower and injected into the tubings. Suction created by the venturis actively removes decelerated fluid from the boundary layer and keeps the boundary layer flow attached. Optionally, the system exhausts the air in concentrated free jets along the vehicle body to a series of passive boundary layer control devices, such as vortex generators.

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 cowling assembly (10) is installed about the radiator (R) of a vehicle (V). A frame (12) fits about the radiator and defines an opening through which air can flow into the radiator. A rack and pinion drive (600) for moving a sheet (618) over the frame to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator, the frame and sheet producing a smoother flow of air over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on the vehicle while still allowing air flow into the radiator.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a side skirt of a truck may include a bracket, a striker, an upper bracket, through which a first push button hole is formed, a main plate having a first plate through which a second push hole is formed and a pair of second plates integrally formed with the first plate; a push button inserted and mounted to the first push button hole of the upper bracket and the second push button hole of the main plate; a latch pivotally connected to a rear end of the push button and rotatably mounted between the second plates of the main plate, a locking spring connected to a lower end of the first plate of the main plate, and a hinge unit that serves as a center of rotation about which an upper end portion of the side skirt is rotated outward.

Abstract: A truck for pulling a semi-trailer includes an operator cab positioned on a frame and a fifth wheel mounted on the frame for receiving an underside of the semi-trailer. The trailer when attached to the truck defines a gap between a forward most portion of the semi-trailer and rearward most portion of the operator cab. A fairing can be located on the frame, aft of the operator cab and forward of at least a portion of the fifth wheel. The fairing can block at least a portion of the air flow attempting to enter the gap from below the frame.

Abstract: Aspects provide for an engine and an aftertreatment system coupled to the engine and configured to treat an exhaust stream from the engine. The engine may be incorporated into a mobile piece of equipment (e.g., a truck). A fairing may be shaped to improve air flow during motion by reducing air resistance created by the aftertreatment system.

Abstract: A drag reduction device for a truck, comprising a vortex generator. The drag reduction device is arranged to cooperate with a front portion of the truck such that, in use, the vortex generator generates a vortex which is capable of suppressing a wake formed along a side of the truck.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vortex-generating system for a moving object that has a trailing edge. The system includes a first blade coupled to the object and positioned proximate the trailing edge, a second blade coupled to the object, positioned proximate the trailing edge, and spaced apart from the first blade. The first and second blade cooperate to induce an outwardly directed vortical flow of air away from the trailing edge of the object.

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.