초록 ▼

A drag reducing apparatus is attached to the back of a vehicle and serves to reduce drag by capturing at least two vortices which turn the flow inwardly behind the vehicle body thereby effectively reducing the back area of the vehicle. The first and second vortices are captured in cavities formed by

A drag reducing apparatus is attached to the back of a vehicle and serves to reduce drag by capturing at least two vortices which turn the flow inwardly behind the vehicle body thereby effectively reducing the back area of the vehicle. The first and second vortices are captured in cavities formed by a first and a second vertical panel attached to the back of a vehicle. A third horizontal panel can be attached to the top of the first and second panels to create a cavity for the capture of a third vortex formed by the air stream flowing over the top of the vehicle. The panels are preferably hinged so that they can be folded up flat against the rear of the vehicle when not in use. When in use the panels are locked in position so that they don\t vibrate when the vehicle is moving. Top and bottom panels can be employed to define the upper and lower limits of the first and second vortex. Other embodiments employ different panel arrangements to improve the efficiency of the vortex capture.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for reducing drag at the trailing end of a blunt body having a front end, a trailing end, a top surface, and a first and a second sidewall surface, said apparatus comprising: first vortex capturing means connected to said trailing end for capturing and stabilizing a first vortex having

An apparatus for reducing drag at the trailing end of a blunt body having a front end, a trailing end, a top surface, and a first and a second sidewall surface, said apparatus comprising: first vortex capturing means connected to said trailing end for capturing and stabilizing a first vortex having an axis substantially parallel to the plane of said first sidewall surface, said first vortex capturing means including a first panel means attached to said trailing end and having a long axis substantially parallel to the plane of said first sidewall surface; second vortex capturing means attached to said trailing end for capturing a second vortex having an axis substantially parallel to the plane of said second sidewall surface, said second vortex capturing means including a second panel means attached to said trailing end and having a long axis substantially parallel to the plane of said second sidewall surface; third vortex capturing means connected to said trailing end for capturing a third vortex having an axis substantially parallel to the plane of said top surface, said third vortex capturing means including a third panel means attached to said trailing end and having a long axis substantially parallel to the plane of said top surface; and, fourth panel means attached to the lower portion of said trailing end and having a long dimension substantially parallel to the plane of said top surface, said fourth panel means defining one end of said first and second vortex capturing means.