Quote:
Originally Posted by euromodder
Looks complicated.
How about a rounded-off front, and spring loaded side panels ?
A small wheel on the inside of side panel can roll on the trailer's front - maybe on a reinforced patch of skin.
A castor wheel will allow for horizontal and vertical displacement of the trailer.
A simple physical blockage can prevent the side panel from retracting too far inboard (due to the spring) when the gap widens on that side.
Instead of using a wheel, a half-sphere of Teflon would easily slide over a strip of Teflon on the trailer.
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euromodder,it is complicated,there's no question about it.
This design is the 3rd-generation since I began the project.
I have in-line skate rollers for the design you describe.
Also castors for the top panel,although I've already went beyond that.Probably over-kill.
Return springs are part of the design.
Your idea about the Teflon is good.I don't have machining capability,so I'm staying away from more advanced ideas in the event that others are similarly situated and need to mind a very limited budget.
The illustrations are meant to demonstrate the 'essence' of the design,without minutia cluttering up the images.I cannot dedicate more time to the drawings without endangering my trip in September.
As to the rounding of the front,I want a seamless transition,without gaps,from the truck to the tip of the trailer.Everything must be flush.
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I will spend a lot of time on the mechanisms,let them be most of the engineering and shoot for interchangeable skins to allow for use on more than one vehicle.
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I also want most of the engineering to be behind the hitch to minimize binding.If the panels move along with the trailer they cannot create interference and bind up as the rig 'twists' while negotiating ramps,gutters,pot-holes,etc..
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The integrator will need to have some 'give' as it performs as part of a ball-and-socket so to speak.
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Again,this is only one solution,and no doubt it will be eclipsed by better and more simple technology.It is just a beginning.
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Proving the aerodynamics is the premise of the project.And the rig will have to survive about 6,000 miles of on-road testing over bad road and hazards.It's got to be tough or I'm in trouble.