Retractable aerodynamic structures for cargo bodies and methods of controlling positioning of the same

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for electrically-actuating an aerodynamic structure, the system comprising:
 one or more powered actuators operatively connected to at least one panel of the aerodynamic structure to control positioning of the aerodynamic structure; and   one or more electronic control units that processes sensor signals to analyze vehicle motion and controls the one or more powered actuators based upon the vehicle motion and a predetermined logic process.   
     
     
         2 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the aerodynamic structure is rear-facing and comprises at least an upper panel and two side panels. 
     
     
         3 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the upper panel and side panels of the aerodynamic structure each hingedly mount to a door of the cargo body, hinge between a folded position on the door and a deployed position in which the upper and side panels together define an aerodynamic structure having an internal cavity; and a linkage assembly operatively connected between the upper panel and the side panel to the door, so that hinged movement of the side panel causes hinged movement of the linkage assembly in response thereto and movement of the upper panel in response to the hinged movement of the linkage assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the aerodynamic structure also contains one or more bottom panel, and wherein the upper panel, bottom panel, and side panels of the aerodynamic structure each hingedly mount to a door of the cargo body, hinge between a folded position on the door and a deployed position in which the upper, bottom, and side panels together define an aerodynamic structure having an internal cavity; and a linkage assembly operatively connected between the upper panel and the bottom panel to the door, so that hinged movement of the bottom panel causes hinged movement of the linkage assembly in response thereto and movement of the upper panel in response to the hinged movement of the linkage assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the one or more powered actuators is operatively connected between the door and the first side panel or the second side panel. 
     
     
         6 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the one or more powered actuators is operatively connected between the door and the upper panel. 
     
     
         7 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the one or more powered actuators is a powered latch mechanism, operatively connected to an electronic control unit, which releases automatically based upon a signal received from the electronic control unit. 
     
     
         8 . The system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the aerodynamic structure is constructed and arranged to move under a biasing force to a deployed position and allows the aerodynamic structure to open to deployed position automatically while in motion upon release of the latch mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . The system as set forth in  claim 8  wherein the biasing force is a compression gas spring. 
     
     
         10 . The system as set forth in  claim 7  further comprising an indicator light mounted to the cargo body at a location visible from one of the driver's rear view mirrors that displays feedback from the latching mechanism to alert the driver on the position of the rear-facing aerodynamic structure. 
     
     
         11 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the powered actuators is a motor-driven cable winch system that automatically pulls one or more of the panels of the aerodynamic structure into a retracted position, against the force of a passive opening device), based upon the signal received from the electronic control unit. 
     
     
         12 . The system as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the passive opening device comprises a gas spring or a torsion spring. 
     
     
         13 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the electronic control units is the ABS controller. 
     
     
         14 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the electronic control units is connected to a wheel speed sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the electronic control units contains a built-in accelerometer to analyze vehicle motion. 
     
     
         16 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the electronic control units is connected to two pressure sensors, one at the rear of the trailer and the other in the airstream, that calculate aerodynamic pressure drag at the rear of the trailer. 
     
     
         17 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the electronic control units is connected to an optical reader that calculates vehicle motion by viewing displacement of the ground relative to the vehicle. 
     
     
         18 . The system as set forth in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the electronic units contains a built-in GPS to analyze vehicle motion.