An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.

A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

A foldable dual-layered wall structure is positionable in a stowed condition and in a deployed condition. The wall structure includes a first foldable layer having at least a first pair of panels and a first joint rotatably connecting the panels of the at least a first pair of panels. A second foldable layer is positioned adjacent to the first foldable layer. The second foldable layer includes at least a second pair of panels and a second joint rotatably connecting the panels of the at least a second pair of panels. The wall structure is structured such that the first joint is positioned directly opposite a panel of the at least a second pair of panels and the second joint is positioned directly opposite a panel of the at least a first pair of panels when the wall structure is in the deployed condition.

A deflector arrangement for a tractor is provided, the tractor being connectable to a trailer that forms an aerodynamic drag source. The deflector arrangement includes a deflector, a mount for connecting the deflector to the tractor, an arrangement for selectively deploying and retracting the deflector relative to the tractor, a sensor arranged to sense that the trailer that forms the aerodynamic drag force is attached to the tractor and send a loaded signal in response thereto, and a controller arranged to receive the loaded signal from the sensor and to control the selectively deploying and retracting arrangement to deploy the deflector in response to the loaded signal.

An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a foldable/retractable and unfoldable/deployable, rearwardly tapered aerodynamic assembly for use on the rear trailer bodies and other vehicles that accommodate dual swing-out doors. The aerodynamic assembly includes a right half mounted on the right hand door and a left half mounted on a left hand door. Each half can be constructed with a side panel, top panel and bottom panel, which each form half of an overall tapered box when deployed on the rear of the vehicle, the bottom panels and top panels being sealed together at a pair of overlapping weather seals along the centerline.

A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.

A drag reduction assembly is mountable on a vehicle or other object experiencing relative motion in a fluid environment. The assembly comprises at least one shell of flexible web material movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. In addition, the shell is configured to provide at least an outer flow surface in the deployed position (e.g., a curved surface) to reduce the effects of aerodynamic drag. In many embodiments, intake apertures such as NACA ducts may be provided to allow a portion of the flowing fluid into the shell. The flowing fluid will cause the shell to assume automatically the deployed position. In cases where fluid enters the shell, an exit location is provided in the shell to permit such fluid to exit and rejoin fluid on the outside.

An aerodynamic device includes an inflatable member convertible between a deflated position and an inflated position at a speed certain. When in the inflated position, the inflatable member on the aerodynamic device extends between the cabin wall on a vehicle and a leading wall on a container supported by a trailer towed by the vehicle. The inflatable member fills a gap ordinarily between the cabin wall and trailer to encourage laminar flow as truck hauls trailer through an air stream. The encouragement of laminar flow reduces drag which results in increase fuel economy for the truck's engine, amongst other advantages.