CAN TRANSPORT TRUCKS BE MORE AERODYNAMIC?

Transport trucks must have the capacity to efficiently transfer cargo from one location to another while traveling on public highways and urban roadways.

The Tractor truck needs to be able to attach onto various trailer configurations while maintaining maximum manoeuvrability.

The trailer must maintain the allowable dimensions to carry maximum cargo. It must be easily accessible for loading.

Aerodynamic devices need to be low maintenance, simple, serviceable and cost effective.

Improving the aerodynamics of the truck-trailer should be done with these considerations.

OUR AERODYNAMIC SYSTEM

We have designed a system of panels that can be deployed and retracted as required.  The panels are designed to make the vehicle more aerodynamic when deployed.

THE GAP PANELS   A sets of panels on the truck work as follows.  The truck panels will provide a smooth transition between the tractor and the trailer. The truck panels are designed to deploy backwards as well as deploy to various width, height or diameter of trailers. The truck panels are adaptable to various trailers, shipping containers and to tanker trailers. They can also be deployed without a trailer where the panels can be used as a Tail behind the cab.

THE TRAILER PANELS   The trailer panels deploy backwards and form into a tail over the flat end of the trailer or between two trailers to close the gap. When deploying, the vertical and horizontal roof panels, join at the corners and curve inwards. When retracting, the panels unjoin and store at the sides of the trailer. The trailer panel design is for swing or roll-up doors and for the gap between 2 trailers.

Simply put, the truck panels are aerodynamically effective because they close the gap between the tractor and the trailer, and the trailer panels form a Tail at the rear of the trailer. They manage the airflow in those areas. The panels can be flat or curved and flexible to accommodate the best aerodynamic shape possible.

IMPORTANCE OF DEPLOYABLE AERO DEVICES

To obtain the most efficient aerodynamic shape, a truck trailer combo would have to be like the fuselage of an airplane. This would present numerous problems i.e. maneuverability, loading, mobility, accessibility etc….

The majority of the turbulence is present at highway speeds; an aerodynamic shape is not required for the lower speeds of urban travel.

When not required, the panels slide into the side walls and roof at the rear of the tractor cab or trailer. The deployment can be automatically executed while the vehicle is moving and entering the highway. Similarly, the system is automatically retracted when the vehicle is exiting the highway into an urban environment. The vehicle is not required to stop to deploy and retract the panels. The transition can be done while travelling on the highway with no significant effect to other vehicles. When the space between the truck and trailer is opened, turns are not restricted. The back tail is retracted into the trailer sides and roof to shorten the trailer and give access to the rear loading doors. The total truck length is only increased during highway travel.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TRUCK AERODYNAMICS

If you are interested in manufacturing drag reducing devices for trucks and trailers, contact us to obtain information on our designs.