Conceptual design of foldable truck trailer

Abstract

Commercial trucks are not always transporting goods at full capacity, which means that the box-shape trailer is partially occupied or even completely empty on occasions. In this work, we explore foldable trailer design to improve truck efficiency and sustainability. To achieve the folding feature we explore active compliant hinges in origami-inspired design. Active origami engineering relies on two-dimensional smart hinges able to interact in a three-dimensional design without external forces. The truck trailer is envisioned to be able to fold itself into an aerodynamic wedge shape when the trailer is (partially) empty. This design can be made lighter and more environmentally friendly than the original trailer design and the use of such a foldable trailer can reduce fuel consumption. Smart material layered hinges made from dielectric elastomers actuate the plastic faces of the construction to achieve the folding and deploying of the adaptable trailer design. Initial studies of geometry, materials, and actuation power as well as the potential for energy savings are presented. The drag coefficient is reduced by 33.77% when folded into an aerodynamic shape which leads to an annual decrease in fuel consumption of 6.32% for the average truck that drives around empty 20% of the time and 15.8% for one way transport trucks that drive around empty 50% of the time.