Drag reducing device for land vehicles
US5348366A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D35/001
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag on land vehicles and more specifically tractor-trailer trucks, Consisting of rectangular plates mounted to the after-end of said truck. The plates are mounted to the truck's structural frame by hinged truss assemblies, normal to the road and parallel to the truck body's rear end. The combined area of the plates is smaller than that of the truck's cross section. While the vehicle is moving, a vortex becomes locked between the plates and truck rear end creating a low pressure region. The suction created changes air flow patterns behind the vehicle such that base drag is reduced. The device is retractable and allows unobstructed loading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.