AERODYNAMIC WHEEL COVER
A wheel cover or panel assembly for use on a long haul truck is provided. These wheel covers can provide enhanced aerodynamic effects to a truck or other vehicle thereby reducing wind drag and enhancing fuel efficiency. Still further, the wheel covers can articulate or turn along with the steering by design.
1 . A wheel cover system comprising:
an aerodynamic panel that covers an outer portion of a steerable wheel of a vehicle; and
an attachment means that connects the aerodynamic panel to a wheel area of the vehicle.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment means is a bolt-on apparatus that fixedly and rotatably attaches to the wheel, wherein the aerodynamic panel tracks direction and position of the steerable wheel.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment means is a bolt-on apparatus that fixedly and non-rotatably attaches to the wheel, wherein the aerodynamic panel tracks direction of the steerable wheel.
4 . The system of claim 3 , further comprising a mounting plate that rotatably attaches between the steerable wheel and the aerodynamic panel, wherein the aerodynamic panel tracks direction of the steerable wheel.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment means connects the aerodynamic panel to steering linkage of the vehicle.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic panel is not positioned above or on an interior area of the wheel.
7 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a deflector apparatus that deflects a portion of air around the aerodynamic panel.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic panel includes a plurality of louvers capable of alleviating aerodynamic pressure upon the aerodynamic panel.
9 . A system of alleviating aerodynamic forces comprising:
means for attaching a panel to a wheel area of a vehicle, wherein the panel covers at least an outer portion of a wheel;
means for tracking direction of the wheel as a function of steering; and
means for pivoting the panel in synchronization with the tracked direction.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the panel is a plastic panel.
11 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the means for attaching is a linkage mechanism that attaches to one of a steering or suspension component of a vehicle.
12 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the means for attaching is a rotatable hub that connects the panel to the wheel.
13 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the means for attaching is a non-rotatable hub that connects the panel to the wheel.
14 . A method of regulating aerodynamic flow comprising:
attaching a panel to a wheel area of a vehicle, such that the panel covers an outer portion of a wheel;
tracking position of a wheel positioned within the wheel area; and
pivoting the panel in accordance with a direction of the wheel.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the panel is a composite panel.
16 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising attaching the panel to a steering mechanism of a vehicle.
17 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising attaching the panel to a plurality of lugs of the wheel.
18 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the panel is rotatably mounted.
19 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the panel is non-rotatably mounted.
20 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the panel is a half-moon shaped panel.