Windshield Air Intake Deflector for Water-Blocking Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air intake systems for motor vehicles are prone to water infiltration due to their proximity to the windshield, which can lead to operational issues and reduced efficiency in air capture.
Innovation Solution
An air inlet system featuring a windshield grille and a deflector cap that extends transversely over the grille, preventing water from flowing into the air intake by forming an obstacle between the windshield and the grille, and incorporating a peripheral frame and ventilation openings to facilitate air flow while directing water away from the intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air intake is positioned close to the windshield to optimize air capture, then air intake efficiency is improved, but water infiltration risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deflector as an intermediary element positioned between the windshield and the air intake grille. This deflector intercepts water flowing down the windshield and redirects it away from the air intake, thereby protecting the air capture system from water infiltration while maintaining its close proximity to the windshield for optimal air intake performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The air intake assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the air intake grille for air capture, the deflector for water management, and the housing structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the grille optimizes air flow while the deflector handles water diversion, resolving the contradiction between air capture efficiency and water protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deflector is added to prevent water infiltration, then water protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is merged with the air intake housing structure, forming an integrated assembly. Rather than being a separate, complex addition, the deflector is designed as part of the overall air intake unit, sharing common mounting points and structural support. This merging approach provides effective water protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector serves multiple functions: it acts as a water barrier, provides structural support for the air intake assembly, and contributes to the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle front. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive water infiltration prevention.
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
Effectively prevents water infiltration into the air intake, optimizing air capture and operation by ensuring the air inlet remains dry and functional, while also simplifying installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
prevent the runoff of a liquid from the windshield onto the foil grille... configured to prevent water from seeping by gravity into the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
capture fresh air from outside the motor vehicle, by suction due to the movement of the motor vehicle and/or the air around the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an air intake (10) located between a front transverse edge (31) of a windshield (3) of the motor vehicle (1) and a rear transverse edge (21) of a hood (2) of said motor vehicle (1). The air intake (10) comprises a gutter guard (11) and a deflector (15) that is configured to prevent liquid trickling through the gutter guard (11). To that end, the deflector (15) comprises a cap (151) that covers the entire surface of the gutter guard (11). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising a windshield (3), a hood (2) and an air intake (10) according to the invention.