Aerodynamic Vehicle Light Bar Cover Reducing Drag and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal LED light bars on vehicles suffer from wind resistance and audible noise due to their aerodynamic design, which also negatively impact fuel economy, and existing light bar covers fail to provide a neutral aerodynamic shape or effectively eliminate these issues.
Innovation Solution
A cover apparatus for LED light bars that encompasses both the front and rear, featuring a rounded airfoil design with Velcro securing straps to minimize wind drag and noise, made from lightweight materials like polycarbonate plastic or vinyl, allowing for light emission and customizable options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional horizontal LED light bars are installed on vehicles, then additional lighting functionality is provided, but wind resistance and audible noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cover made of flexible or semi-rigid material that conforms to the light bar shape, creating a streamlined aerodynamic profile. This thin film/shell structure encloses the light bar while maintaining flexibility for installation and removal, reducing wind resistance and noise without compromising the lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with curved, aerodynamic surfaces that follow the contour of the light bar, transitioning from flat planar surfaces to curved streamlined shapes. This curvature allows air to flow smoothly over the light bar, reducing turbulence, wind resistance, and the characteristic whistle noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional light bar covers are installed, then bug and debris protection is provided, but aerodynamic design is insufficient to minimize wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover features a streamlined curved design that tapers at the front and rear edges, creating an aerodynamic profile similar to an airfoil. This curvature allows air to flow smoothly around the light bar, significantly reducing wind resistance compared to flat or boxy cover designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design converts the potentially harmful flat surfaces into beneficial curved surfaces that guide air flow. The aerodynamic shape transforms the light bar from a wind resistance source into a streamlined component, turning the cover into a functional aerodynamic element rather than just a protective shield.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cover apparatus significantly reduces wind resistance and noise, enhancing the riding experience while maintaining the functionality of the LED light bar, and is designed to withstand wind, heat, and UV radiation without deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
The cover flap portion is preferably rounded, which converts the planar face of the light bar to that of a rounded front, greatly reducing wind drag by its neutral airfoil aerodynamic design.
Implementation Method 2
the wind resistance is known to cause an audible 'whistle' noise when the vehicle is traveling. Presently, few solutions are available to the owner to eliminate this sound, which is caused when air is rushed over the heat dissipation coils or heat sink of the light bar.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a light bar or similar horizontal lamp for vehicles is described. The cover apparatus is equipped with a rear cover portion and a front cover portion. The front cover portion consists of a cover panel configured to pivot to encompass the light within the apparatus, and to be opened at the will of the user to uncover the light bar. The rear half is equipped with one or more heat dissipation vents which conform to standard heat sinks found on conventional horizontal light bars for vehicles. The shape of the apparatus is aerodynamic such that it eliminates audible vibrations known to cause uncovered light bars to ‘whistle’ or otherwise emit an unwanted noise when the vehicle is underway. A version with a stationary, translucent front cover portion is preferred, and is fashioned of a single piece of flexible plastic.