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Wake stabilization device and method for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles

  • US 7,431,381 B2
  • Filed: 09/11/2006
  • Issued: 10/07/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a body having a bluff base, a top, a bottom, and two sides, the bluff base having a left half and a right half on either side of the centerline, the apparatus comprising:

  • a first substantially rectangular panel;

    a second substantially rectangular panel;

    each of the panels having a width, length, and thickness;

    wherein the panels are symmetrically positioned about the centerline of the bluff base in opposition, wherein the first panel is attached lengthwise to the right-half of the bluff base and the second panel is attached lengthwise to the left-half of the bluff base so that the surface of the panels are parallel to the sides of the body and each panel'"'"'s width extends rearward from the body bluff base creating a lengthwise trailing edge, wherein each panel is inset at substantially similar distances from the respective sides of the body and no more than about 10 percent of the body width;

    wherein the width of the panels is between about 15 and 25 percent of the body width, the thickness of the panels is no more than about three inches. and the length of the panels is substantially equivalent to the vertical height of the body bluff base;

    wherein each of the first and second panels defines an outer surface facing in the same direction as the corresponding side of the body and an inward surface facing the opposing panel, and each of the first and second panels are configured, when exposed to a flow of air along the body, to trap a vortex at its outer surface adjacent to the bluff base and modify the strength of the vortex;

    wherein each of the first and second panels are configured, when exposed to a flow of air along the body, to trap a vertically oriented vortex at its outer surface adjacent to the bluff base, enabling the flow across the body to expand as it exits the bluff base and further enabling a substantially steady and symmetric air flow as it exits the bluff base and the trailing edges of the panels;

    wherein the body is a vehicle having swinging rear doors on the left-half and the right-half of the bluff base, and further comprising a control means connected between the bluff base and each panel for maintaining each panel in an operating position and for stowing each panel when not in use;

    wherein said control means for maintaining each said panel in an operating position and for stowing each panel when not in use comprisesa first spring hinge system connecting first said panel leading edge to right side swinging rear door of said vehicle,a second spring hinge system connecting second said panel leading edge to left side swinging rear door of said vehicle,a control means to maintain each said panel in operating position includes spring hinge torsion force and mechanical stop means for preventing movement of said panels from rotating from said operating position towards outer most edges of said rear swinging doors,a control means includes means to allow said panels to rotate from said operating position towards inner most edges of said rear swinging door when said rear swinging doors are opened and said panels contact side surfaces of said vehicle, anda low friction system incorporated into each said panel trailing edge and onto each said vehicle side surface at a location coincident with the area of contact between said panels trailing edge and said vehicle side surfaces when said vehicle rear swing doors are opened.

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