Patent · US Active

Sealed AFT cavity drag reducer

US8079634B2 · kind B2 · utility

29Cited by
12References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 25, 2006
Grant dateDec 20, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 25, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D35/001
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A drag reducing device utilizing sealed aft cavities designed to limit interference with existing truck and trailer designs is described. The invention comprises one or more sealed aft cavities affixed to the rear of a traditional commercial straight truck or trailer, or any other blunt (or mostly blunt) aft faced vehicle. A means is provided by which the device is stowed to allow normal operation of the straight truck, trailer or vehicle. Drag is reduced by the streamlining of the rear of the vehicle, postponing and narrowing the flow separation downstream of the trailing edge as well as increasing the pressure on the back of the vehicle with the open to the rear, sealed aft cavity. The concept described focuses on the utilization of (a) sealed aft cavity(ies) to limit the effects of blunt body drag and the means for attachment and stowage for loading and unloading cargo.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.