Aerodynamic Patents (Class 296/181.5)
  • Patent number: 11148734
    Abstract: An air ride trailer floor and method to provide shock isolation for cargo of a trailer, A plurality of air bags are preferably provided and are attached atop or above a trailer frame and one or more air ride floors are attached to a top of the plurality of air bags such that cargo which rests on the one or more air ride floors receive not only shock isolation from a road surface due to the conventional suspension system of the trailer (if any), but also receive additional shock isolation through the air ride floor. The stiffness of the isolation of the air ride floor can be adjusted by adjusting pressure of gas within the plurality of air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: M & W Cloud Flooring of Texas, LLC
    Inventor: Judson Williamson
  • Patent number: 10538280
    Abstract: A minimal fairing apparatus minimally shielding the faster-moving drag-sensitive uppermost wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces overall vehicle drag. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Garth L. Magee
  • Patent number: 9827932
    Abstract: A bumper having at least one embossment being formed extending counter to the vehicle traveling direction and the embossment having a base surface, a rear face, an internal inner face, and an external inner face. The base surface is formed as a step and the rear face has at least one first vent hole. The first vent hole is connected to a vent passage and the vent passage comprises a vent passage longitudinal axis that forms an acute angle with the vehicle traveling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhold Niesner, Gerald Kuehn, Artur Denich
  • Patent number: 9821860
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an air duct between a front wheel housing and a side wall of the motor vehicle, the air duct extends between an inwardly directed embossment of the side wall and a wheel housing cover which partially covers the embossment externally at a distance therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorsten Haas, Tim Dietrich
  • Patent number: 9056636
    Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle trailer is described that includes a shelf component that extends from the rear wall of the trailer and that defines a sloped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SmartTruck Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lorenzo Henderson, Stephen Alfred Wulff
  • Patent number: 9039069
    Abstract: This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear cargo body, having doors that swing open, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The embodiments provide an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the structure reduces drag, yet enables access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position allows access to the rear for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors, allows the doors to be folded through a 270-degree arc, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using actuators and/or linkages that tie the folding and deployment of panels of the structure together. This allows selective folding and deployment of the structure without undue effort or strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Charles M. Horrell, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jonathan R. Feldman, Alexander R. Bruccoleri
  • Patent number: 9016763
    Abstract: A car having a frame, which supports a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, a passenger compartment, at least one pair of doors, and an underbody which delimits the car on the lower side, faces the road surface, and has an aerodynamic diffuser, which is arranged in a rear position and is provided with a chute having a height with respect to the road surface that progressively increases when longitudinally moving from the front to the rear. The underbody can include a pair of aerodynamic channels, each of which extends longitudinally, leads to the aerodynamic diffuser, is open on the lower side towards the road surface, has a shape of an upside-down ā€œUā€ in its transverse section and is open underneath towards the road surface and has, in its transverse section, an area that progressively increases when longitudinally moving from the front to the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Patent number: 8960771
    Abstract: The invention is a vehicle for ground transportation that is an aerodynamic shell attached to wheels. The aerodynamic shell is shaped according to airship technology and is elevated such that air flow around the shell is like air flow would be for that shell in flight. The elevation is accomplished with attached structure and attached wheels. Wheels at each side of the vehicle are arranged in wheel trains that are filled in and streamlined to form secondary aerodynamic units, with space between wheels used for equipment. The invention requires changing the position of the engine from its usual place that is low and at the front of the vehicle to a very different position that is high and at the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: James Kenneth Bullis
  • Patent number: 8926001
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo body having a roof that is deformable. The deformable roof can be placed in a neutral position, where the deformable roof forms substantially a flat surface parallel to a floor of the cargo body, or in at least one aerodynamic position, where at least a rear portion of the deformable roof is lowered with respect to the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventors: Paolo Ballarin, Thomas Reiche
  • Patent number: 8896698
    Abstract: A vehicle camera mount has a bracket, a support arm, and a camera housing. The bracket is used to fasten the support arm to a vehicle. The camera housing is connected to the support arm, the camera housing contains a camera, and the camera housing has a wind resistance reducing aerodynamic profile configured to reduce wind resistance by the camera housing as the vehicle is moving. The support arm is configured to support the camera housing to the vehicle so that the camera housing is above a front fender of the vehicle and alongside a hood of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Velvac Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert R. Brester
  • Patent number: 8870266
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Iinuma, Hideyuki Kawamata, Makoto Iijima
  • Publication number: 20140265432
    Abstract: A boundary layer control system includes a boundary layer separating portion that separates a boundary layer of an airflow at an underside of a body of a moving object from a main flow of the airflow, and an ejecting portion that ejects fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, between the boundary layer and the main flow that have been separated by the boundary layer separating portion. This boundary layer control system is characterized in that boundary layer and the main flow are reliably separated by the fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, so the percentage of the main flow that is slowed down (i.e., reduced in velocity) by the boundary layer is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukihide Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140265437
    Abstract: Aerodynamically configured trailers are provided with a downwardly slanted top surface section positioned at the rear of the trailer. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. Aerodynamically configured trailers are also provided that maintain standard cargo capacity in a first configuration, and can convert to a reduced cargo capacity in a second configuration. In some examples, a rear roll-up door of one or more configurations is provided to facilitate loading/unloading, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Patent number: 8814251
    Abstract: Under covers for a vehicle body are attached to a lower surface of the vehicle body in such a manner that, as seen in a direction of travel of a vehicle, the under covers are arranged at positions in front of rear wheels and in at least a rear half of a lower surface of the vehicle body. Recessed grooves are formed in pairs in a surface of an under cover body that faces a road surface, and are arranged so as face each other across a widthwise center of the vehicle, and gradually approach closer to each other as they extend rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Rear ends of these grooves are located between the left and right rear wheels and are directed to the widthwise center of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shohei Matsuyama, Daisuke Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8807629
    Abstract: An air dam is provided which includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a flexible lower portion. The upper portion is affixed to the underside of a vehicle. The intermediate portion is integral to the upper portion. The flexible lower portion is affixed to the upper portion. The intermediate portion of the air dam is operatively configured to structurally support the flexible intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Corporation
    Inventors: Guido Benvenuto, Geoff Brooks, Aaron Boyer
  • Publication number: 20140202782
    Abstract: An air outlet is formed on each side surface of a front cowl covering a front portion of a vehicle body. The air outlet is located near and on the front side of a middle position defined by the half of the longitudinal length L of the front cowl. Left and right air inlets are formed near a headlight provided on the front surface of the front cowl. A running wind is introduced into the air inlets, passed through the inside of the front cowl, and discharged from the air outlets. The running wind flowing inside the front cowl is disturbed by the running wind discharged from the air outlets, thereby separating the running wind from each side surface of the front cowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Tsukui
  • Patent number: 8731781
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Prentice
  • Patent number: 8684447
    Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle trailer is described that further includes a shelf component. The shelf component is separate from the rain gutter component. The shelf component extends from the rear wall of the trailer and includes a sloped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: SmartTruck Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lorenzo Henderson, Stephen Alfred Wulff
  • Patent number: 8651547
    Abstract: A system for reducing the air resistance of a truck, particularly an articulated vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a cargo space that is limited downward by a loading floor and in the height thereof by a roof wall spaced apart therefrom. The aim is to provide a system that minimizes the face area of the truck and thus the fuel consumption in dependence on the actual cargo space used. According to one embodiment, the roof wall is height-adjustable opposite the loading floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: JosĆ© Manuel AlgĆ¼era Gallego
  • Patent number: 8573680
    Abstract: Trailers, such as semi-trailers, having configurations that improve the aerodynamic efficiency thereof are provided. In some examples, aerodynamically configured trailers are provided that maintain standard cargo capacity. To improve the aerodynamic efficiency, the rearward end of the trailer in some embodiments include a downward cant or slope. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. In accordance with another aspect, to accommodate loading and unloading of the downwardly canting or sloping trailer, examples of the trailers may also be equipped with ā€œsliding trailer axleā€ and/or extended travel landing gear so as to allow the trailer to interface with standard loading dock heights as well as rampless ground loading/unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130181479
    Abstract: Trailers, such as semi-trailers, having configurations that improve the aerodynamic efficiency thereof are provided. In some examples, aerodynamically configured trailers are provided that maintain standard cargo capacity. To improve the aerodynamic efficiency, the rearward end of the trailer in some embodiments include a downward cant or slope. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. In accordance with another aspect, to accommodate loading and unloading of the downwardly canting or sloping trailer, examples of the trailers may also be equipped with ā€œsliding trailer axleā€ and/or extended travel landing gear so as to allow the trailer to interface with standard loading dock heights as well as rampless ground loading/unloading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130175825
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Xiaoyi ZHU
  • Publication number: 20130169001
    Abstract: Means and methods for combining aerodynamic technology with automotive technology to produce maximum efficiency of land vehicle movement in high speed land travel by instantaneous articulation of vehicle components to as near as possible zero degrees heading into prevailing winds, instantaneous sensing of changes of efficiency and adjustments of component relative direction, laminar flow and inner vehicle pressures along with means for stabilizing the vehicle in all three aerodynamic axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Galen Eugene Calvert
  • Patent number: 8444210
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Aerodynamic Trailer Systems, LLC
    Inventors: James Francis Domo, Patrick Edward Ryan
  • Patent number: 8424809
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dynamic control to a vehicle in a dynamic fluid. The systems and methods of the invention relate to one or more morphable surfaces that can be controlled by a controller and an actuator in an active manner to provide asperities that interact with a fluid moving across the morphable surfaces. By controlling the size, shape and location of the asperities, one can exert control authority over the motion of the vehicle relative to the fluid, including a speed, a direction and an attitude of the vehicle. Examples of materials that provide suitable morphable surfaces include ionic polymer metal composites and shape memory polymers, both of which types of material are commercially available. Useful morphable surface systems have been examined and are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Beverley J. McKeon
  • Publication number: 20130093210
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body, a drive system, and a plurality of protrusions. The body has a centerline, an undercarriage, and a front portion. The drive system is disposed within the body. The plurality of protrusions extend from the front portion, and are positioned around the centerline for protection of the undercarriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: DONNELL B. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20130075184
    Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle for reducing air resistance flowing toward the rear of the vehicle. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl in a vehicle front part and a rear cowl provided in a vehicle rear part. The rear cowl is provided with a bulging part protruding to the left and right in a vehicle widthwise direction. In addition, the bulging part protrudes outward of the rear edges of the front cowl in the vehicle widthwise direction. Further, side surfaces of the bulging part are each formed in a curved shape which bulges toward an outside of the vehicle in a plan view of the vehicle. Furthermore, a peak part which is located at an outermost edge of the side surface in the vehicle widthwise direction is located at a position closer to the front of the vehicle within a length of the bulging part in a vehicle front-rear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Takefumi Okubo, Atsushi Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8360508
    Abstract: A fastback for a passenger car is provided with a roof profile and a floor profile in the tail region. The roof profile initially descends from a highest profile point and the floor profile initially ascends from a lowest profile point in a rear axle region. The tail region forms an aerodynamic diffusor having a floor diffusor and roof diffusor. For this purpose, the roof profile features an S-shaped upward curvature toward an upper tail break-away edge and the floor profile features an S-shaped downward curvature toward a lower tail break-away edge. Due to the roof profile and the floor profile, the tail region of the passenger car has a shape with a fish-like profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Borris Ilse, Boris Jacob, Nicolas Kruse, Ulrich Bauer, Bertrand Bach
  • Publication number: 20120261946
    Abstract: A leading edge aerodynamic aid for a vehicle or part thereof, the aid being locatable at an uppermost leading edge of the vehicle and including; a first aerofoil portion extending substantially transversely to an airflow generated by forward movement of the vehicle, the first aerofoil having an arcuate portion projecting forward of the vehicle body with upper and lower regions extending from the arcuate portion toward the vehicle body; and a second aerofoil, oriented substantially transversely to said airflow and substantially parallel to, vertically adjacent and trailing said arcuate portion of the first aerofoil, configured such that said airflow interacts with the aerodynamic aid and at least a portion of said airflow is diverted between the first and second aerofoils; and wherein the first aerofoil substantially spans the width of the vehicle to which it is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Steel
  • Publication number: 20120261947
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHWESTERN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Richard S. Nauert
  • Patent number: 8276851
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dynamic control to a vehicle in a dynamic fluid. The systems and methods of the invention relate to one or more morphable surfaces that can be controlled by a controller and an actuator in an active manner to provide asperities that interact with a fluid moving across the morphable surfaces. By controlling the size, shape and location of the asperities, one can exert control authority over the motion of the vehicle relative to the fluid, including a speed, a direction and an attitude of the vehicle. Examples of materials that provide suitable morphable surfaces include ionic polymer metal composites and shape memory polymers, both of which types of material are commercially available. Useful morphable surface systems have been examined and are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Beverley J. McKeon
  • Patent number: 8256826
    Abstract: A motor car including a central body with a nose having a tapered shape, an intermediate portion in which a driver's compartment is formed, and a tail portion having a tapered shape. The body is shaped such that, during movement, it generates a substantially zero overall lift. A pair of steering front wheels is connected externally to the front portion of the central body and each of them has, associated therewith, a front fairing which leaves a top portion of the wheel uncovered. These fairings are connected to the ends of a front transverse wing which extends from both sides of the nose of the central body and which is profiled so as to generate a negative lift during movement. A pair of rear wheels are connected to the tail portion of the central body and each of them has, associated therewith, a front fairing and rear fairing which leave a top portion of the wheel uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Leonardo Fioravanti
  • Publication number: 20120175910
    Abstract: A system and method for drag reduction allows thrust output, fuel efficiency or both to be maximized. Specifically, a rear portion of a body or motor vehicle may be modified to increase thrust output, fuel efficiency or both by creating a stagnation area, a suction inlet and a convex cusp area formed on the rear portion of the motor vehicle. Increasing the concavity or camber or sharpness of the radius of the stagnation area results in greater local pressure coefficient, which results in greater thrust output. The size and shape of the suction inlet and the convex cusp area will also have an effect on thrust output and fuel efficiency. A width and volume of an airplane fuselage may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: David T. BIRKENSTOCK
  • Publication number: 20120169085
    Abstract: A vehicle having an aerodynamic splitter for the front of a vehicle is provided. The splitter includes a splitter panel which has a top surface adapted to be mounted to a front fascia of a vehicle. The top surface is contoured and offset from the front fascia in order to define an airflow opening between the front fascia and the splitter panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Verhee, Stefan Lamm, Andrea Di Buduo, Kemal Curic
  • Publication number: 20120169086
    Abstract: A side skirt and side underride cable system configured to be coupled to 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 at least partially along a length of the trailer, and a plurality of cables configured to be coupled to the trailer and configured to extend at least partially along a length of the one side of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Richard J. Giromini, Leonard William Baker, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
  • Patent number: 8191955
    Abstract: Methods of and devices for providing naturally driven routing of air bleed derived from the external air pressure field typically developed about a moving vehicle were conceived. By design, internal duct ways to be used for providing an open flow path from relatively higher air pressure sources (such as that in the undercarriage region of a driven car) into lower base pressure regions (typically developed aft of blunt trailing body regions) as are generally found on road and ā€˜airdropā€ cargo delivery air vehicles having open rear doors. Low energy air bleed flow injected into the vehicle's separated afterbody region acts to replenish entrained base flow and its base drag reduction is thereby, achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Henry August
  • Publication number: 20120126574
    Abstract: A vehicle boundary layer air flow control structure is provided with a vehicle body and a side view mirror. The vehicle body includes an exterior contoured surface with an air flow deflector. The side view mirror is attached to the vehicle body to provide a diagonally rearward direction to be viewed from a driver's seat. The air flow deflector has a downward air flow guiding surface provided in a vehicle body region of the exterior contoured surface of the vehicle body along which an air flow heading toward the side view mirror passes. The downward air flow guiding surface extends in an air flow direction of the air flow with respect to the side view mirror to divert the air flow underneath the side view mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Komiya, Kazuhito Sugimoto, Hirofumi Kondou, Yuichi Morinaka, Tomohiro Koyahata, Masato Inoue, Kenichiro Koizumi, Hitoshi Takagi, Yuji Ishihara, Kazuaki Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8177287
    Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vogel, Lee Telnack, James R. Tuerk
  • Publication number: 20120104794
    Abstract: Methods providing naturally driven routing of air bleed derived from the external air pressure field typically developed about a moving vehicle were conceived. By design, internal ductways are to be used for providing an open flow path from relatively higher air pressure sources (such as that in the undercarriage region of a driven car) into lower base pressure regions (typically developed aft of blunt trailing body regions) as are generally found on road and ā€˜airdropā€™ cargo delivery air vehicles having open rear doors. Low energy air bleed flow injected into the vehicle's separated afterbody region acts to replenish entrained base flow and its base drag reduction is thereby achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Henry August
  • Publication number: 20120104795
    Abstract: A vehicle boundary layer air flow control structure is provided with a vehicle body and a side view mirror. The vehicle body includes an exterior contoured surface with an air flow deflector. The side view mirror is attached to the vehicle body to provide a diagonally rearward direction to be viewed from a driver's seat. The air flow deflector has an inward longitudinal air flow guiding surface provided in a vehicle body region of the exterior contoured surface of the vehicle body along which an air flow heading toward the side view mirror passes. The inward longitudinal air flow guiding surface extends in an air flow direction of the air flow with respect to the side view mirror to divert the air flow inward of the side view mirror with respect to a vehicle widthwise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Komiya, Kazuhito Sugimoto, Hirofumi Kondou, Yuichi Morinaka, Tomohiro Koyahata, Masato Inoue, Kenichiro Koizumi, Hitoshi Takagi, Yuji Ishihara, Kazuaki Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120098295
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Xiaoyi ZHU
  • Publication number: 20120061993
    Abstract: An airflow deflector apparatus for a vehicle that protrudes downward from a vehicle body in front of a wheel housing that houses a wheel includes a flap portion having a front surface portion extending substantially in a lateral direction of a vehicle and a vertical direction, and a protrusion portion that protrudes toward a front of the vehicle from the front surface portion of the flap portion and is formed so as to have a shape that tapers toward a protrusion end portion side, in which the front surface portion of the flap portion, when the vehicle is running, changes a moving direction of airflow that flows along a surface of the protrusion portion into a direction away from components that are disposed rearward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takumi Hasegawa, Masashi Kitayama
  • Patent number: 8132850
    Abstract: A motor vehicle rear end is delimited by a rear bulkhead, side wall regions, and a rear cover. An air separation edge extends on the rear cover in the width direction of the motor vehicle. Lateral rear lights are integrated into the motor vehicle rear end, and include means, which are arranged in the side wall regions, for release of the side wall flow, and which extend at a distance below the air separation edge over a height region of the associated rear light (20) and at a distance from the rear bulkhead. At least one opening, through which air flows, is provided in a covering element arranged at the end of an air duct as a means for release of the side wall flow in both side wall regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Peter Dannhaeuser, Martin Konermann
  • Publication number: 20120038185
    Abstract: A motor car including a central body with a nose having a tapered shape, an intermediate portion in which a driver's compartment is formed, and a tail portion having a tapered shape. The body is shaped such that, during movement, it generates a substantially zero overall lift. A pair of steering front wheels is connected externally to the front portion of the central body and each of them has, associated therewith, a front fairing which leaves a top portion of the wheel uncovered. These fairings are connected to the ends of a front transverse wing which extends from both sides of the nose of the central body and which is profiled so as to generate a negative lift during movement. A pair of rear wheels are connected to the tail portion of the central body and each of them has, associated therewith, a front fairing and rear fairing which leave a top portion of the wheel uncovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Leonardo Fioravanti
  • Patent number: 8100461
    Abstract: This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear face of a truck cargo body, which rear typically contains a door assembly, with a plurality of doors that swing open on hinges, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The various embodiments of the invention allow an aerodynamic structure to be permanently attached to the rear of the trailer in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the aerodynamic structure generates reduced drag on the trailer body, yet enables ready access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position still allows the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors (among others), allows the doors to be folded through a full 270-degree arc from a closed position to a position flush along the sides of the vehicle, with a minimal sideways projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Charles M. Horrell, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jonathan R. Feldman, Alexander R. Bruccoleri
  • Publication number: 20120013147
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: INOAC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki EZAKA
  • Patent number: 8083285
    Abstract: Because a vehicle lower portion 6 and a bracket 3 have an equal level of thermal expansion or thermal contraction, a bonded surface of the bracket 3 can be prevented from losing the bond with the vehicle lower portion 6 due to any deformation difference that might be caused if they have different thermal expansion coefficients. A side under spoiler 4 can be kept supported on the bracket 3 even if the side under spoiler 4 thermally expands or thermally contracts, and hence the side under spoiler 4 made of a different material from that of a vehicle body 2 can be more securely mounted on the vehicle body 2. The bracket 3 and the side under spoiler 4 after mounted can maintain their ability to be joined to the vehicle body 2 for a long term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Access Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Yanagida, Yoshimasa Misonou, Hideomi Tamai
  • Publication number: 20110291440
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tractor-trailer including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives first air from a front of the tractor and channels the first air through a center area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space and that channels the first air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of rear wheels in the tractor that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct is also provided with an articulation duct that channels air through a ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A louver system at the rear of the trailer enables the air in each duct to be channeled and pulled out of the respective duct in such a manner as to reduce drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Gemini Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Otterstrom
  • Publication number: 20110272964
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle trailer is provided. The vehicle trailer includes a roof and a floor separated from each other by a pair of opposing walls that extend along the length of the floor. The roof, floor, and walls define a space accessible by a trailer door with each of the walls having a front edge and a rear edge and having a height that extends from the floor to the roof. The height is substantially the same along at least a portion of the length of the walls. The vehicle trailer further includes a pair of side wall fairings having a leading edge and trailing edge. Each side wall fairing is positioned on a different wall from the other adjacent to the rear edges of each of the walls such that the leading edge of each side wall fairing contacts the wall and the trailing edge of each side wall fairing does not contact the wall. Each side wall fairing has an upward incline and downward incline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: HENDERSON INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lorenzo Henderson, Stephen Alfred Wulff
  • Publication number: 20110198886
    Abstract: A fastback for a passenger car is provided with a roof profile and a floor profile in the tail region. The roof profile initially descends from a highest profile point and the floor profile initially ascends from a lowest profile point in a rear axle region. The tail region forms an aerodynamic diffusor having a floor diffusor and roof diffusor. For this purpose, the roof profile features an S-shaped upward curvature toward an upper tail break-away edge and the floor profile features an S-shaped downward curvature toward a lower tail break-away edge. Due to the roof profile and the floor profile, the tail region of the passenger car has a shape with a fish-like profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Borris ILSE, Boris JACOB, Nicolas KRUSE, Ulrich BAUER, Bertrand BACH