Vehicle drag reduction with air scoop vortex impeller and trailing edge surface texture treatment

• US 7,192,077 B1
• Filed: 05/28/2003
• Issued: 03/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Terry B. Hilleman
• Original Assignee: Terry B. Hilleman
• Inventors: Hilleman, Terry B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutman; H
• Application Number:
  US10/446,946
• Time in Patent Office: 1,392 Days
• Field of Search: 296/180.1, 296/180.2, 296/180.3, 296/180.4, 296/180.5, 180/903
• US Class Current: 296/180.1
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/001 For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans

Abstract

An improved air scoop device utilizes vortex loops to reduce drag. The apparatus includes a sliding self-retracting portion having a scoop intake, a first chamber area and curved rear deflector with exhaust. The vortex loops connect the curved deflector area with the intake area. The vortex impeller apparatus also has a base plate portion, with a stop and springs. It is mounted at the truck trailer rear end. The base plate portion of the apparatus supports the sliding portion. The moving truck causes the sliding portion to extend back beyond the base plate and trailer'"'"'s rear. The apparatus'"'"' exhaust ventilates the low-pressure area behind the moving truck trailer. When the truck stops, springs or compression pistons retract the sliding portion back over the base plate. In this retracted position, the apparatus fits flush. Variable surface texturing may be applied to the impellers and truck trailer'"'"'s rounded trailing edges.

Claims

1. A drag reducing device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion, the device comprising:

a base secured to the rear portion of the vehicle;

a moveable air scoop slideably secured to the base; and

a spring operatively connected to the moveable air scoop and the base.

2. The drag reducing device of claim 1 wherein the air scoop included surface texturing.

3. The drag reducing device of claim 1 wherein the air scoop is moveable from air resistance.

4. The drag reducing device of claim 1 wherein the spring is a compression piston.

5. A drag reducing device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion, the device comprising:

a ventilator secured to the rear portion of the vehicle wherein the ventilator is moveable by air pressure into an extended position; and

a spring operatively connected to the ventilator to return the ventilator into a non-extended position.

6. A drag reducing device for a vehicle, the device comprising:

an outer wall;

an inner wall wherein the inner wall and outer wall are spaced apart from one another;

a first chamber through which air flows in one direction;

a second chamber through which air flows in a second direction; and

a nozzle operatively connected to the outer wall.

7. The drag reducing device of claim 6 further comprising a base moveably secured to the outer wall.

8. The drag reducing device of claim 6 further comprising surface texturing on the outer wall.

9. The drag reducing device of claim 6 further comprising surface perforations on the outer wall.

10. The drag reducing device of claim 6 further comprising surface texturing on the vehicle.

11. A drag reducing device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion, the device comprising:

a base secured to the rear portion of the vehicle;

a moveable air scoop wherein the air scoop includes a vortex loop, the air scoop being slideably secured to the base; and

a spring operatively connected to the moveable air scoop and the base.

12. A drag reducing device for a vehicle, the device comprising:

an outer wall;

an inner wall wherein the inner wall and outer wall are spaced apart from one another;

a first chamber through which air flows in one direction wherein the first chamber and the second chamber form a vortex loop;

a second chamber through which air flows in a second direction; and

a nozzle operatively connected to the outer wall.