Aerodynamic Side Clearance Device for Motor Vehicle

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing side mirrors and side viewing systems compromise aerodynamics and direct vision, making it difficult for drivers to estimate the distance between a vehicle and elements near its side, especially when larger sizes are required for improved rear visibility.

Innovation Solution

A side clearance device with aerodynamic sections, having a drag coefficient below 0.45, is integrated into the vehicle's design, featuring a terminal surface visible through the side window, which allows drivers to estimate distances without increasing air resistance or obstructing direct vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the size of side mirrors and support pieces is increased to improve rear visibility, then the field of vision towards rear sides is improved, but the field of direct vision through side windows is reduced and air friction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverear visibilityVSAvoidfield of direct vision through side windows

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical side mirror system with a camera-based electronic viewing system. Cameras mounted on aerodynamic wings capture images of the rear side areas and display them on screens positioned in the driver's field of vision, eliminating the need for large physical mirrors while maintaining enhanced rear visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin aerodynamic wings as mounting structures for the cameras. These wings are designed with streamlined profiles to minimize air resistance while providing stable mounting surfaces for the imaging devices, thus reducing drag without compromising the viewing system's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the size of side mirrors and support pieces is increased to improve rear visibility, then the field of vision towards rear sides is improved, but air friction increases and consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverear visibilityVSAvoidair friction and consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical side mirror system with a camera-based electronic viewing system. Cameras mounted on aerodynamic wings capture images of the rear side areas and display them on screens positioned in the driver's field of vision, eliminating the need for large physical mirrors while maintaining enhanced rear visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin aerodynamic wings as mounting structures for the cameras. These wings are designed with streamlined profiles to minimize air resistance while providing stable mounting surfaces for the imaging devices, thus reducing drag without compromising the viewing system's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of energy

If a side viewing system with camera and display is used to replace side mirrors, then vehicle aerodynamics is improved, but no element is placed in the driver's field of vision through side windows for distance estimation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle aerodynamicsVSAvoiddistance estimation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference objects or markings in the displayed camera images that serve as visual intermediaries for distance estimation. These reference elements provide scale and spatial context, enabling the driver to accurately gauge distances to obstacles or objects in the rear side areas while using the electronic viewing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color-coded indicators or highlighted zones in the displayed images to enhance distance perception. Different colors or shading intensities may represent different distance ranges, providing the driver with intuitive visual feedback for estimating distances to objects in the rear side viewing areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3703979B1Side clearance device for motor vehicle, side viewing system and associated motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.03.09 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

The invention concerns a side clearance device for motor vehicle comprising: a first section comprising a first end fixed with a fastening plate; the said first section extending according to a first direction (XI); a second section comprising a first end connected with a second end of the said first section; and the said second section extending according to a second direction (X2); the said first and second sections having a drag coefficient of under 0. 45; the said second section possessing a terminal surface (20) between 40 and 600 mm2, opposite to the said first end of the said second section; the said terminal surface (20) being designed to extend in the field of vision of the driver when the said fastening plate is fixed onto a vehicle.