Abstract:
An apparatus for increasing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a deflector configured to attach to a front bumper of the vehicle, the deflector comprising a first surface area facing towards the vehicle when the deflector is attached to the vehicle, the first surface area being a substantially rectangle shape, the first surface area having a width, a height and a vertical axis, the vertical axis substantially bisecting the width of the first surface area, a second surface area facing away from the vehicle when the deflector is attached to the vehicle, the second surface area being a substantially concave shape with respect to the vertical axis, and a recessed well configured to align with a hole on the front bumper of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/605,131, titled “Deflector for Increasing Fuel Efficiency of a Vehicle”, filed on Sep. 6, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/532,261, titled “Deflector for Increasing Fuel Efficiency of a Vehicle”, filed on Sep. 8, 2011. The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/605,131 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/532,261 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a deflector for increasing vehicle fuel efficiency, and more specifically, to convex-shaped deflector which may be attached or engaged to a vehicle&#39;s front bumper to reduce drag forces and increase fuel efficiency. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Ever since the automobile gained widespread popularity beginning in the early 1900s, drivers and vehicle manufacturers alike have struggled to enhance the fuel economy of their vehicles. The average fuel economy of a vehicle depends on many different factors including the size, shape and weight, driving and maintenance habits of the driver and the type and size of engine. Many compact and hybrid cars can achieve fuel economies of greater than 40 miles per gallon while large tractor trailers have fuel economies in the range of 3-5 miles per gallon. Recent data suggests that the average fuel economy of all vehicles in the United States is about 21 miles per gallon. With the average car in the United States being driven 12,000 miles per year, each car, on average consumes nearly 600 gallons of gasoline per year. The number of gallons of gasoline consumed each year in the United States becomes truly staggering when the number of vehicles (greater than 250 million) is factored in. Apart from the fuel costs related to operating a motor vehicle, the environmental impacts from burning fossil fuels are significant. Global warming and increased air pollution have been linked to burning fossil fuels. Therefore, reducing the amount of gasoline consumed in the United States would have positive economic and environment effects. 
         [0004]    Many devices have been introduced over the years for improving a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency. For example, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2008/0054677 teaches a drag reducing vehicle attachment to a vehicle. However, such an attachment is formed from a rigid, transparent material that is configured to be in front of a license plate and therefore does not allow for shock absorption upon impact with another vehicle or object. Other devices claim to increase fuel efficiency by magnetically aligning gasoline molecules to promote more efficient combustion. Others purport to condition a vehicle&#39;s electrical system to achieve greater efficiency. Despite grand claims, devices such as these have been shown to provide virtually no increase in fuel efficiency. Other methods such as chemical fuel additives have been shown to provide modest increases in fuel efficiency, but not enough to justify the added cost. 
         [0005]    Therefore, with the cost of gasoline rising due to increasing demand and geopolitical conflict, a need exists in the art for a device capable of increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel economy. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The above-described problems are addressed and a technical solution is achieved in the art by the deflector for increasing fuel efficiency of a vehicle described herein. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency is described which comprises one or more inflatable bladders configured in a generally convex shape being removably engaged to a front bumper of a vehicle to reduce drag forces when the vehicle is driven. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency is described which comprises a dense foam material configured in a generally convex shape being removably engaged to a front bumper of a vehicle to reduce drag forces when the vehicle is driven. In yet another embodiment, a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency is described which comprises a dense foam material configured in a generally convex shape for accepting a vehicle license plate and being removably engaged to a front license plate mount of a vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a profile view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an interior view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a profile view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a profile view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section profile view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a top view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a view of a deflector for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0026]    It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and may not be to scale, and are not intended to be limiting in terms of the range of possible shapes and/or proportions. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    For purposes of this specification, terms are to be given in their plain and ordinary meaning in the context in which they arise as understood by those possessing ordinary skill in the art. To avoid any ambiguity, however, the term “engage” as used herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, any suitable means or method to mount, attach, connect, integrally connect, affix, join, adhere, etc. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 A and  3 B, a deflector  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more inflatable bladders  110  configured in a generally convex shape surrounded by a protective covering. For purposes of clarity,  FIG. 1  illustrates the deflector  100  being engaged to a simulated bumper  160 . The bladder  100  may be constructed from any suitable polymeric material such as rubber or poly vinyl chloride. In addition, the bladder  100  may be inflated and deflated via compressed air using a valve such as a Schrader or Presta valve (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), however one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable valve may be used. The number and geometric configuration of the bladder  100  may be varied depending on the particular application. 
         [0029]    In alternative embodiments, the deflector  100  may be constructed having a core made of a suitable light material such as high density foam, for example, polyurethane foam, a styrene foam, or an ethylene foam. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of suitable materials may be used. The foam core may then be covered with a protective covering  140  made of materials such as vinyl or nylon. The protective covering  140  may then be decorated with various colors and graphics depending on the intended application for the deflector and aesthetic preferences. The protective covering  140  may be permanent or permit removal for cleaning or other maintenance by way of a zipper, latch, strap or other suitable means. 
         [0030]    In an example embodiment, the leading face of the deflector  100  may be configured in a generally convex shape when viewed from the top (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) while the back side  120  of the deflector  100  is generally flat to allow for mounting the deflector to the bumper of a vehicle. The top and bottom faces of the deflector may also have a convex curvature although less pronounced than the leading face  130   
         [0031]    The convex shape of the leading face  130  of the deflector  100  results in reduced drag force and more streamline and laminar air flow when the vehicle  150  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) is driven in the forward direction. Reducing the overall drag of a body means that the body can move through fluids such as air with less friction and wind resistance. In the case of an automobile, this reduced wind resistance leads to increased fuel efficiency because the engine requires less fuel to propel the vehicle forward. Contrast this to a bumper  160 , without the deflector  100  attached, having a largely flat and rectangular leading face, especially those found on many tractor trailers and pickup trucks. Such flat bumpers  160  act to create significant drag forces and more turbulent air flow which results in reduced fuel efficiency. Flat bumpers  160  are also unable to effectively direct air around the body of the vehicle  150 , where additional turbulence and drag can occur. For example, the underside of many large tractor trailers contains features such as engine components that contribute to drag and reduced fuel efficiency. The convex leading face  130  of the deflectors  100  described herein effectively directs air around the vehicle  150  thereby reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency. 
         [0032]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the degree of curvature of the leading face  130  of the deflector  100  may be varied using inflatable bladders  110 .  FIG. 2  illustrates various inflation offsets which may be achieved using such bladders. For example, an example embodiment of the deflector  100  may include a bladder  110  with a  12  inch inflation offset  112 . In an embodiment, the deflector  100  may include a bladder  110  with a  20  inch inflation offset  114 . In an embodiment, the deflector  100  may include a bladder  110  with a  26  inch inflation offset  116 . The greater inflation offsets result in reduced drag on the leading face  130  of the deflector  100 . In some cases, the drag force on the leading face  130  of the deflector  100  was reduced by 44% when compared to a vehicle  150  without the deflector  100  installed. As noted above, reduced drag results in greater fuel efficiency when the deflector  100  is engaged to the front bumper  160  of a vehicle  100 . 
         [0033]    The engine compartment of a typical tractor trailer vehicle  150  is only accessible for maintenance by rotating the entire front portion of the vehicle&#39;s  150  body panel forward around the axis of the bumper  160 . The deflectors  100  described herein may interfere with this rotation. However, body rotation may be achieved by deflating the deflector  100  to make room for the body panel to move forward. After the engine has been serviced, and the body moved back into position, the deflector  100  may be easily re-inflated using a standard tire pump or air compressor. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , different configurations of the deflector  100  with bumper design dimensions having a height of 18 inches, a length of 72 inches and with an inflation offset ranging from 12 inches to 26 inches in 2 inch increments were evaluated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation experiments to assess the resulting flow field at a speed of 70 miles per hour. Using CFD calculations, the drag force for a deflector  100  with no inflation offset is calculated to be 106.76 pounds when pushed by the tractor trailer vehicle  150  traveling at 70 miles per hour. When attaching a deflector  100  having an inflation offset of 12 inches, the drag force is reduced to 73.07 pounds ( FIG. 2A ), resulting in a 31.56% reduction in drag force ( FIG. 2B ). Similarly, for example, when attaching a deflector  100  having an inflation offset of 20 inches, the drag force is reduced to 62.82 pounds, resulting in a 41.16% reduction in drag force. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate each embodiment of deflector  100  having a leading face  130 , a back side  120 , and multiple bladders  110  with different shapes and sizes which may be used to form the deflector  100 . In addition, each bladder  100  may be inflated and deflated independently of the other bladders  100 . This redundant configuration is advantageous in the event one bladder  100  becomes deflated due to damage. 
         [0036]    The ability to inflate and deflate the deflector  100  also makes it easier to install on a tractor trailer type of vehicle  150  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the deflector  100  having a leading face  130 , a bladder  110 , and a back side  120  attached to the bumper  160 . As discussed above, the height of the deflector  100  may be 18 inches and the length may be 72 inches to substantially conform to the dimensions of a bumper  160  on a standard tractor trailer vehicle  150 . The dimensions of the deflector  100  may range from a height of 10 inches to 24 inches, and a length of 60 inches to 94 inches. It is understood that the greater the surface area of the bumper, the greater the drag force. Therefore, the greater the dimensions of the height and length of the deflector  100 , the greater the percentage of reduction of the drag force that is exerted on the vehicle  150  and bumper  160  with the attached deflector  100 , as compared to the drag force that is exerted on a vehicle  150  and bumper  160  without the attached deflector  100 . In an embodiment, the deflector  100  may include a mounting platform being substantially integral with leading face, wherein the mounting platform is configured to attach an electronic toll-collection transponder. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment in which the deflector  100  may be engaged to the front bumper  160  of a vehicle  150  using fasteners  180  in a manner as to not impede with the function of the wheel  170 . In an embodiment, the fasteners  180  may be a set of straps and lashings, however one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of suitable methods exist for engaging the deflector  100  to a vehicle bumper  160  depending on the particular geometry of the bumper  160 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates a deflector  100  having a bladder  110 , a protective cover  140 , an inflatable valve  210 , a plug  220 , and cone  200  attached to the bumper  160  of vehicle  150 . The cone  200  may act to further reduce drag on the leading face  130  of the deflector  100  by directing air flow around the deflector  100 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and placement of such cone  200  may vary depending on the particular application. The cone  200  may be formed integrally with the deflector  100  by way of an inflatable bladder  110  or a foam core. In some embodiments, the cone  200  may be removable from the deflector  100  to allow use of the deflector  100  without the cone  200  or for use with interchangeable structures. Apart from the functional aspects that the cone  200  provides, they also provide a novel decorative element. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the decorative possibilities such shapes present. 
         [0040]    According to an embodiment of the present invention and referring to  FIG. 7 , the deflector  100  may be constructed for use with a passenger vehicle  150  where aesthetics are of primary concern. In this embodiment, the deflector  100  is approximately the width and height of a standard car license plate  190  and has a similar convex-shaped leading face  130  as the other embodiments. It is generally understood that the dimensions of a license plate  190  in the United States is a height of 6 inches and a width of 12 inches, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the dimensions may vary according among different countries and locales (e.g., many European countries require a license plate  190  to have a height of 4.5 inches and a width of 20.5. inches). 
         [0041]    The deflector  100  may be engaged on or attached to the front license plate holder or the bumper  160  of a vehicle  150  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The core of the deflector  100  may be constructed from any suitable light material such as a high density foam, however one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of materials are available for such purpose. The vehicle&#39;s front license plate  190  may then be formed into a convex shape around the leading edge  130  of the deflector  100 . In jurisdictions that do not require a front license plate  190 , the deflector  100  can be covered with a vanity plate or other protective or decorative coating. In an embodiment, the deflector  100  may include a mounting platform being substantially integral with leading face, wherein the mounting platform is configured to attach an electronic toll-collection transponder. 
         [0042]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to reducing drag forces on the front bumper of the vehicle  150  (and hence increasing fuel efficiency), the deflector  100  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be constructed of a suitable material for absorbing minor bumper impacts, thereby protecting the vehicle&#39;s bumper  160  from scratches and other superficial damage. The deflector  100  also protects other vehicles or objects from potential damage. For example, the deflector  100  may absorb most or all of the impact of a collision, thereby preventing the other vehicle or object from being scratched or dented. This may reduce the liability of the owner or driver of the vehicle  150 . Such a deflector  100  is particularly useful in urban environments that require owners to regularly parallel-park their vehicle  150  into tight parking spaces. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 9-12  illustrate an embodiment for securing the license plate  190  to the deflector  100 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  is a cross section profile view of the deflector  100  having an integrated 
         [0045]    U channel  230  on the each of the top side and the bottom side of the deflector  100 . The U channel  230  may be configured such that the license plate  190  may slide in from a side of the deflector  100 . It is generally understood that the license plate  190  is a thin metal sheet that is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curvature of the deflector  100 . The U channel  230  is generally constructed of a rigid material such as, for example, metal, steel, plastic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the U channel  230  may be coated with a material such as vinyl. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the deflector  100  having an integrated U channel  230  on the top side and the bottom side of the deflector  100  to secure the license plate  190  to the deflector  100 . A side of the deflector  100  may have a slot  240  as an initial point of entry for the license plate  190  to attach to the deflector  100 . The slot  240  may be formed by a band  235  or strip of rigid material similar to that of the U channel  230 . The band  235  may be on each side of the deflector  100 . The band  235  which forms the slot  240  may be attached to or integral with the U channel  230  such that when the license plate  190  is in its proper position, the license plate  190  may be secured to the deflector  100  by the top and bottom U channels  230  and by the bands  235  on each side of the deflector  100 . A screw  270  may be used to secure the license plate  190  and the deflector  100  to the vehicle  150 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the deflector  100  having an integrated U channel  230  on the top side (the U channel  230  on the bottom side of the deflector  100  is not shown) to secure the license plate  190  to the deflector  190 . The slot  240  and the leading face  130  and back side  120  of the deflector  100  are respectively noted in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is a close-up illustration of the slot  240  in a side of the deflector  100 . In this embodiment, the slot  240  may be formed by a band  235  or a strip of rigid material such as, for example metal, steel, plastic, or a combination thereof, and may be coated with vinyl. In an embodiment, the U channels  230  may extend from the top and bottom of the band  235 , respectively to form a rectangular shape frame for securing the license plate  190  to the deflector  100 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment for securing the license plate  190  and the deflector  100  to a vehicle  150  by a configuring a grommet  250 , a spring  260 , and a screw  270  in such a manner to prevent or mitigate the damage that may be inflicted upon impact with another vehicle or object. The deflector  100  includes a recessed well  132  that can be used to secure the deflector to a vehicle. The configuration may also absorb shock upon impact to the grommet  250 , thereby, mitigating the damage upon the vehicle that is attached to the deflector  100 . As discussed above, the deflector  100  also protects other vehicles or objects from potential damage. For example, the deflector  100  may absorb most or all of the impact of a collision, thereby preventing the other vehicle or object from being scratched or dented. This may reduce the liability of the owner or driver of the vehicle  150 . In this embodiment, the grommet  250  is attached to a first end of the spring  260 . A second end of the spring  260  is attached to the screw  270 . The screw  270  attaches the deflector  100  to the vehicle  150 . The diameter of the grommet  250  is larger than the hole in the license plate  190 , which enables the grommet  250  and the spring  260  to secure the license plate  190  to the deflector  100 . The grommet  250  is substantially flush with the license plate  190 . The leading face  130  and back side  120  of the deflector  100  are respectively noted in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  is a view of a deflector  100  for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency. According to an embodiment of the present invention and referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 13 , the leading edge  130  of the deflector  100  can include recessed wells  132 . Each recessed well  132  can be configured to align with a hole for attaching a license plate to the front bumper of a vehicle. The front bumper of a vehicle typically has four holes that can be used to attach to bolts or screws  270  to secure a license plate to the vehicle. The recessed wells  132  enable the deflector  100  to be attached to the vehicle by using the screws or bolts (not shown in  FIG. 14 ) that can protrude through a hole in the recessed well  132 . The recessed wells  132  help to prevent or mitigate the damage that may be inflicted upon impact with another vehicle or object because the screws  270  that can be used to attach the deflector  100  to the vehicle are not exposed because of the recessed well  132 , therefore, the screws  270  do not touch the bumper of another vehicle upon impact. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment, the deflector  100  can be configured to attach a license plate to the second surface area. The deflector  100  can include a first channel on a top side of the deflector and a second channel on a bottom side of the deflector, wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to secure the license plate to the deflector. In an embodiment, the first channel and the second channel comprise at least one of a strip of rigid metal, steel, or plastic. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment, the deflector  100  can include a hole  134  that is oriented substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the deflector  100 . The hole  134  can be used to secure a frame  300  to the deflector  100  as discussed in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 15  is a view of a frame  300  that can be attached to a deflector  100  for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the frame  300  can be configured to attach to the deflector  100 , wherein the frame  300  is configured to secure a license plate  190  between the frame  300  and the deflector  100 . In an embodiment, the frame  300  can be made of a rigid material such as metal, steel, or plastic or the like. In an embodiment, the frame  300  can be made of a flexible material such as rubber, hard rubber, and the like. In an embodiment, the frame  300  can include a vinyl coating to provide protection from scratching or damaging another vehicle&#39;s bumper upon impact. In an embodiment, the frame  300  can include the first channel and the second channel, wherein the first and the second channels form a slot that can secure a license plate  190  to the frame  300 . 
         [0054]    In an embodiment, the frame  300  includes a hole  304  for a screw or a bolt  305  that can be used to attach the frame  300  to the deflector  100 . In an embodiment, the bolt  305  can be inserted through the hole  304  and oriented substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the deflector  100  so that the bolt  305  is not exposed in such a manner that it would contact another vehicle&#39;s bumper upon impact. 
         [0055]      FIG. 16  is a rear view of the frame  300  that can be attached to a deflector  100  for increasing a vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The frame  300  can include a fastener with a threaded hole such as a nut  307  that is attached to the frame  300 . The nut  307  can align with the hole  304  such that the bolt  305  can be inserted through the hole  304 , then through the hole  134  as shown in  FIG. 14 , and fastened to the nut  307 . This configuration enables the frame  300  to be attached to the deflector  100  such that the bolt  305  is oriented substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the deflector  100 . Such vertical orientation of the bolt  305  relative to the deflector  100  can minimize the damage to another vehicle upon impact because the bolt  305  is not exposed to the other vehicle. 
         [0056]    The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.