System for reducing aerodynamic drag forces on a trailer

A system for reducing drag on a trailer, said system comprising:

• a plurality of flexible membranes, each of said plurality of flexible membranes comprising a respective perimeter coupled to a rear end of the trailer, wherein a respective variable-volume cavity is defined between said each flexible membrane and the rear end;
• at least one source of pressurized gas coupled to the trailer and in fluidic communication with the respective variable-volume cavity defined by said each flexible membrane;
• and
• a controller operable to control a flow of the pressurized gas from said at least one source to the respective variable-volume cavity defined by said each flexible membrane, such that said plurality of flexible membranes is movable between a first deployed profile, wherein said plurality of flexible membranes cooperate to maintain a first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end of the trailer, and a second deployed profile, wherein said plurality of flexible membranes cooperate to maintain a second pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end, the second pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape different from the first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape.

A system for reducing drag on a trailer, said system comprising:

• a flexible membrane comprising a perimeter coupled to a rear end of the trailer, wherein a variable-volume cavity is defined between said flexible membrane and the rear end;
• a telescoping actuator coupled to the rear end and comprising a distal end selectively movable, within the variable-volume cavity, between:
• a retracted position, wherein said distal end is proximate to the rear end;
• and
• a first extended position, wherein said distal end is spaced apart from the rear end at a first distance;
• a source of pressurized gas coupled to said trailer and in fluidic communication with the variable-volume cavity;
• and
• a controller operable to control a flow of the pressurized gas from said source to the variable-volume cavity, wherein said controller and said telescoping actuator are cooperatively operable to move said flexible membrane from:
• a stowed profile, wherein said telescoping actuator is in the retracted position and said flexible membrane is collapsed against the rear end of the trailer;
• to
• a first deployed profile, wherein said telescoping actuator is in the first extended position and said flexible membrane is maintained in a first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end.