Methods for Linking Motor Vehicles to Reduce Aerodynamic Drag and Improve Fuel Economy

Abstract

Methods for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road are disclosed. The disclosed methods utilize a dynamic linking system that not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.

1 . A method for reducing the collective aerodynamic drag of two vehicles, comprising the steps of:
 providing a leading motor vehicle;   providing a trailing motor vehicle;   linking the two motor vehicles by a linking system that forms a disconnectable mechanical and operational connection between the two motor vehicles; and   allowing the driver of the leading vehicle to simultaneously operate both motor vehicles.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the linking system comprises a linking assembly that mechanically connects the two motor vehicles, and a control member adapted to allow a driver to simultaneously control essential driving mechanisms of both of the motor vehicles. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the essential driving mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of throttles, brakes, gears, signals, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the linking assembly comprises:
 an active member having an arm;   a passive member having a receiving area; and   a control unit operatively connected to the active member to position the arm, the receiving area of the passive member adapted to releaseably engage the arm of the active member to form a linkage between the leading and trailing motor vehicles.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the active member is provided on the front of the trailing vehicle and the passive member is provided on the back of the leading vehicle. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the active member is provided on the back of the leading vehicle and the passive member is provided on the front of the trailing vehicle. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the active and passive members are formed of rigid material of high mechanical integrity. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the control unit comprises:
 a power source operatively associated to the arm of the active member and adapted to extend or retract the arm and to vertically and horizontally position the arm; and   a position device operatively associated with the motor.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the position device manually operates the power source and is selected from the group consisting of buttons, switches, joysticks, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the position device automatically operates the power source and comprises a signal generator operatively associated with the passive member, and a signal receiver and microprocessor operatively connected to the active member. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the position device comprises an optical target with robotic control system. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of allowing the driver of the trailing vehicle to observe the road condition ahead of the leading vehicle. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of allowing the drivers of the leading and trailing vehicles to communicate with each other. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of allowing either driver of the vehicles to disconnect the linkage between the two vehicles. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the two motor vehicles are in motion during linking. 
   
   
       16 . A method of streamlining operation and collective energy efficiency of a fleet of vehicles, comprising:
 obtaining the itineraries and routes of each vehicle;   identifying vehicles of the fleet with overlapping itineraries and routes;   providing the drivers of the vehicles with the overlapping itinerary and routes;   dispatching the fleet of vehicles; and   allowing the identified vehicles to link with each other along at least one point of the overlapping route.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of allowing the linked vehicles to disconnect along at least one point of the overlapping route. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the identified vehicles are in motion during linking. 
   
   
       19 . A method of linking individual vehicles, comprising the steps of:
 providing a commonly accessible database;   uploading the itineraries and routes of a plurality of individual vehicles to the database;   allowing the database to match the itineraries and routes of the individual vehicles for maximum overlapping;   providing the drivers of vehicles with the maximized overlapping itineraries and routes; and   allowing the vehicles with the maximized overlapping itineraries and routes to link with each other along at least one point of the overlapping route.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the database is in a form of an Internet website. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the vehicles are in motion during linking.