Flow restricting deflector
AssigneePACCAR Inc
InventorJeffrey P. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Drag reducing systems for vehicles are provided. In one aspect, a drag reducing system generally includes a flow restricting deflector couplable to a mount and positioned upstream in a path of airflow to an object. The flow restricting deflector generally includes a body portion and a plurality of flow choking orifices configured to provide a choked airflow condition. In another aspect, the drag reducing system is configured for positioning adjacent a wheel and tire combination of a vehicle upstream in a path of airflow to the wheel and tire combination. The flow restricting deflector may be coupled to and extending downward from a splash shield adjacent the wheel and tire combination.
Claims20
A splash shield, comprising:
- an upper body portion configured to be coupled to a mount of a vehicle such that the splash shield is positioned upstream an airflow path that occurs when the vehicle moves forward;
- a lower body portion;
- and
- a plurality of orifices extending through the lower body portion, each of the plurality of orifices having an inlet, an outlet, and an interior wall.
A drag reducing assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
- a mounting bracket configured to be mounted to the vehicle;
- a splash shield coupled to the mounting bracket, the splash shield configured to be positioned upstream of a wheel and tire combination of the vehicle when mounted to the vehicle by the mounting bracket;
- and
- a flow restricting deflector extending from the splash shield, the flow restricting deflector having a first surface configured to face upstream and a second surface configured to face the wheel and tire combination, the flow restricting deflector including a body portion and a plurality of orifices, each of the plurality of orifices having an inlet at the first surface, an outlet at the second surface, and an interior wall extending between the first and second surfaces.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a splash shield having an upper portion and a lower portion, the splash shield coupled to the vehicle at the upper portion, wherein the lower portion of the splash shield is located upstream of a wheel and tire combination of the vehicle, wherein the lower portion of the splash shield including a plurality of orifices, each of the plurality of orifices having an inlet, an outlet, and an interior wall, wherein air flow is able to flow through the orifices from the inlet to the outlet when the vehicle is moving.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.