Automobile Wind-Noise Testing via Component Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for wind-noise testing in automobiles fail to accurately and repeatedly determine the sources of wind-noise and efficiently measure noise contributions from exterior components and individual gaps.

Innovation Solution

A method involving wind-tunnel testing with predefined conditions: measuring noise with exterior components attached, in a fully quiet condition with components removed, and after adding or un-taping individual components, accompanied by frequency analysis using third or twelfth octave band analysis to identify noise sources and compare against thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing wind-noise testing methods are used, then testing can be performed, but the accuracy and repeatability of determining noise sources is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of noise source determinationVSAvoidrepeatability of noise source determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The testing method segments the automobile into distinct noise sources by systematically testing individual exterior components and gaps separately. Each component (mirrors, antennas, cross bows, wipers) and each gap (windscreen, door periphery, hood) is tested independently to determine its specific noise contribution, enabling accurate and repeatable identification of noise sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a standardized testing protocol with predefined conditions and procedures as an intermediary framework. This protocol includes specific test conditions (component attached, component removed, gap taped, gap untaped) that serve as mediators between the noise measurement system and the automobile, ensuring consistent and reliable results across multiple measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing testing methods are used, then overall wind-noise can be measured, but the efficiency of measuring noise from individual components and gaps is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of measuring component noiseVSAvoidtesting procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing procedure is segmented into systematic phases: measuring overall wind-noise, then systematically removing and re-adding individual components while measuring noise changes. This segmentation allows efficient measurement of each component's contribution through a structured approach rather than chaotic testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline measurement with all components attached, then systematically removing components one by one to determine their individual noise contributions. This preliminary baseline establishes a reference point that simplifies subsequent individual component testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If all exterior components are tested individually, then accurate noise contributions can be determined, but the testing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of noise contribution measurementVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process segments the automobile's exterior into distinct noise-generating elements (mirrors, antennas, cross bows, wipers, and various gaps). By testing each segment independently through systematic removal and re-attachment, the method efficiently determines noise contributions without redundant testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method uses feedback from noise measurements taken with components removed and re-added to determine each component's noise contribution. The difference in noise levels between these conditions provides direct feedback about each component's acoustic impact, enabling accurate measurement without requiring separate complex testing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Accurately determines and ranks noise sources, enabling designers to identify and address excessive wind-noise contributions, ensuring noise levels remain within acceptable limits.

Implementation Method 1

The wind tunnel is used to study the interaction of the automobile with an air stream by causing a high-speed stream of air to flow past the automobile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic interaction: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

measuring the wind-noise generated by the automobile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS7263879B1Method for wind-noise testing of an automobile

Publication Date: 2007.09.04 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A method for wind-noise testing of an automobile in a wind tunnel is disclosed. The method includes measuring wind-noise generated by the automobile in a first condition. The first condition is the condition of the automobile with a predefined set of exterior components attached. The method further includes measuring the wind-noise generated by the automobile in a second condition. The second condition is the condition of the automobile with all exterior components removed and all individual gaps taped. The second condition is the fully quiet condition of the automobile. The method also includes measuring the wind-noise generated by the automobile after adding a single individual exterior component and/or un-taping an individual gap.