Aerodynamic device for a vehicle
US9637183B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
8References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D35/004
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerodynamic device includes an inflatable member convertible between a deflated position and an inflated position at a speed certain. When in the inflated position, the inflatable member on the aerodynamic device extends between the cabin wall on a vehicle and a leading wall on a container supported by a trailer towed by the vehicle. The inflatable member fills a gap ordinarily between the cabin wall and trailer to encourage laminar flow as truck hauls trailer through an air stream. The encouragement of laminar flow reduces drag which results in increase fuel economy for the truck's engine, amongst other advantages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.