Abstract: The device for actuating a pivoting movement of a vehicle flap about a pivot axis includes a gas spring having a cylinder and a piston rod protruding from the cylinder. Either the cylinder or the piston rod is coupled to a fixed component of the vehicle body, and the other one of cylinder and piston rod is coupled to the flap at a distance from the pivot axis. A flexurally rigid guide extends parallel adjacent to the gas spring and is fixedly connected to the cylinder of the gas spring. One region of a flexible tension and compression element is guided in the guide and operatively connected to the flap, and a second region is guided in a flexible casing and operatively connected to a reversible drive, so that the flexible tension and compression element can be motor-driven.

Abstract: A vehicle undercover is provided with a fixed section fixed to a front body and a rotating section, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the fixed section and the other end of which vertically moves relative to the front body so as to be able to open and close a lower opening, in which the fixed section closes a part of the lower opening and the rotating section closes a remaining part of the lower opening, which is not closed by the fixed section. Such a configuration improves aerodynamic performance of a vehicle and improves workability of maintenance operation.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable shaping system has a frame, rectangular with four sides, similar to the rear of a trailer or truck. The frame has a hinged connection and swings from an over-the-road configuration and to a deflated stowed position against the side of the trailer. Upon the frame, the system has an inflatable body and a durable skin covering the frame and the inflatable body. The inflatable body has a continuous attachment to the frame. The inflatable body has at least one inflatable element connected by a flexible adhesive or device. The inflatable elements remain contained between the frame and the durable skin, generally outwardly from the trailer. In communication with the inflatable elements, a pump system supplies air for their inflation and removes air for their deflation. The pump system operates remotely in the vicinity of the truck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle underbody fairing apparatus for reducing aerodynamic drag caused by a vehicle wheel assembly, by reducing the size of a recirculation zone formed under the vehicle body immediately downstream of the vehicle wheel assembly. The fairing body has a tapered aerodynamic surface that extends from a front end to a rear end of the fairing body with a substantially U-shaped cross-section that tapers in both height and width. Fasteners or other mounting devices secure the fairing body to an underside surface of the vehicle body, so that the front end is immediately downstream of the vehicle wheel assembly and a bottom section of the tapered aerodynamic surface rises towards the underside surface as it extends in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A vehicle with a drag-reducing outer surface. A method of reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes the steps of: providing an outer surface on a body of the vehicle, with the outer surface including spaced apart turbulence-inducing structures thereon. The structures cause boundary layer separation to be delayed along a length of the body, thereby reducing a drag coefficient of the body. A vehicle wrapping product for reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes an outer surface for applying onto an opaque portion of a body of the vehicle. The outer surface includes a plurality of structures which induce turbulence and thereby delay separation of a boundary layer along a length of the body, to thereby reduce a drag coefficient of the body.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of wheel covers and vehicles having at least one wheel cover. One embodiment of a vehicle having at least one wheel mounted for rotation about an axle comprises a body structure having a portion of which is adjacent to the wheel, a mounting structure fixed to the portion of the body structure that is adjacent to the wheel and a wheel cover attached to the body structure via the mounting structure. The mounting structure is configured to permit movement of the wheel cover between an extended position in which the wheel cover overlays at least a first portion of the wheel and a retracted position in which the wheel cover does not overlay the first portion of the wheel. Also disclosed are methods of selectively covering a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A reduced wind resistance haulage vehicle apparatus includes an undercarriage portion which supports a motor/transmission. Driven wheel assemblies are connected to the undercarriage portion and are powered by the motor/transmission. A cab portion is supported by the an undercarriage portion for controlling the motor/transmission. Steering wheel assemblies are supported by the undercarriage portion for steering by a driver seated in the cab portion. A haulage portion is supported by the undercarriage portion. More specifically, the haulage portion includes haulage compartment side walls. Haulage compartment front doors and rear doors are connected to the haulage compartment side walls. When the haulage portion is empty, the front doors and the rear doors are opened, and air flow can flow through the haulage portion when the vehicle is driven along a road surface. As a result, the air resistance of the vehicle is significantly reduced, and the vehicle saves in energy demand and in fuel consumption.

Abstract: The invention is a wheeled vehicle that has an aerodynamic shell where the vehicle is built to eliminate side door openings to allow uninterrupted protective side structure. Access involves opening the shell to allow entry to the vehicle from an end. Closure restores the aerodynamic properties of the shape. Seats are movable such that a walkway is made clear for motorists to walk to a position ahead of their respective seats. A car roof top can be opened to enable motorists to walk, nearly erect, into the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy-saving vehicle, has a housing including an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. 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. As the vehicle travels at a high velocity, air is led in from the air inlet and sprayed from the back of the vehicle, instantly filling a low pressure region at the back of the vehicle and turning the back of the vehicle into a high pressure region, which saves energy.

Abstract: A post pressurizing material treatment for bodies moving through fluid includes a series of compartments joined to the rear surface of the body. Each compartment is sealed by a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls and a front wall and is open at a rear end thereof. Each compartment retains at least one V-shaped base having diverging walls opening into the rear end of each compartment. Post pressurizing material is secured in a spaced between the walls of the V-shaped base for trapping fluid flow and accumulating forward pressure between the walls of the V-shaped base so as to reduce drag and propel the body forward.

Abstract: An air guide device, especially an extendable and retractable rear spoiler on a motor vehicle, that includes an adjustable air guide element and at least one, also adjustable, flow element designed as an underflow guard. A sealing element, which seals off an intermediate space between the air guide element and the flow element at least when the air guide element is fully extended, is provided either on the flow guide element or on the flow element.

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.

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.

Abstract: A truck 1 includes a cab 3 in which a driver's seat is provided, a van 5 provided rearward of the cab and serving as a load container, wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, etc. These components are attached to frame members 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, etc. An engine 13 is provided between the frame members 9a and 9b. A drive-force transmission apparatus which includes a clutch 15, a transmission 17, etc. is provided rearward of the engine 13 so as to transmit drive force from the engine 13 to the wheels (driven wheels 7b and 7d). A radiator 19 is provided forward of the engine 13 so as to cool the engine 13. A windbreaking plate 25 is provided above a portion of the engine 13 exposed from a gap 30 between the cab 3 and the van 5 so as to prevent a downward air flow 26 from hitting the engine 13 to thereby hinder the flow of radiator intake air 32.

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.

Abstract: An air guidance device for the rear section of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has at least one first tail light and at least one second tail light. The tail lights are disposed at the respective sides of the vehicle and they are spaced apart by a spacing distance in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The air guidance device is movable between a rest position, in which the air guidance device lies substantially within the vehicle contour, and an operating position, in which the air guidance device extends beyond the vehicle contour. In the rest position, the air guidance device covers at least partially the area between the first tail light and the second tail light. The maximum width of the air guidance device is greater than the spacing device between the first tail light and the second tail light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to increase stability of sports cars equipped with an underbody plate by means of active boundary layer suction applied to the car's underbody panelling (6). The apparatus of the invention comprises one suction device (4) to which ducts are connected coming from a structure of pressure chambers (9) attached to the underbody panelling of the car. The underbody panelling of the car comprises a special porous plastic material (8) to suck air from the boundary layer flowing under the car bottom plate.

Abstract: A hub for a human powered vehicle includes a rotation axis, a hub body formed generally symmetrically about the rotation axis, the hub body having a radially-outward-facing surface that includes a plurality of surface features for improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the hub as it passes through a fluid, and a wheel assembly attachment member formed along a circumference of the hub body, the wheel assembly attachment member being structured for attachment to one of a plurality of spokes and the center of a disc wheel. The surface features may include a series of depressions or a series of projections, and such features may have a dimple shape that can be formed in a variety of shapes including those with a cylindrical wall and a planar bottom or a hemispherical bottom. Alternately, such surface features may have a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: A motorcycle fairing comprised of plastic or composite material fabricated and assembled to form: a front, substantially hemisphere shaped fender or nacelle fairing section which substantially encloses the front wheel of the motorcycle and is affixed to the upper front fork assembly of the motorcycle allowing the front wheel to be turned laterally independent of the attitude of the main frame of the motorcycle; and a frame mounted fairing which intersects and substantially encompasses the hemispherical front wheel fender section within a matching hemispherical shaped socket located in the frontal portion of said frame mounted fairing, which fairing then extends rearward along, and substantially parallel to the main frame of the motorcycle, with both fairing sections together substantially enclosing the front wheel, headlight, and engine of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a tire engaging portion located at the outward perimeter of the wheel, an inner portion located radially inward from the tire engaging portion A pair of air engaging side surfaces extend radially between the inner portion and the tire engaging portion forming the sides of the wheel. The air engaging side surfaces contain a plurality of surface features designed to create a turbulent boundary layer when the wheel travels through air to reduce aerodynamic drag on the wheel.

Abstract: A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular flat front face comprising a plurality of load bearing struts of a predetermined size attached to the flat front face adjacent the sides and top thereof, a pair of pliable opposing flat sheets having an outside edge portion attached to the flat front face adjacent the sides thereof and an upper edge with a predetermined curve; the opposing flat sheets being bent and attached to the struts to form effective curved airfoil shapes, and a top pliable flat sheet disposed adjacent the top of the flat front face and having predetermined curved side edges, which, when the top sheet is bent and attached to the struts to form an effective curved airfoil shape, mate with the curved upper edges of the opposing sheets to complete the aerodynamic device.

Abstract: An inflatable air spoiler for the use with a vehicle to reduce wind resistance. The inflatable air spoiler is made from abrasion resistant materials capable of forming a wedge shaped air spoiler. Securement of the inflatable air spoiler to a vehicle can be achieved with hooks, snaps and other fasteners. In another embodiment, securement of the inflatable spoiler in a vehicle's cargo bed is achieved by pressurizing the inflatable spoiler so its side panels or portions of its exterior surfaces are urged against the side walls of the cargo bed. Further securement is achieved by ballast chambers located on the bottom region of the inflatable air spoiler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the drag of a motor vehicle includes a mechanism for diverting air attached to a front portion of the vehicle and a vacuum plate having openings therein for attachment to a back of the vehicle. Mechanisms for diverting air include a cover piece encasing a front portion of the vehicle, one or more separation panels attached to the front of the vehicle, and one or more tubular members attached to the front of the vehicle. Both the cover piece and vacuum plate are attached to the vehicle so that a space is maintained between the vehicle and the cover piece and vacuum plate, respectively.

Abstract: A belly pan, or membrane of rigid yet flexible material is of elongated shaped outline to be mounted along the bottom of tractor-trailer to improve the aerodynamic performance. The belly pan is provided with a tapered front portion to be attached to the frontal portion of the trailer to the approximate location of the truck hitch. The belly pan extends rearwardly, under the trailer, between the rear wheels in a rectangular portion and the rearward edge is affixed to the ICC bumper of the trailer. An aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the frontal portion of the landing gear of the trailer and attaches to the belly pan for reducing drag between the underside of the trailer and the support beams of the landing gear. A similar aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the frontal portion of the ICC bumper and attached to the belly pan for reducing drag between the underside of the trailer and the beams of the ICC bumper.