Methods for Linking Motor Vehicles to Reduce Aerodynamic Drag and Improve Fuel Economy

• US 20110270520A1
• Filed: 06/21/2011
• Published: 11/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Kronenberg
• Original Assignee: David Kronenberg
• Inventors: Kronenberg, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,738,196 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/202
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 12/02 for vehicles operating in tandem
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/001 For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 53/00 Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains traction couplings other than fifth wheel coupling B60D ; tracked vehicles comprising at least two articulated parts B62D55/0655

Abstract

Methods for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road are disclosed. The disclosed methods utilize a dynamic linking system that not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.

Claims

1-15. -15. (canceled)

16. A method of streamlining operation and collective energy efficiency of a fleet of vehicles, comprising:

obtaining the itineraries and routes of each vehicle;

identifying vehicles of the fleet with overlapping itineraries and routes;

providing the drivers of the vehicles with the overlapping itinerary and routes;

dispatching the fleet of vehicles; and

allowing the identified vehicles to link with each other along at least one point of the overlapping route.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of allowing the linked vehicles to disconnect along at least one point of the overlapping route.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the identified vehicles are in motion during linking.

19. A method of linking individual vehicles, comprising the steps of:

providing a commonly accessible database;

uploading the itineraries and routes of a plurality of individual vehicles to the database;

allowing the database to match the itineraries and routes of the individual vehicles for maximum overlapping;

providing the drivers of vehicles with the maximized overlapping itineraries and routes; and

allowing the vehicles with the maximized overlapping itineraries and routes to link with each other along at least one point of the overlapping route.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the database is in a form of an Internet website.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the vehicles are in motion during linking.