Frame extension device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles
OwnerRichard M. Woodinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A frame extension device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of bluff base ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base of the vehicle by stabilizing the wake flow. The device is particularly suited for tractor-trailers utilizing a roll-up type rear door in that it does not block any part of the door opening. The device may be of sufficient thickness to support the weight of an unloading device.
Claims12
An aerodynamic frame extension device for reducing the aerodynamic drag when attached to a rear frame of a bluff base vehicle, the aft surface of the rear frame having a perimeter with a top, bottom and two sides, the device comprising:
- a frame extension structure comprised of four panels integrally connected to each other, the frame extension structure being substantially permanently affixed to the perimeter of the aft surface of the rear frame, with a panel extending aft from each of the top, bottom, and two sides;
- wherein the frame extension structure has a vertical height equal to at least the vertical height of the rear frame and a width equal to at least the width of the rear frame;
- and
- wherein the panel nearest the bottom of the rear frame has sufficient thickness to support a device for loading and unloading the vehicle and the remaining panels have a thickness of at least 1% of the width of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.