摘要:
A method and apparatus for increasing the reducing the lift and drag of a soft top passenger vehicle having a soft top having first and second edges in which the point at which flow over the vehicle separates is determined by conventional techniques and an aerodynamic deflector is provided and attached to the roof of the vehicle forward of the separation point at a position that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency.
摘要:
A motor vehicle body including inner and outer body panels. The inner body panel and the outer body panel form at least one cavity therebetween. A structural cross woven fiber material is applied to the cavity formed between the inner and outer body panels in order to increase rigidity of the motor vehicle body. The cross woven or unidirectional fiber is fiberglass carbon fiber or other structural fibers which, in combination with resin (in fiber or powder form), becomes an integral part of the motor vehicle body structure when heat is applied.
摘要:
A vehicle body panel having an outer skin and an inner skin. The inner skin and outer skin are connected by an intermediate spacer. A urethane foam is provided between the intermediate spacer and each of the inner and outer skins.
摘要:
Uni-directional fibers are wrapped in tension around vehicle body panels to place the body panels in compression. A compressive load on the inner body panels, coupled with the actual load on the uni-directional fibers in tension contribute to a vehicle structural body that has increased stiffness.
摘要:
A wheel for a lightweight plastic automobile includes a unitarily-molded outboard plastic rim defining an inboard-oriented engagement surface and a unitarily-molded inner plastic rim defining an outboard-oriented engagement surface. The engagement surfaces are conformed alike so as to interlock together, and the surfaces are adhesively bonded together to establish a strong, compliant wheel. Rivets further connect the rims to prevent the rims from peeling apart. The wheel is mounted on the automobile by a plurality of lug nuts, each of which is integrally formed with a washer having a large surface area. The large surface area of the washer permits firmly tightening the lug nuts while avoiding "scalloping" of the plastic wheel when the washers are tightly urged against the wheels.
摘要:
An aerodynamic drag reducing device for a tractor trailer vehicle includes a rigid deflector panel having its leading edge pivotally mounted on the cab roof and having a length greater than the cab roof so that the trailing edge of the deflector panel overhangs the rear wall of the cab. A pair of rigid cab extender panels are mounted on the rear wall of the cab in alignment with the cab side walls. The deflector panel and extender panels terminate at a distance from the trailer which permits unrestricted turning movement of the tractor relative to the trailer. A pair of air deflecting side members extend generally vertically between each side edge of the rigid deflector panel and the cab roof and the extender panels. The side members are molded urethane and comprise a plurality of foldably interconnected triangular segments which fold relative one another to accommodate pivotal movement of the rigid deflector panel relative to the cab roof and the extender panels. The top edge of the side member is attached to the side edge of the deflector panel. The bottom edge of the side member is attached to the cab roof and to the extender panel. The deflector panel, the extender panels and the side members cooperate to aerodynamically extend the cab toward the trailer to substantially reduce the drag inducing gap therebetween without requiring any connection to or modification of the trailer.
摘要:
A method of mass production of algae is provided, including an algae growth trough having an algae introduction end having a first width and an algae extraction end having a second width wider than the first width. Water is supplied to the trough from a water treatment facility and carbon dioxide is introduced to the water from a combustion source. The algae is allowed to grow within the algae growth trough while light is provided to the trough. The algae is extracted from the extraction end of the trough, and as the algae continues to grow under optimal conditions, the algae is continuously harvested for commercial use. The mass production of algae allows for the consumption of enormous amounts of carbon dioxide which can be generated from a coal electrical generation facility or other industrial facility.
摘要:
An automobile bumper retention system is provided including a plastic foam energy absorbent bumper which is held firmly in place by a metal bumper beam. The beam is provided with integral ribs or beads that fit into a matching groove in the energy absorbing bumper in order to support the energy absorbing bumper in a snap-fit engagement or a slide-in engagement.
摘要:
An apparatus for mounting components to a motor vehicle including a frame having a bonding face and a nut coupled to the frame where the nut has a mounting face protruding a distance from the bonding face. The apparatus further includes a plastic body panel having an inner face and an outer face defining a thickness substantially equivalent to the protrusion distance of the nut. The plastic panel further has an aperture extending through its thickness. The nut is disposed in the aperture. The inner face is coupled to the bonding face and the outer face is substantially co-planar to the mounting face. A vehicle component is secured to the frame by a threaded fastener which engages the nut. The vehicle component abuts directly against the mounting face of the nut so that little or no clamping forces are applied to the plastic body panel.
摘要:
A two piece vehicle panel construction is provided. The first and second piece of the vehicle panel are made by injection molding. The first and second piece cooperate to provide proper aesthetics, structural integrity, and increased sun load resistance. The proper positioning and alignment of the two piece construction is facilitated by at least two alignment fixtures that are nested within the first and second pieces.