Vehicle ventilation diaphragm

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle ventilation diaphragm. An apparatus may include a vehicle component including a contoured body surface. In some embodiments, a device may include a vent membrane attached to and adapted to conform to a body surface of the contoured profile.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and more particularly to a vented patch for a vehicle component. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle exterior lighting systems include headlamp assemblies and taillamp assemblies configured to illuminate areas surrounding the vehicle. These headlamp assemblies and taillamp assemblies can naturally experience moisture, heat, and condensation conditions. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly comprising: a vehicle component comprising a contoured body surface; and a vented patch attached to the contoured body surface and adapted to conform to the contoured body surface.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the vehicle component is a lamp assembly of a vehicle exterior lighting system.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the vehicle component comprises a channel, and the contoured body surface is adjacent to the channel.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly further comprising a first opening and a second opening each extending through the contoured body surface.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the vented patch extends over the first opening and the second opening.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the contoured body surface is molded into the vehicle component.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly further comprising a heating element routed through the vented patch.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly further comprising a sensor system configured to sense a parameter associated with an external environment of the vehicle component.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly further comprising a controller operably connected to the sensor system and programmed to operate the heating element based on sensor data from the sensor system.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the sensor data includes information related to an air temperature of the external environment.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the sensor data includes information related to a relative humidity of the external environment.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, comprising: a vehicle component; and a vented membrane assembly comprising a frame having attachment members for removably attaching the vented membrane assembly to the vehicle component.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the vehicle component is a light assembly of a vehicle exterior lighting system.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the frame comprises a contoured body surface.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein a vented membrane of the vented membrane assembly is attached to and conforms to the contoured body surface.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the attachment members are arranged on opposite ends of the frame.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the attachment members are brackets extending over an outer surface of the vehicle component, and each of the attachment members is attached to the vehicle component by a respective fastener.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, wherein the attachment members are dovetail flanges sized to engage slots formed in the vehicle component.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, further comprising a sensor system configured to sense a parameter associated with an external environment of the vehicle component.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, further comprising a controller operably connected to the sensor system and programmed to operate a heating element based on sensor data from the sensor system, wherein the heating element is routed through a vented membrane of the vented membrane assembly.

[0023] The foregoing paragraphs, claims, or embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, can be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0024] Various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings described below are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A vehicle equipped with an external lighting system is schematically illustrated.

[0026] Figure 2 A light assembly of the vehicle is schematically illustrated. Figure 1

[0027] Figure 3 A perspective view of a vent membrane attached to a housing of the light assembly of Figure 2

[0028] Figure 4 A perspective view of the housing of Figure 2 with the vent membrane removed.

[0029] Figure 5 A heating operation of the vent membrane is schematically illustrated.

[0030] Figure 6 Another example light assembly is schematically illustrated.

[0031] Figure 7 A vent membrane assembly attached to a housing of the light assembly of Figure 6 is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 8 A close-up view of another example light assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure details a vent membrane for a vehicle. The vent membrane can be configured to maintain air circulation through a vehicle component. An example vent membrane can be pleated to provide an increased effective area for venting the vehicle component. These and other features are discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0034] Figure 1 ​​A motor vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle”) including an exterior lighting system 12 is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 10 can be a pickup truck, sedan, sport utility vehicle, or any other type of vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle 10 can be a conventional internal combustion engine powered vehicle, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle, a battery electric vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a self-driving vehicle), etc.

[0035] Although specific component relationships are illustrated in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The layout and orientation of the various components of the depicted vehicle are schematically illustrated and can vary within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features can be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component or system.

[0036] The exterior lighting system 12 can be configured to illuminate the surrounding area of the vehicle 10 and includes at least one light assembly 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the exterior lighting system 12 includes four light assemblies 14 (e.g., two headlight assemblies and two taillight assemblies). However, the exterior lighting system 12 can include any combination of headlight assemblies, taillight assemblies, and / or side light assemblies for illuminating the surrounding area of the vehicle 10.

[0037] Figure 2 One of the light assemblies 14 of the vehicle 10 is also illustrated Figure 1 The light assembly 14 can include one or more light sources 16 (e.g., light emitting diodes) enclosed within a housing 18 by an outer lens 20. An inner lens 22 can be included to focus and direct light emitted from the light sources 16. The design and shape of the inner lens 22 can vary based on the type of light (e.g., halogen, LED, HID) and specific requirements for the light pattern and distribution. The specific configuration of each of the light sources 16, the housing 18, the outer lens 20, and the inner lens 22 is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Thus, it should be appreciated that the light assembly 14 can be embodied in any of a variety of sizes, shapes, configurations, etc.

[0038] The housing 18 can additionally include a contoured body surface 24. The contoured body surface 24 can be molded into the housing 18. The contoured body surface 24 can be configured to allow air flow circulation between the exterior and interior of the housing 18.

[0039] A vent membrane 28 can be attached to the contoured body surface 24 of the housing 18 such that the vent membrane 28 is exposed to the external environment of the light housing 18. The vent membrane 28 functions to allow air flow circulation between the interior of the light assembly 14 and its external environment while preventing contaminants such as dirt, debris, moisture, etc. from entering. The vent membrane 28 facilitates pressure and environmental equalization, which can reduce condensation buildup within the interior of the light assembly 14.

[0040] The lamp assembly 14 is an example type of vehicle component that can include a vented membrane. However, other vehicle components of the vehicle 10 can require the use of a vented membrane to achieve proper functionality. Accordingly, the teachings of the present disclosure can be extended to any vehicle component that utilizes a vented membrane for air circulation and / or pressure equalization.

[0041] Reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 and continued reference to Figure 2 The contoured body surface 24 can have a corrugated configuration formed by a series of alternating peaks 30 and valleys 32. The peaks 30 and valleys 32 can be uniformly spaced apart. The peaks 30 can protrude outwardly away from the interior of the housing 18. The valleys 32 can protrude inwardly toward the interior of the housing 18. The corrugated configuration is molded into the housing such that the peaks 30 and valleys 32 repeat in a continuous pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the contoured body surface 24 includes two peaks 30 and a single valley 32. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the contoured body surface 24 to be designed to include any number of peaks and valleys.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the corrugated configuration of the contoured body surface 24 (e.g., the peaks 30 and valleys 32) is curved or rounded, and thus forms a wavy pattern. In other embodiments, the corrugated configuration can form another pattern, for example, with pointed or angular peaks and valleys.

[0043] The contoured body surface 24 can include one or more openings 34 to allow air flow to circulate between the interior of the housing 18 and the external environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the contoured body surface 24 can include a first opening 34A and a second opening 34B. The first opening 34A can intersect one of the peaks 30 and the valley 32, and the second opening 34B can intersect the valley 32 and the other of the peaks 30. Air flow through the openings 34, for example, helps to dissipate heat generated by the light source 16 and reduce condensation within the interior of the lamp assembly 14. Figure 2 ).

[0044] The support member 36 can span vertically between the first opening 34A and the second opening 34B. The support member 36 functions to support or otherwise hold the vented membrane 28 in place on the contoured body surface 24 while also preventing the vented membrane 28 from falling into the housing 18 through one of the openings 34 Figure 2 ). Depending on the size and shape of the openings 34, the number and orientation of the support member 36 (e.g., vertical, horizontal, or cross pattern) can be selected to ensure uniform support and proper attachment of the vented membrane 28.

[0045] A vent membrane 28 can be attached to the contoured body surface 24. The vent membrane 28 can extend over the first opening 34A and the second opening 34B of the contoured body surface 24. The vent membrane 28 can be air permeable such that it allows for air circulation between the interior of the light assembly 14 and its external environment while preventing contaminants (e.g., dirt, debris, moisture, etc.) from entering the housing 18 Figure 2

[0046] In one embodiment, the vent membrane 28 is attached to the contoured body surface 24 by an adhesive or epoxy.

[0047] The vent membrane 28 is designed to conform to the contoured body surface 24. For example, when the vent membrane 28 is not attached to the contoured body surface 24, Figure 5 ), the vent membrane 28 is flat and two-dimensional (2D). When the vent membrane 28 is attached to the contoured body surface 24, Figure 3 ), the vent membrane 28 obtains a three-dimensional (3D) shape by conforming to the creased configuration of the contoured body surface 24. That is, the contoured body surface 24 imparts a crease (e.g., alternating peaks and valleys) to the vent membrane 28 that conforms to the shape of the peaks 30 and valleys 32 of the contoured body surface 24. The crease increases the surface area of the vent membrane 28 by increasing the depth and size. The increased surface area of the vent membrane 28 effectively prevents condensation from forming within the housing 18 by allowing for better moisture exchange.

[0048] For example, when the light source 16 is turned on, the light assembly 14 generates heat, causing the air within the housing 18 to warm up Figure 2 ). As the warm air within the housing 18 rises and exits through the vent membrane 28, cooler air from the external environment enters, thereby lowering the humidity level inside the light. The increased surface area of the vent membrane 28 helps prevent moisture from accumulating within the housing 18 by increasing the effective area for moisture to escape and preventing contaminants from the external environment from entering. The increased surface area of the vent membrane 28 also effectively balances the pressure within the housing 18 by enabling a more smooth, less turbulent air flow. For example, as the temperature fluctuates, the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the housing 18 can change. The increased surface area allows the pressure to more effectively equalize by allowing more air to circulate in and out of the housing 18, thereby preventing pressure build-up.

[0049] Now primarily referring to 5, a heating element (e.g., a wire) 40 (indicated in dashed lines for illustrative purposes) can be routed through the vent membrane 28. In one embodiment, the heating element 40 extends along the edge portion 42 of the vent membrane 28. The heating element 40 is configured to heat air that is circulated through the housing 18 of the light assembly 14. ​

[0050] The vehicle 10 can additionally include a sensor system 44 and a controller 46 operably connected to one another. The sensor system 44 can include a plurality of sensors arranged and configured to monitor the external environment of the lamp assembly 14. In one embodiment, the sensor system 44 includes one or more of a temperature sensor 48 and a humidity sensor 50. The temperature sensor 48 and the humidity sensor 50 can be mounted on the vehicle 10 at various locations suitable for measuring conditions of the vehicle’s external environment, such as, for example, air temperature and relative humidity.

[0051] Although illustratively shown as a single controller, the controller 46 can be part of a vehicle control system that includes a plurality of additional control modules for interfacing with and commanding the heating element 40. In one embodiment, the controller 46 is part of a body control module (BCM) of the vehicle 10. However, other configurations are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] The controller 46 can include both hardware and software, and can be programmed with executable instructions for interfacing with and commanding the operation of various components of the heating element 40 as part of a strategy for reducing condensation within the housing 18. The controller 46 can include a processor 52 and a non-transitory memory 54 for executing various control strategies and modes related to the heating element 40. The processor 52 can be a custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory 54 can include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements and / or non-volatile memory elements. The processor 52 can be operably coupled to the memory 54, and can be configured to execute one or more programs stored in the memory based on various inputs received from the sensor system 44.

[0053] The heating element 40 can be operably connected to the controller 46 by a communication bus 56. In one embodiment, for example, the communication bus 56 is a wired communication bus, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus or a local interconnect network (LIN) bus. In another embodiment, the communication bus 56 is a wireless communication bus, such as a wireless communication bus provided by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, Z-Wave®, ultra-wideband (UWB), or the like.

[0054] ​The sensor system 44 can periodically transmit sensor data to the controller 46. The controller 46 can analyze the sensor data received from the sensor system 44 to determine conditions of the vehicle's external environment that may increase the likelihood of condensation forming within the housing 18. For example, when the air temperature detected by the temperature sensor 48 and / or the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor 50 are higher than a predefined threshold, the controller 46 can use program logic to infer that condensation may form within the housing 18.

[0055] The controller 46 can be programmed to operate the heating element 40 based on sensor data received from the sensor system 44. In one embodiment, the controller 46 activates the heating element 40 when both the air temperature and relative humidity exceed corresponding predefined thresholds. In another embodiment, if the heating element 40 is activated, the controller 46 can deactivate the heating element 40 when the air temperature and relative humidity are below corresponding predefined thresholds. When activated, the heating element 40 heats the air circulating in and out of the housing 18. By controlling the operation of the heating element 40, the controller 46 can maintain the air temperature inside the housing 18 above the dew point of the air outside the housing 18 (i.e., air from the external environment), and thus reduce condensation formation within the housing 18.

[0056] In this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same elements where appropriate, and reference numerals plus 100 or multiples thereof denote improved elements that are understood to incorporate the same features and benefits of the corresponding elements.

[0057] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another exemplary lamp assembly 114 is shown. The lamp assembly 114 is similar to the lamp assemblies discussed above; however, in this embodiment, the ventilation diaphragm assembly 158 is removably attached to the housing 118 of the lamp assembly 114.

[0058] A channel 159 can be formed through the housing 118. The channel 159 is an opening that allows airflow circulation between the interior of the lamp assembly 114 and its external environment.

[0059] The ventilation diaphragm assembly 158 may be arranged adjacent to or otherwise close to the channel 159 of the housing 118. The ventilation diaphragm assembly 158 includes a frame 160 having a corrugated body surface 124 and a ventilation diaphragm 128 (indicated by dashed lines for illustrative purposes) attached to and conforming to the corrugated body surface 124. The frame 160 may be flexible and may extend over the channel 159.

[0060] The wavy body surface 124 may have a pleated configuration formed by a series of equidistant and alternating peaks 130 and valleys 132. The wavy body surface 124 may include a first opening 134A and a second opening 134B. A support member 136 extends vertically between the first opening 134A and the second opening 134B. A ventilation diaphragm 128 extends above the first opening 134A and the second opening 134B.

[0061] The ventilation diaphragm assembly 158 can be removably attached to the housing 118 via a pair of attachment members 162. The attachment members 162 are arranged on opposite ends 164 of the frame 160. In one embodiment, the attachment members 162 are molded into the opposite ends 164. However, the attachment members 162 can be secured to the opposite ends 164 by adhesives or mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.).

[0062] Attachment members 162 can be used to attach and remove the ventilation diaphragm assembly 158 to and from the housing 118. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment members 162 are supports extending above the outer surface 166 of the housing 118. Fasteners 168 can be inserted through holes 170 formed in each of the attachment members 162 and into corresponding holes formed in the housing 118. In another embodiment, attachment members 162 are dovetail flanges sized to engage matching dovetail slots 172 formed by channels 159 adjacent to the housing 118. Figure 8 The attachment member 162 and / or housing 118 may include locking mechanisms 174 to ensure that the dovetail attachment remains securely attached. In one embodiment, each locking mechanism 174 protrudes from one end of the dovetail slot 172 and engages or otherwise retains the corresponding end of the attachment member 162. The attachment member 162 allows for quick and secure attachment and removal of the ventilation diaphragm assembly 158 without contacting the ventilation diaphragm 128.

[0063] Seal 176 can be arranged as an interface between sealing frame 160 and the wall of channel 159. Figure 7 In one embodiment, a seal 176 is applied around the outer perimeter 178 of the frame 160. The seal 176 helps manage temperature and pressure within the housing 118 by preventing leakage around the outer perimeter 178.

[0064] The ventilation diaphragm disclosed herein provides improved performance for vehicle components. Among other benefits, the ventilation diaphragm is designed with an increased surface area to reduce internal condensation and pressure buildup within vehicle components.

[0065] While various non-limiting embodiments are illustrated and described, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. Some of the components or features from one non-limiting embodiment can be used in combination with features or components from another non-limiting embodiment.

[0066] It is to be understood that the same reference numerals and characters within the figures identify corresponding or similar components across the several figures. It is to be understood that, although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the exemplary embodiments, other arrangements can also be beneficially employed by the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0067] The foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative of the nature intent rather than a limitation on the principles of the present disclosure. A skilled person will understand that certain modifications can occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the appended claims should be construed to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

[0068] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle assembly having a vehicle component comprising a contoured body surface and a venting membrane attached to the contoured body surface and adapted to conform to the contoured body surface.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the vehicle component is a light assembly of a vehicle exterior lighting system.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the vehicle component comprises a channel and the contoured body surface is adjacent to the channel.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the present invention features further a first opening and a second opening each extending through the contoured body surface.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the venting membrane extends over the first opening and the second opening.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the contoured body surface is molded into the vehicle component.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the present invention features further a heating element routed through the venting membrane.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the present invention features further a sensor system configured to sense a parameter associated with an external environment of the vehicle component.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the present invention features further a controller operably connected to the sensor system and programmed to operate the heating element based on sensor data from the sensor system.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the sensor data includes information related to an air temperature of the external environment.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the sensor data includes information related to a relative humidity of the external environment.

[0079] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle assembly having: a vehicle component; and a vented membrane assembly including a frame having attachment members for removably attaching the vented membrane assembly to the vehicle component.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the vehicle component is a light assembly of a vehicle exterior lighting system.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the frame includes a contoured body surface.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a vented membrane of the vented membrane assembly is attached to and conforms to the contoured body surface.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the attachment members are arranged on opposite ends of the frame.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the attachment members are brackets extending over an outer surface of the vehicle component, and each of the attachment members is attached to the vehicle component by a respective fastener.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the attachment members are dovetail flanges sized to engage slots formed in the vehicle component.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the present invention further features a sensor system configured to sense a parameter associated with an external environment of the vehicle component.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the present invention further features a controller operably connected to the sensor system and programmed to operate a heating element based on sensor data from the sensor system, wherein the heating element is routed through a vented membrane of the vented membrane assembly.

Claims

1. A vehicle assembly comprising: A vehicle component, the vehicle component including a body surface with a wavy shape; as well as A ventilation diaphragm, the ventilation diaphragm being attached to and adapted to conform to the body surface of the wavy shape.

2. The vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle component is a lamp assembly of a vehicle external lighting system.

3. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component includes a channel, and the body surface of the wavy profile is adjacent to the channel, and optionally, the vehicle assembly further includes a first opening and a second opening, each extending through the body surface of the wavy profile, and wherein the ventilation diaphragm extends over the first opening and the second opening.

4. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the main surface of the wavy shape is molded into the vehicle component.

5. The vehicle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element disposed through the ventilation diaphragm.

6. The vehicle assembly of claim 5, further comprising a sensor system configured to sense parameters associated with an external environment of the vehicle component, and optionally, the vehicle assembly further comprising a controller operatively connected to the sensor system and programmed to operate the heating element based on sensor data from the sensor system.

7. The vehicle assembly of claim 6, wherein the sensor data includes information related to the air temperature of the external environment.

8. The vehicle assembly of claim 6, wherein the sensor data includes information related to the relative humidity of the external environment.

9. A vehicle assembly comprising: Vehicle parts; as well as A ventilation diaphragm assembly including a frame having attachment members for removably attaching the ventilation diaphragm assembly to the vehicle component.

10. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the vehicle component is a lamp assembly of a vehicle external lighting system.

11. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the frame includes a corrugated body surface, and optionally, the ventilation diaphragm of the ventilation diaphragm assembly is attached to and conforms to the corrugated body surface.

12. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the attachment member is arranged on opposite ends of the frame.

13. The vehicle assembly of claim 12, wherein the attachment member is a bracket extending above the outer surface of the vehicle component, and each of the attachment members is attached to the vehicle component by a corresponding fastener.

14. The vehicle assembly of claim 12, wherein the attachment member is a dovetail flange, the dimensions of which are designed to engage slots formed in the vehicle component.

15. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, further comprising a sensor system configured to sense parameters associated with an external environment of the vehicle components, and optionally, the vehicle assembly further comprising a controller operatively connected to the sensor system and programmed to operate a heating element based on sensor data from the sensor system, wherein the heating element is disposed via a ventilation diaphragm of the ventilation diaphragm assembly.

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