Cross wind conditioning for a tractor trailer combination

• US 5,536,062 A
• Filed: 12/08/1994
• Issued: 07/16/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dan E. Spears
• Original Assignee: Dan E. Spears
• Inventors: Spears, Dan E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis H.
• Application Number:
  US08/351,831
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 296/180.1-180.5, 180/903
• US Class Current: 296/180.3
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/001 For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 37/02 by aerodynamic means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 180/903 Airstream reactive vehicle or vehicle structure

Abstract

The conditioning of cross winds by providing up to four separate groups of segmented panels being the main segmented panels of the segmented air deflector, opposing segmented side pivotal panels, opposing segmented upper side pivotal panels and opposing segmented lower side pivotal panels. Various implementations of application of these groups provide versatility for varying conditions and vehicle configurations. A method of measuring for cross wind conditions and selective engaging the various deployed segmented panels is disclosed. The use of wing members either fixed or variably mounted on or about the various panels to condition, and therefore better control wind flow, is taught.

Claims

1. Cross wind conditioning means to provide for a selective redirection of air flow to reduce the effect of cross winds on a tractor, the tractor adaptable to tow a trailer, the tractor and the trailer forming a tractor trailer combination, the tractor having a roof area, a direction of forward travel, a left and right directional orientation corresponding to a position facing forward in the direction of forward travel of the tractor, an imaginary center line extending through the tractor corresponding to the direction of forward travel, a tractor housing, a left rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, a right rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, the trailer having a forward face, the forward face having a perimeter formed by an upper edge, a right side edge, a left side edge and a lower edge, the right side edge and the left side edge both corresponding to a directional orientation facing forward in the direction of forward travel of the tractor, the cross wind conditioning means comprising:

a) a segmented air deflector attachable to the roof area of the tractor, the segmented air deflector having a directional orientation following attachment, the directional orientation including left, right, forward and rear and corresponding to the directional orientation of the tractor, the segmented air deflector having a left side, a right side, a forward edge, a rear upper edge, a left rear vertically oriented trailing edge and a right rear vertically oriented trailing edge all corresponding to the directional orientation of the segmented air deflector following attachment, the segmented air deflector comprising;

1) a frame system;

2) a plurality of segmented panels attached to the frame system, each segmented panel having a plurality of planar outer surfaces with a linear juncture between adjoining surfaces, the segmented air deflector having alternating positions being a closed position and an open position, the closed position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the closed position having a continuous segmented surface area formed by the plurality of segmented panels, the open position placing at least one of the segmented panels in a moved position to cause redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to impinge the forward face of the trailer to exert a braking force on the tractor trailer combination;

3) a drive means to provide for a selective movement of at least one of the segmented panels to transfer the segmented air deflector between the alternating positions;

b) a left side panel mounted on the left side of the segmented air deflector and having a substantially vertical orientation between the roof area of the tractor and the continuous segmented surface area of the segmented air deflector while the segmented air deflector is in the closed position, the left side panel having a left portal;

c) a right side panel mounted on the right side of the segmented air deflector and having a substantially vertical orientation between the roof area of the tractor and the continuous segmented surface area of the segmented air deflector while the segmented air deflector is in the closed position, the right side panel having a right portal;

d) a left side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the left side panel and substantially filling the left portal, the left side pivotal panel having alternating positions, the alternating positions being a closed position and an open position, the closed position prohibiting entry of air flow through the left portal, the open position allowing entry of air flow through the left portal;

e) a right side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the right side panel and substantially filling the right portal, the right side pivotal panel having alternating positions, the alternating positions being a closed position and an open position, the closed position prohibiting entry of air flow through the right portal, the open position allowing entry of air flow through the right portal;

f) a first left drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the left side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

g) a first right drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the right side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

h) a first left side measuring means to provide for determining a predetermined presence of cross wind conditions on the left side of the tractor trailer combination;

i) a first right side measuring means to provide for determining a predetermined presence of cross wind conditions on the right side of the tractor trailer combination;

j) a first left control means to provide for continually testing the first left side measuring means to determine a change in status, the change in status being alternatively between a measurement below the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions and a measurement above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions, the change in status causing activation of the first left drive means to transfer the left side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

k) a first right control means to provide for continually testing the first right side measuring means to determine a change in status, the change in status being alternatively between a measurement below the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions and a measurement above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions, the change in status causing activation of the first right drive means to transfer the right side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective first measuring means would signal a change in status of cross wind conditions and the respective first control means would cause the respective first drive means to cause the respective side pivotal panels to be placed in one of the alternating position closed when cross wind conditions are not present on that respective side and open when cross wind conditions are present on that respective side.

2. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a) a wing member having;

1) a leading edge;

2) a trailing edge;

3) a first surface having a convex shape and extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge;

4) a second surface comprising;

a) an opposing convex surface extending from the leading edge on an opposing side from the first surface;

b) a transition surface being concave shaped;

c) a concave surface extending from the transition surface to the trailing edge, the transition surface being between the opposing convex surface and the concave surface;

b) attachment means to provide for elevated placement of the wing member above an attachment surface, the attachment surface an exposed surface of the segmented air deflector;

whereby the wing member is attached to the segmented air deflector and provides additional conditioning of the air flow.

3. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 2 further comprising pivotal variation means to provide for a selective alteration of an angle of attack of the wing member to aid in conditioning of the air flow.

4. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a) a second left side measuring means to provide for determining a predetermined presence of cross wind conditions on the left side of the tractor trailer combination, the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions of the second left side measuring means requiring a greater presence of cross wind conditions than the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions of the first left side measuring means;

b) a second right side measuring means to provide for determining a predetermined presence of cross wind conditions on the right side of the tractor trailer combination, the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions of the second right side measuring means requiring a greater presence of cross wind conditions than the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions of the first right side measuring means;

c) a second left control means to provide for continually testing the second left side measuring means to determine a change in status, the change in status being alternatively between a measurement below the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions and a measurement above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions, the change in status causing activation of the drive means of the segmented air deflector to transfer the segmented air deflector between the alternating positions;

d) a second right control means to provide for continually testing the second right side measuring means to determine a change in status, the change in status being alternatively between a measurement below the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions and a measurement above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions, the change in status causing activation of the drive means of the segmented air deflector to transfer the segmented air deflector between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective secondary measuring means would signal a change in status of cross wind conditions and the respective secondary control means would cause the segmented panel of the segmented air deflector to be placed in one of the alternating positions, the segmented air deflector in the open position when the measurement of cross wind conditions as measured by the second left or right measuring means are above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions.

5. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 4 further comprising:

a) a left segmented upper side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the left rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the segmented air deflector, the left segmented upper side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation extending rearward from the segmented air deflector, the left segmented upper side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the left segmented upper side pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

b) a right segmented upper side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the right rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the segmented air deflector, the right segmented upper side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation and extending rearward from the segmented air deflector, the right segmented upper side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented upper side pivotal panel near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

c) a second left drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the left segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

d) a second right drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the right segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

e) and wherein the second left control means further provides for activation of the second left drive means to transfer the left segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

f) and wherein the second right control means further provides for activation of the second right drive means to transfer the right segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective secondary measuring means would signal a change in status of cross wind conditions and the respective control means would cause the respective second drive means to cause the respective segmented upper side extending panels to be placed in one of the alternating position.

6. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 5 further comprising:

a) a wing member having;

1) a leading edge;

2) a trailing edge;

3) a first surface convex shaped and extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge;

4) a second surface comprising;

a) an opposing convex surface extending from the leading edge on an opposing side from the first surface;

b) a transition surface being concave shaped;

c) a concave surface extending from the transition surface to the trailing edge, the transition surface being between the opposing convex surface and the concave surface;

b) attachment means to provide for elevated placement of the wing member above an attachment surface, the attachment surface an exposed surface of the segmented air deflector;

whereby the wing member provides additional conditioning of the air flow.

7. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 6 further comprising pivotal variation means to provide for a selective alteration of an angle of attack of the wing member to aid in conditioning of the air flow.

8. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 4 further comprising:

a) a left segmented lower side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the left rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, the left segmented lower side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation and extending rearward from the tractor housing, the left segmented lower side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the left segmented lower side pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge of the left segmented lower side pivotal panel near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

b) a right segmented lower side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the right rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, the right segmented lower side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation and extending rearward from the tractor housing, the right segmented lower side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented lower side pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented lower side pivotal panel near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

c) a third left drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the left segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

d) a third right drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the right segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

e) and wherein the second left control means further provides for activation of the third left drive means to transfer the left segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

f) and wherein the second right control means further provides for activation of the third right drive means to transfer the right segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective second measuring means would signal a change in status of cross wind conditions and the respective second control means would cause the respective third drive means to cause the respective segmented lower side extending panels to be placed in one of the alternating positions.

9. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 8 further comprising:

a) a wing member having;

1) a leading edge;

2) a trailing edge;

3) a first surface convex shaped and extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge;

4) a second surface comprising;

a) an opposing convex surface extending from the leading edge on an opposing side from the first surface;

b) a transition surface being concave shaped;

c) a concave surface extending from the transition surface to the trailing edge, the transition surface being between the opposing convex surface and the concave surface;

b) attachment means to provide for elevated placement of the wing member above an attachment surface;

whereby the wing member provides additional conditioning of the air flow.

10. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 9 further comprising pivotal variation means to provide for a selective alteration of an angle of attack of the wing member to aid in conditioning of the air flow.

11. Cross wind conditioning means to provide for a selective redirection of air flow to reduce the effect of cross winds on a tractor, the tractor adaptable to tow a trailer, the tractor and the trailer forming a tractor trailer combination, the tractor having a roof area, a direction of forward travel, a left and right directional orientation corresponding to a position facing forward in the direction of forward travel of the tractor, an imaginary center line extending through the tractor corresponding to the direction of forward travel, a tractor housing, a left rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, a right rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, the trailer having a forward face, the forward face having a perimeter formed by an upper edge, a right side edge, a left side edge and a lower edge, the right side edge and the left side edge both corresponding to a directional orientation facing forward in the direction of forward travel of the tractor, the cross wind conditioning means comprising:

a) a segmented air deflector attachable to the roof area of the tractor, the segmented air deflector having a directional orientation following attachment, the directional orientation including left, right, forward and rear and corresponding to the directional orientation of the tractor, the segmented air deflector having a left side, a right side, a forward edge, a rear upper edge, a rear lower edge, a left rear vertically oriented trailing edge and a right rear vertically oriented trailing edge all corresponding to the directional orientation of the segmented air deflector following attachment, the segmented air deflector comprising;

1) a frame system;

2) at least one segmented panel attached to the frame system and forming a continuous segmented outer surface area, the continuous segmented outer surface area divided into a plurality of flat planar surfaces with a linear juncture between adjoining surfaces;

b) a left side panel mounted on the left side of the segmented air deflector and having a substantially vertical orientation between the roof area of the tractor and the continuous segmented surface area of the segmented air deflector, the left side panel having a left portal;

c) a right side panel mounted on the right side of the segmented air deflector and having a substantially vertical orientation between the roof area of the tractor and the continuous segmented surface area of the segmented air deflector, the right side panel having a right portal;

d) a left side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the left side panel and substantially filling the left portal, the left side pivotal panel having alternating positions, the alternating positions being a closed position and an open position, the closed position prohibiting entry of air flow through the left portal, the open position allowing entry of air flow through the left portal;

e) a right side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the right side panel and substantially filling the right portal, the right side pivotal panel having alternating positions, the alternating positions being a closed position and an open position, the closed position prohibiting entry of air flow through the right portal, the open position allowing entry of air flow through the right portal;

f) a first left drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the left side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

g) a first right drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the right side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

h) a first left side measuring means to provide for determining a predetermined presence of cross wind conditions on the left side of the tractor trailer combination;

i) a first right side measuring means to provide for determining a predetermined presence of cross wind conditions on the right side of the tractor trailer combination;

j) a first left control means to provide for continually testing the first left side measuring means to determine a change in status, the change in status being alternatively between a measurement below the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions and a measurement above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions, the change in status causing activation of the first left drive means to transfer the left side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

k) a first right control means to provide for continually testing the first right side measuring means to determine a change in status, the change in status being alternatively between a measurement below the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions and a measurement above the predetermined presence of cross wind conditions, the change in status causing activation of the first right drive means to transfer the right side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective first measuring means would signal a change in status of cross wind conditions and the respective first control means would cause the respective first drive means to cause the respective side pivotal panel to be placed in one of the alternating positions, closed when cross wind conditions are not present on that respective side and open when cross wind conditions are present on that respective side.

12. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 11 further comprising:

a) a wing member having;

1) a leading edge;

2) a trailing edge;

3) a first surface convex shaped and extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge;

4) a second surface comprising;

a) an opposing convex surface extending from the leading edge on an opposing side from the first surface;

b) a transition surface being concave shaped;

c) a concave surface extending from the transition surface to the trailing edge, the transition surface being between the opposing convex surface and the concave surface;

b) attachment means to provide for elevated placement of the wing member above an attachment surface, the attachment surface an exposed surface of the segmented air deflector;

whereby the wing member is attached to the segmented air deflector and provides additional conditioning of the air flow.

13. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 12 further comprising pivotal variation means to provide for a selective alteration of an angle of attack of the wing member to aid in conditioning of the air flow.

14. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 11 further comprising:

a) a left segmented upper side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the left rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the segmented air deflector, the left segmented upper side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation extending rearward from the segmented air deflector, the left segmented upper side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the left segmented upper side pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

b) a right segmented upper side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the right rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the segmented air deflector, the right segmented upper side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation and extending rearward from the segmented air deflector, the right segmented upper side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented upper side pivotal panel near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

c) a second left drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the left segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

d) a second right drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the right segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

e) and wherein the left control means further provides for activation of the second left drive means to transfer the left segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

f) and wherein the right control means further provides for activation of the second right drive means to transfer the right segmented upper side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective control means would cause the respective second drive means to cause the respective segmented upper side extending panels to be placed in one of the alternating positions.

15. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 14 further comprising:

a) a wing member having;

1) a leading edge;

2) a trailing edge;

3) a first surface convex shaped and extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge;

4) a second surface comprising;

a) an opposing convex surface extending from the leading edge on an opposing side from the first surface;

b) a transition surface being concave shaped;

c) a concave surface extending from the transition surface to the trailing edge, the transition surface being between the opposing convex surface and the concave surface;

b) attachment means to provide for elevated placement of the wing member above an attachment surface, the attachment surface an exposed surface of the segmented air deflector;

whereby the wing member provides additional conditioning of the air flow.

16. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 15 further comprising pivotal variation means to provide for a selective alteration of an angle of attack of the wing member to aid in conditioning of the air flow.

17. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 14 further comprising:

a) a left segmented lower side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the left rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, the left segmented lower side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation and extending rearward from the tractor housing, the left segmented lower side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the left segmented lower side pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge of the left segmented lower side pivotal panel near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

b) a right segmented lower side pivotal panel pivotally mounted on the right rear vertically oriented trailing edge of the tractor housing, the right segmented lower side pivotal panel having a substantially vertical orientation and extending rearward from the tractor housing, the right segmented lower side pivotal panel having a rearward trailing edge, a pivotal range of motion and alternating positions, the alternating positions being the extremes of the pivotal range of motion, the alternating positions being an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented lower side pivotal panel away from the imaginary center line of the tractor, the extended position providing characteristics to stream line air flow around the trailer during motion of the tractor trailer combination to reduce drag, the retracted position placing the rearward trailing edge of the right segmented lower side pivotal panel near the imaginary center line of the tractor, the retracted position causing redirection of the air flow during motion of the tractor trailer combination to cause the air flow to pass between the tractor and the trailer;

c) a third left drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the left segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

d) a third right drive means to provide for a selective transfer of the right segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

e) and wherein the left control means further provides for activation of the third left drive means to transfer the left segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

f) and wherein the right control means further provides for activation of the third right drive means to transfer the right segmented lower side pivotal panel between the alternating positions;

whereby the respective control means would cause the respective third drive means to cause the respective segmented lower side extending panels to be placed in one of the alternating positions.

18. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 17 further comprising:

a) a wing member having;

1) a leading edge;

2) a trailing edge;

3) a first surface convex shaped and extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge;

4) a second surface comprising;

a) an opposing convex surface extending from the leading edge on an opposing side from the first surface;

b) a transition surface being concave shaped;

c) a concave surface extending from the transition surface to the trailing edge, the transition surface being between the opposing convex surface and the concave surface;

b) attachment means to provide for elevated placement of the wing member above an attachment surface;

whereby the wing member provides additional conditioning of the air flow.

19. The cross wind conditioning means defined in claim 18 further comprising pivotal variation means to provide for a selective alteration of an angle of attack of the wing member to aid in conditioning of the air flow.