Aerodynamic trucking systems

• US 8,303,025 B2
• Filed: 05/27/2011
• Issued: 11/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fleetaero LLC
• Original Assignee: Strehl LLC (Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Senatro, Richard P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis
• Assistant Examiner(s): Daniels, Jason S
• Application Number:
  US13/117,891
• Publication Number:
  US 20120074728A1
• Time in Patent Office: 529 Days
• Field of Search: 296/180.1, 296/180.2, 296/180.3, 296/180.4, 296/181.2, 180/903, 105/1.1, 280/159, 280/859
• US Class Current: 296/180.4
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/001 For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/02 Streamlining the undersurfaces B62D35/005, B62D35/007, B62D35/008 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/82 Elements for improving aerodynamics
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/88 Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses

Abstract

A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.

Claims

1. A side skirt system, relating to reducing aerodynamic drag below cargo trailers, comprising:

a) a cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor;

b) a plurality of generally-vertical support posts, said plurality located generally below a said longitudinal side; and

c) a set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

d) wherein each respective generally-vertical support post of said plurality comprises a respective upper end;

e) wherein each such respective generally-vertical support post is coupled only adjacent, at said respective upper end, with said generally-rectilinear floor assembly;

f) wherein each such respective generally-vertical support post is coupled below said upper end to at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

g) wherein at least two of said generally-vertical support posts of said plurality of generally-vertical support posts and at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are located along a path from said forward portion to said trailing portion;

h) wherein such path proceeds outwardly, relative to said longitudinal axis, from said forward portion to said trailing portion to a location adjacent and forward of said rear wheel assembly;

i) wherein interaction of airflow below said cargo trailer, when moving forward, with said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels reduces aerodynamic drag of said cargo trailer;

j) at least one adjustable attacher structured and arranged to adjustably attach said generally-vertical support post to said generally-rectilinear floor;

k) wherein each such respective generally-vertical support post is configured to assist upward and inward pivoting of at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

l) wherein impact damage of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels may be reduced by such upward and inward pivoting;

m) wherein such respective generally-vertical support post further comprises at least one positional biaser structured and arranged to positionally bias such respective generally-vertical support post into at least one generally-vertical position;

n) wherein said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are positionally biased toward at least one useful aerodynamic rest-position;

o) wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises at least one vertical-axis rotator configured to allow rotation of said generally-vertical support post about a generally-vertical axis; and

p) wherein said at least one vertical-axis rotator comprises at least one positional maintainer structured and arranged to maintain such respective generally-vertical support post in at least one defined rotational position about such generally-vertical axis.

2. The side skirt system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one adjustable attacher further comprises at least one clamping assembly structured and arranged to assist adjustable clamping of said generally-vertical support post to at least one floor support member of said generally-rectilinear floor.

3. The side skirt system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises:

a) at least one mounting plate structured and arranged to assist mounted engagement of said generally-vertical support post with said generally-rectilinear floor; and

b) at least one threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to tension said at least one mounting plate toward such mounted engagement;

c) wherein said at least one mounting plate comprises at least one slotted aperture structured and arranged to receive said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner.

4. The side skirt system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one positional biaser comprises at least one spring.

5. The side skirt system according to claim 1 wherein said generally-vertical support post comprises at least one channel having at least one mounting flange structured and arranged to assist connection of at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels to such respective generally-vertical support post.

6. A side skirt system, relating to reducing aerodynamic drag of cargo trailers, such cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor, said system comprising:

a) at least two generally-vertical support posts, each said generally-vertical support post being configured to be located generally below at least one of such longitudinal sides; and

b) a set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

c) wherein each said generally-vertical support post comprises an upper end configured to be coupled with such generally-rectilinear floor assembly;

d) wherein each said generally-vertical support post is configured to be coupled below said upper end to at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

e) wherein said at least two generally-vertical support posts and at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are configured to be located along a path, proceeding outwardly relative to such longitudinal side, from such forward portion to such trailing portion, to a location adjacent and forward of such rear wheel assembly;

f) wherein such side skirt system, when assembled with such cargo trailer, assists in reducing aerodynamic drag of such cargo trailer; and

g) at least one adjustable attacher structured and arranged to adjustably attach said generally-vertical support post to at least one floor support member of such generally-rectilinear floor;

h) wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises;

i) at least one mounting plate structured and arranged to assist coupling of said generally-vertical support post with at least one flanged portion of such at least one floor support member; and

ii) at least one threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to tension said at least one mounting plate to assist such coupling;

iii) wherein said at least one mounting plate comprises at least one slotted aperture structured and arranged to receive said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner.

7. The side skirt system according to claim 6 wherein:

a) each said generally-vertical support post comprises at least one horizontal-axis rotator configured, when assembled, to assist upward and inward pivoting of at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels about at least one generally-horizontal axis; and

b) impact damage of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels, when assembled, may be reduced.

8. The side skirt system according to claim 7 wherein said generally-vertical support post further comprises at least one positional biaser structured and arranged to positionally bias, when assembled, said generally-vertical support post into at least one generally-vertical position.

9. The side skirt system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises at least one vertical-axis rotator configured to allow rotation, when assembled, of said generally-vertical support post about a generally-vertical axis.

10. The side skirt system according to claim 9 wherein said at least one vertical-axis rotator, when assembled, comprises at least one positional maintainer structured and arranged to maintain said generally-vertical support post in at least one defined rotational position about such generally-vertical axis.

11. The side skirt system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one positional biaser comprises at least one spring.

12. The side skirt system according to claim 6 wherein said generally-vertical support post comprises at least one channel having at least one mounting flange configured to assist connection of at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels to said generally-vertical support post.

13. The side skirt system, according to claim 9, wherein said at least one mounting plate and said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner are configured to form at least one clamping assembly structured and arranged to assist, when assembled, adjustable clamping of said generally-vertical support post to such at least one floor support member of such generally-rectilinear floor.

14. The side skirt system, according to claim 13 wherein said at least one vertical-axis rotator comprises:

a) at least one clamping assembly comprising;

i) at least one first mounting plate and at least one second mounting plate,

ii) at least one first threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to threadably tension said at least one first mounting plate to at least one first clamped engagement with at least one floor support member, and

iii) at least one second threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to threadably tension said at least one second mounting plate to at least one second clamped engagement such at least one floor support member;

b) wherein said at least one first threaded-shaft tensioner is structured and arranged to comprise at least one hinge position with respect to said at least one second threaded-shaft tensioner;

c) wherein said at least one second threaded-shaft tensioner is structured and arranged to pivot with respect to said at least one hinge position; and

d) wherein pivotal positioning of said at least one second threaded-shaft tensioner with respect to said first threaded-shaft tensioner assists, when assembled, such rotation of said generally-vertical support post about such at least one vertical rotational axis.

15. The side skirt system, according to claim 14, wherein:

a) said at least one slotted aperture is configured to receive said at least one second threaded-shaft tensioner;

b) said at least one slotted aperture comprises at least one aperture area no less than 110% of an area of a cross section of a threaded section of said second threaded-shaft tensioner; and

c) said at least one slotted aperture assists such pivoting of said second threaded-shaft tensioner with respect to said at least one hinge position.

16. The side skirt system, according to claim 7, wherein said at least one horizontal-axis rotator comprises:

a) at least one pivot bar oriented generally coaxially with the generally-horizontal rotational axis; and

b) at least one helical-type torsion spring structured and arranged to apply at least one spring force to bias said generally-vertical support post toward at least one position orienting said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels, when assembled, in the at least one generally-vertical position;

c) wherein said generally-vertical support post comprises at least one channel having at least one mounting flange structured and arranged to assist connection of at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels to said generally-vertical support post; and

d) wherein said at least one channel is pivotally engaged on said at least one pivot bar.

17. The side skirt system according to claim 7 further comprising at least one rotational adjuster structured and arranged to assist rotational adjustment, when assembled, of said generally-vertical support post, about the at least one generally-horizontal axis, to such at least one generally-vertical position.

18. The side skirt system according to claim 17 wherein said at least one support-rotator adjuster further comprises:

a) at least one threaded member threadably engaged within said at least one channel;

b) wherein a rotation of said at least one threaded member produces at least one rotational adjustment, when assembled, of said at least one channel about the generally-horizontal rotational axis; and

c) wherein such at least one rotational adjustment of said at least one channel, when assembled, assists in optimizing placement of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels in the at least one generally-vertical position by angular adjustment.

19. The side skirt system according to claim 6 wherein said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels comprises at least one planar panel structured and arranged, when assembled, to direct air passing adjacent the cargo trailer away from the at least one rear wheel assembly.

20. The side skirt system according to claim 17 wherein said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels further comprise:

a) at least three planar panels, each one structured and arranged, when assembled, to be supported from the generally-rectilinear floor assembly by at least two of said generally-vertical support posts;

b) wherein, when assembled, said at least three planar panels, when supported in series, direct a flow of air passing adjacent the cargo trailer away from the at least one rear wheel assembly.

21. The side skirt system according to claim 19 further comprising:

a) at least one resilient deflection-member structured and arranged to resiliently deflect under force-loading;

b) wherein, when assembled, said at least one resilient deflection-member extends generally continuously along a bottom portion of said at least one planar panel.

22. The side skirt system according to claim 21 wherein said at least one resilient deflection-member further comprises at least one synthetic rubber comprising at least one air-smoothing projection structured and arranged, when assembled, to assist in smoothing airflow along the surface of said at least one resilient deflection-member.

23. The side skirt system according to claim 20 further comprising the cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor.

24. The side skirt system according to claim 21 further comprising two non-intersecting sets of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels, each such respective set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels located below a respective one of said longitudinal sides.

27. The side skirt system, according to claim 15, wherein said at least one slotted aperture comprises at least one generally-arcuate shape.

25. A side skirt system, relating to reducing aerodynamic drag of cargo trailers, such cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor, said system comprising:

a) ;

b) a plurality of generally-vertical support posts, said plurality located generally below a said longitudinal side; and

c) a set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

d) wherein each respective generally-vertical support post of said plurality comprises a respective upper end;

e) wherein each such respective generally-vertical support post is coupled only adjacent, at said respective upper end, with said generally-rectilinear floor assembly;

f) wherein each such respective generally-vertical support post is coupled below said upper end to at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

g) wherein at least two of said generally-vertical support posts of said plurality of generally-vertical support posts and at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are located along a path from said forward portion to said trailing portion;

h) wherein such path proceeds outwardly, relative to said longitudinal axis, from said forward portion to said trailing portion to a location adjacent and forward of said rear wheel assembly;

i) wherein each such respective generally-vertical support post is configured to assist upward and inward pivoting of at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels to reduce impact damage;

j) wherein such respective generally-vertical support post further comprises at least one positional biaser structured and arranged to positionally bias such respective generally-vertical support post into at least one generally-vertical position and wherein said at least one positional biaser comprises at least one spring;

k) wherein said upper end comprises at least one adjustable attacher structured and arranged to adjustably attach said generally-vertical support post to said generally-rectilinear floor;

l) wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises at least one vertical-axis rotator configured to allow rotation of said generally-vertical support post about a generally-vertical axis;

m) wherein said at least one vertical-axis rotator comprises at least one positional maintainer structured and arranged to maintain such respective generally-vertical support post in at least one defined rotational position about such generally-vertical axis;

n) wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises;

i) at least one mounting plate structured and arranged to assist mounted engagement of said generally-vertical support post with said generally-rectilinear floor, and

ii) at least one threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to tension said at least one mounting plate toward such mounted engagement;

o) wherein said at least one mounting plate comprises at least one slotted aperture structured and arranged to receive said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner;

p) wherein said generally-vertical support post comprises at least one channel having at least one mounting flange structured and arranged to assist connection of at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels to such respective generally-vertical support post; and

q) wherein said at least one mounting plate and said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner are configured to form at least one clamping assembly structured and arranged to assist, when assembled, adjustable clamping of said generally-vertical support post to such at least one floor support member of such generally-rectilinear floor.

26. The side skirt system according to claim 25, further comprising the cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor.

28. A side skirt system, relating to reducing aerodynamic drag of cargo trailers, such cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor, said system comprising:

a) at least two generally-vertical support posts, each said generally-vertical support post being configured to be located generally below at least one of such longitudinal sides; and

b) a set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

c) wherein each said generally-vertical support post comprises an upper end configured to be coupled with such generally-rectilinear floor assembly, and at least one horizontal-axis rotator;

d) wherein each said generally-vertical support post is configured to be coupled below said upper end to at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

e) wherein said at least two generally-vertical support posts and at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are configured to be located along a path, proceeding outwardly relative to such longitudinal side, from such forward portion to such trailing portion, to a location adjacent and forward of such rear wheel assembly;

f) wherein such side skirt system, when assembled with such cargo trailer, assists in reducing aerodynamic drag of such cargo trailer; and

g) wherein said at least one horizontal-axis rotator comprises;

i) at least one pivot bar oriented generally coaxially with the generally-horizontal rotational axis;

ii) at least one helical-type torsion spring structured and arranged to apply at least one spring force to bias said generally-vertical support post toward at least one position orienting said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels, when assembled, in the at least one generally-vertical position;

iii) wherein said generally-vertical support post comprises at least one channel having at least one mounting flange structured and arranged to assist connection of at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels to said generally-vertical support post; and

iv) wherein said at least one channel is pivotally engaged on said at least one pivot bar.

29. The side skirt system, according to claim 28, wherein said upper end comprises at least one adjustable attacher structured and arranged to adjustably attach said generally-vertical support post to at least one floor support member of such generally-rectilinear floor, further comprising:

a) at least one mounting plate structured and arranged to assist coupling of said generally-vertical support post with at least one flanged portion of such at least one floor support member; and

b) at least one threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to tension said at least one mounting plate to assist such coupling;

c) wherein said at least one mounting plate comprises at least one enlarged aperture structured and arranged to receive said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner;

d) wherein said at least one enlarged aperture comprises at least one aperture area no less than 110% of an area of a cross section of a threaded section of said threaded-shaft tensioner; and

e) wherein said at least one enlarged aperture assists such pivoting of said threaded-shaft tensioner with respect to said at least one hinge position.

30. A side skirt system, relating to reducing aerodynamic drag of cargo trailers, such cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor, said system comprising:

a) at least two generally-vertical support posts, each said generally-vertical support post being configured to be located generally below at least one of such longitudinal sides;

b) at least one adjustable attacher structured and arranged to adjustably attach said generally-vertical support post to at least one floor support member of such generally-rectilinear floor; and

c) a set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

d) wherein each said generally-vertical support post comprises an upper end configured to be coupled with such generally-rectilinear floor assembly;

e) wherein each said generally-vertical support post is configured to be coupled below said upper end to at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

f) wherein said at least two generally-vertical support posts and at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are configured to be located along a path, proceeding outwardly relative to such longitudinal side, from such forward portion to such trailing portion, to a location adjacent and forward of such rear wheel assembly;

g) wherein such side skirt system, when assembled with such cargo trailer, assists in reducing aerodynamic drag of such cargo trailer;

h) wherein said at least one adjustable attacher comprises at least one vertical-axis rotator configured to allow rotation, when assembled, of said generally-vertical support post about a generally-vertical axis; and

i) wherein said at least one vertical-axis rotator, when assembled, comprises at least one positional maintainer structured and arranged to maintain said generally-vertical support post in at least one defined rotational position about such generally-vertical axis.

31. The side skirt system, according to claim 30, wherein said at least one adjustable attacher further comprises:

a) at least one mounting plate structured and arranged to assist coupling of said generally-vertical support post with at least one flanged portion of such at least one floor support member; and

b) at least one threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to tension said at least one mounting plate to assist such coupling;

c) wherein said at least one mounting plate comprises at least one enlarged aperture structured and arranged to receive said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner;

d) wherein said at least one enlarged aperture comprises at least one aperture area no less than 110% of an area of a cross section of a threaded section of said threaded-shaft tensioner; and

e) wherein said at least one enlarged aperture assists such pivoting of said threaded-shaft tensioner with respect to said at least one hinge position.

32. A side skirt system, relating to reducing aerodynamic drag of cargo trailers, such cargo trailer comprising a generally-rectilinear floor assembly having longitudinal sides, a longitudinal axis, a forward portion, a trailing portion, and having at least one rear wheel assembly situated below said generally-rectilinear floor, said system comprising:

a) at least two generally-vertical support posts, each said generally-vertical support post being configured to be located generally below at least one of such longitudinal sides;

b) a set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels; and

c) at least one resilient deflection-member structured and arranged to resiliently deflect under force-loading;

d) wherein, when assembled, said at least one resilient deflection-member extends generally continuously along a bottom portion of said at least one planar panel;

e) wherein each said generally-vertical support post comprises an upper end configured to be coupled with such generally-rectilinear floor assembly;

f) wherein each said generally-vertical support post is configured to be coupled below said upper end to at least one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels;

g) wherein said at least two generally-vertical support posts and at one of said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels are configured to be located along a path, proceeding outwardly relative to such longitudinal side, from such forward portion to such trailing portion, to a location adjacent and forward of such rear wheel assembly;

h) wherein such side skirt system, when assembled with such cargo trailer, assists in reducing aerodynamic drag of such cargo trailer;

i) wherein said set of generally-vertical side-skirt wall panels comprises at least one planar panel structured and arranged, when assembled, to direct air passing adjacent the cargo trailer away from the at least one rear wheel assembly; and

j) wherein said at least one resilient deflection-member further comprises at least one synthetic rubber comprising at least one air-smoothing projection structured and arranged, when assembled, to assist in smoothing airflow along the surface of said at least one resilient deflection-member.

33. The side skirt system, according to claim 32, wherein said upper end comprises at least one adjustable attacher structured and arranged to adjustably attach said generally-vertical support post to at least one floor support member of such generally-rectilinear floor, further comprising:

a) at least one mounting plate structured and arranged to assist coupling of said generally-vertical support post with at least one flanged portion of such at least one floor support member; and

b) at least one threaded-shaft tensioner structured and arranged to tension said at least one mounting plate to assist such coupling;

c) wherein said at least one mounting plate comprises at least one enlarged aperture structured and arranged to receive said at least one threaded-shaft tensioner;

d) wherein said at least one enlarged aperture comprises at least one aperture area no less than 110% of an area of a cross section of a threaded section of said threaded-shaft tensioner; and

e) wherein said at least one enlarged aperture assists such pivoting of said threaded-shaft tensioner with respect to said at least one hinge position.