Abstract: A method for reducing an amount of aerodynamic drag generated within a rear area of a vehicle may include attaching a plurality of devices to a surface of the vehicle, the plurality of devices being positioned such that at least two of the plurality of devices are parallel to each other, where each of the plurality of devices includes flat and tapered surface regions, the device is positioned in the rear area of the vehicle, and the at least two of the plurality of devices cause an air stream passing between the at least two of the plurality of devices to increase in speed before the air stream is turned inward to a vacuum formed behind the vehicle.

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: The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely 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 deflector for use with railcars and containers. The deflector may be used to retrofit railcars and other container to reduce aerodynamic drag. The deflector may be collapsible for use with stacked containers.

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, for example to occupy a portion of a gap area that exists between a tractor and an attached trailer or to extend from the rear of a 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 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 pivoting cover and cover system are shown and described. In some examples, a vehicle trailer system and a pivoting cab extender apparatus, system, kit, methods, and assembly for protecting the vehicle and vehicle parts while economically and safely covering a gap between the cab and the trailer are shown and described. In some examples the inventions may be considered a hinged wind deflector for minimizing a trailer gap and, also minimizing vehicle damage.

Abstract: A fairing assembly comprising: a support arm mountable to a frame rail of a vehicle, the support arm comprising a first portion having a first outwardly extending protrusion and a second portion adapted to be received by the first portion, the second portion comprising a distal portion; a fairing adapter adapted to mount a fairing to the support arm, the fairing adapter rotatably coupled to the support arm and rotatable from a first orientation corresponding to an aerodynamic position to a second orientation, the fairing adapter defining a first channel adapted to capture the first outwardly extending protrusion when the fairing adapter is in the first orientation to prevent second portion of the support arm from separating from the first portion of the support arm; and a releasable lock to lock the fairing adapter in the first orientation.

Abstract: A wheel spoiler arrangement, encompassing: a wheel spoiler carrier; a wheel spoiler received displaceably relative to the wheel spoiler carrier between inactive and active positions constituting operating positions; a motion guidance system between the carrier and the spoiler, a drive system to drive the spoiler between its operating positions, and an overload coupling that transfers force in a direction from the spoiler to the drive system up to a predetermined limit load; the overload coupling having a shiftable structure that is shiftable, between an effective position into which the structure is preloaded in a force-transferring engagement and a passive position in which position the force-transferring engagement is not possible; the shiftable structure being shiftable from the effective position into the passive position upon exceedance of the limit load resulting from a force acting on the spoiler.

Abstract: An air deflecting device for use on an underside of a motor vehicle in front of a vehicle wheel includes at least one air deflection member. The air deflection member includes at least two air deflection member parts which allow the width of the air deflection member in the transverse vehicle direction to be modified.

Abstract: A railway traction vehicle, in particular a locomotive, is provided for pulling at least one coupleable railway car, which may be a two-level car, having a car body with a car roof which defines a car height. The locomotive includes a vehicle body with a vehicle roof which defines a vehicle height. If the vehicle height is lower than the car height, a roof transition element is disposed on a rear-side end region of the vehicle body. Since the cross-sectional profile of the roof transition element expands from the front edge, which follows a contour line of the vehicle roof, to the rear edge, which follows a contour line of the car roof, the flow resistance in the transition region from the locomotive to the subsequent two-level car is reduced in a simple way, so that traction energy losses and vehicle noise can be reduced.

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: Various embodiments of an airfoil and machines with airfoils are disclosed. The airfoils include a thicker leading airfoil portion and a thinner trailing airfoil portion. In one embodiment, the leading airfoil portion is formed by bending a body of the airfoil back toward itself. In another embodiment, the leading airfoil portion has a solid geometry and includes two elliptic surfaces. To prevent detachment of airflow, the leading airfoil portion includes at least two arc portions or surfaces that act to direct the airflow down to the trailing airfoil portion in a manner that stabilizes vortexes that may form in the region of changing thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-adjusted side fairing assembly including a first side faring, a second side fairing, and biasing members. The first side fairing is adapted to be located at a trailing edge of a body on a lead vehicle. The second side fairing is adapted to be located at an opposing trailing edge of the body on the lead vehicle. The first and second side fairings have self-adjusting directional airflow characteristics in response to windward side and leeward side crosswind characteristics. The first and second side fairings are adapted so that trailing ends of the first and second side fairings pivot outward due to the effect of a high external pressure that is greater than high pressure threshold and generated by windward side crosswind characteristics.

Abstract: A back of cab enclosure which covers vertically mounted fuel tanks and manages airflow wherein laminar airflow is improved and turbulent airflow is decreased.

Abstract: A rear-end diffuser arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least one flap (16, 18; 32) mounted on a body part (10) of the motor vehicle (2) so as to be movable by at least one drive device (38). The flap (16, 18; 32) is movable from a retracted state into a deployed state and vice versa. The at least one flap (16, 18; 32) has a concavely curved surface facing toward the vehicle rear end (20).

Abstract: An active grille shutter system having a frame with a first side facing a vehicle exterior and a second side opposite the first side that generally faces a vehicle engine compartment. The frame also includes at least two opposing cross-sectional curvilinear sides that form part of a curvilinear opening to allow air to selectively pass through the frame from the first side to the second side. Multiple rotatable vanes are placed within the curvilinear opening in order to selectively block airflow through the frame member. During operation of the active grille shutter system the vanes do not extend beyond the perimeter of the curvilinear opening of the frame when in the open and closed position.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle roof fairing includes a channel bracket attachable to a roof of the vehicle, a lower fairing connected to the channel bracket, and an upper fairing removably connected to the lower fairing, the upper fairing selectively moveable between an operating position and a collapsed position. A front decking bracket is attached to the upper fairing, the front decking bracket connectable to the channel bracket when the upper fairing is arranged in the collapsed position, and detached from the channel bracket when the upper fairing is arranged in the operating position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a height adjustment device for a roof spoiler which is able to enhance aerodynamic performance of a vehicle. The height of the roof spoiler can be adjusted with an easier operation. Any height difference between a roof of a vehicle body and a container box can be effectively reduced by increasing the height adjustment amount of the roof spoiler, thereby enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable deflector apparatus for a side step of a vehicle may include a drive device, a side deflector operated by power transmitted from the drive device, the side deflector configured to be received in the side step when the side deflector is not deployed and to be perpendicularly drawn out downwards from the side step when the side deflector is deployed, thus improving aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, and a front deflector connecting a front end of the side step with a front end of the side deflector, the front deflector being kept folded when the side deflector is not deployed and configured to be unfolded to cover a lower portion of the front end of the side step when the side deflector is deployed, thus improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A driver prompting braking system includes a detection device adapted to sense at least one object in front of the vehicle; a detection system interfacing with the detection device, the detection system adapted to detect the at least one object; and a brake coaching system interfacing with the detection system, the brake coaching system adapted to determine a brake application timing for an operator of the vehicle to avoid the object and optimize fuel economy of the vehicle. A driver prompting braking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially flat fronted vehicle (10) such as a truck is provided with adjustable air deflector blades (24A-24D). The air deflector blades (24A-24D) provide upper (24A 24C) and lower (24B 24D) air deflector blades vertically mounted above one another and providing a gap (32) around the windscreen (8). The air deflector blades (24A-24D) are arcuate sheets in form and each supported by support arms (26) comprising vertically hinged first (38) and second (40) connected spring loaded arms that are urged to spring open but are held a selected angle and distance from the vehicle (10) front face (22) by wire rope length selection means and are thusly adjusted to promote least aerodynamic drag. Use on rail vehicles is also included. The apparatus has the unexpected effect of actually reducing forward vehicle aerodynamic drag in the presence of crosswinds.

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: A mounting system is provided that mounts a fairing to the cab of a semi-tractor in a manner that hides the fasteners from view. The mounting system provides quicker assembly and disassembly among others. The mounting system may include anchor pins at one end section of the transition fairing, a single mounting screw at the opposite end section of the transition fairing, and one or more fasteners of the Snaploc® type at the mid-section of the transition fairing. Each of the couplings interface with a suitable corresponding bracket, etc, in order to mount the fairing to the associated surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible truck trailer comprises an upper container that houses, and is slidably engaged with, a primary container via a lifting mechanism and vertical guide rails. The lifting mechanism changes trailer between a collapsed configuration wherein the upper container completely houses the primary container, and an extended configuration wherein the upper container is completely above the primary container. The vertical guide rails comprise a vertical c-channel fixed to the upper container that is slidably engaged with a complementary vertical rail fixed to the primary container. The lifting mechanism includes a series of intersecting lift arms driving by a motor and actuator. An automatically adjusting wind guard covers the front side of the upper container to reduce wind drag. The wind guard has a base portion connected to the truck roof and a flat portion having a terminal end that rests upon the upper container.

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 system using pairs of symmetrical aerodynamic devices (1) and (2) that affects the axial, the lateral response and handling of road vehicles. The symmetrical, dihedral revolving surfaces are controlled in an active and adaptive way, and are deployed independently, or in tandem, as a result of the drivers' control inputs (steering and braking), affecting the formation of the trailing vortices generated by the vehicle. Depending on the rotation of the devices, about axes (16) and (17), the concave and/or the convex sides of the aerodynamic surfaces, which are created by the dihedral angle (9), are exposed to the on-coming air flow. Their angular positioning, their orientation, and the semi-permeable condition of their central cavities (13), via the central cavity relief openings (11) and holes (14), determine the generation of drag and side forces differentially, by affecting the formation of the trailing vortices, and thus affecting the vehicles' handling.

Abstract: A truck includes a frame, an operator cab on the frame and a drive axle having a differential. The differential can be connected to a drive shaft. A fairing for directing air flow around the differential is attached to the frame forward of the drive axle and forward of the differential. The fairing can have a non-deflected position and a deflected position.

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. The frame has a contour that allows air flow smoothly about the frame. A cover including a panel (18) or a coiled sheet (118) is movable through the frame to cover the opening. A motor (50) operated by a controller (80) moves the panels or sheets to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator. The frame and the panel or sheet facilitate smoother air flow over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on it while still allowing air flow into the radiator.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for use on transport vehicles includes a delta wing having variable height and irregularly spaced undulations on an upper surface of each side of the wing. A length of each side of the delta wing is different than the length of the other wing side thereof.

Abstract: One or more airfoils, mounted above the upper surface of an automobile or other vehicle, optionally with variable angle of attack and/or camber, under the continuous automatic control of the vehicle's computer (electronic control module), for the purpose of providing well-distributed vertical thrust with minimum drag, or strong downward thrust with drag, depending on driving circumstances, thereby increasing the safety of the vehicle as well as improving its efficiency and performance.

Abstract: An air flow control assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed that includes an air dam component at the front of the vehicle, typically mounted to the front bumper, which extends substantially across the width of the bumper. It includes a rearwardly extending generally planar surface that is configured to underlie the interior space at the front of the vehicle as well as an engine compartment underpanel which is coupled to that air dam and underlies the vehicle engine compartment.

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. The frame has a contour that allows air flow smoothly about the frame. A cover including a panel (18) or a coiled sheet (118) is movable through the frame to cover the opening. A motor (50) operated by a controller (80) moves the panels or sheets to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator. The frame and the panel or sheet facilitate smoother air flow over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on it while still allowing air flow into the radiator.

Abstract: A truck has a cabin, the cabin having, a roof and air 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, air air passage is created in front of the space. In the first position, the air passage is closed or substantially closed.

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: 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: 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: An adjustable air-deflecting panel for mounting to a vehicle comprises at least one panel; a plurality of mounts for mounting the panel to the vehicle, each mount comprising a vehicle mount portion for mounting to the vehicle and a panel mount portion for mounting the panel to the vehicle mount portion, the mount portions being pivotally coupled to one another to thereby pivotally couple the panel to the vehicle, the vehicle mount portion comprising a first engagement member and the panel mount portion comprising a second engagement member, the engagement members being operable to engage one another upon clamping the engagement members together to thereby prevent pivoting of the panel about the pivot axis and relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: The air guiding device has one or more air guiding bodies. Each air guiding body has an elongate attachment that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle that bulges in a convex manner, is composed of a flexible or soft-elastic material and is embodied in the form of a half shell having a lateral elongate opening and can be adjusted automatically in the driving condition from a rest position into an operative position, in which it can be lowered in the direction of the roadway. In the rest position, the air guiding body is arranged close to the undersurface and, in the operative position, the air guiding body is held in a lowered position relative to the undersurface.

Abstract: An air guide device, especially an extendable and retractable rear spoiler on a motor vehicle, with an adjustable air guide element and at least one, also adjustable, flow element designed as an underflow guard. The flow element is designed as a component separate from the air guide element and is connected to it by an adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: One or more drag reducing deflector systems provide aerodynamic drag reduction during crosswind flow (CF) conditions including zero crosswind flow conditions. Embodiments of the drag reducing deflector system may also be utilized to assist braking of a 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 tractor cabin includes a frame with an upper cabin portion, a front cabin portion, a rear cabin portion and side cabin portions and at least one fairing connected to the frame. The at least one fairing includes at least one air deflector. The deflector is adjustable in its tilt angle with respect to the frame. The deflector includes a deflector body with a variable deflection along a longitudinal elongation of the deflector body. An air deflector is also provided.

Abstract: A fail-safe air flap control apparatus for a vehicle includes a coolant temperature sensor, a control unit, an actuator, a movable unit, a flap unit, an elastic member and a solenoid unit. The coolant temperature sensor measures the temperature of a coolant. The control unit compares a value measured by the sensor to a reference value and generates a corresponding control signal. The actuator has a rotator which rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the control signal. The movable unit linearly moves under rotational force of the rotator. The flap unit includes a flap housing having an air flow slot, a flap door mounted to the flap housing to openably close the air flow slot, and a connecting rod connected to the movable unit. The elastic member applies elastic force to the movable unit in a direction in which the flap door opens.

Abstract: The tractor and trailer fairing apparatus providing a fairing of sorts that is fitted between the tractor and trailer. The apparatus side sections are automatically adjustable in length and can also be locked in a desired length. The second panel of the side sections and trailer towed by the tractor are fitted with a tracking assembly that sees the side panels follow the trailer during driving, whether straight or in turns, and ensuring that no wind enters the sides of the tractor/trailer union. Further, the optional telescopic spoiler prevents air entry from above. The apparatus not only prevents buffeting but also serves to increase fuel mileage.

Abstract: An air dam which provides at least one panel which operates between an open condition and a closed condition in the open space established between a truck coupled to a trailer to alter a part of an air stream generated about the truck-trailer during travel.

Abstract: In a rear end of the vehicle body, an assembly carrier which is arranged in the vehicle transverse direction is inserted between inner body-side side parts of the vehicle rear end. The assembly carrier holds pre-assemblable components and to which assembly carrier is fastened a rear-end trim panel and which assembly carrier is fixedly connected to the two inner side parts by screw devices and forms a stiffening body cross member.

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 wing element (W) on the spoiler (S) of a motor vehicle is characterized in that the lower side (U?, U?) of the wing element is provided in a manner to substantially planar below a limit speed and therefore has a small end surface in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and an aerodynamic profiling of the lower side, and therefore an increased end surface, is provided above said limit speed.