Downforce Generator Reduces Buffeting Noise

Solution Overview

Problem

Buffeting noise, a high decibel, low frequency throbbing sound, occurs when a vehicle's window is open due to air flow over the opening, causing discomfort to occupants, and existing solutions do not effectively reduce this noise while generating downforce.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle flow influencing assembly with a downforce generator extending laterally from the window sail, positioned between the side mirror and side window, which includes a base and gurney flap, redirecting airflow to reduce buffeting and generating downforce by deflecting air upward, thereby reducing noise and improving traction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a downforce generator is added to reduce buffeting, then buffeting noise is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffeting noiseVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: its primary function of providing rearward visibility is combined with a secondary function of generating downforce and reducing buffeting noise through the integrated downforce generator. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate buffeting reduction components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The downforce generator is merged with the side mirror assembly, combining two previously separate systems (mirror support structure and airflow control device) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall vehicle aerodynamic system while achieving both visibility and noise reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the downforce generator extends laterally outward from the window sail, then buffeting reduction effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffeting noiseVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: its primary function of providing rearward visibility is combined with a secondary function of generating downforce and reducing buffeting noise through the integrated downforce generator. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate buffeting reduction components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The downforce generator is merged with the side mirror assembly, combining two previously separate systems (mirror support structure and airflow control device) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall vehicle aerodynamic system while achieving both visibility and noise reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If the downforce generator includes gurney flap extending vertically from the base, then downforce generation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedownforceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: its primary function of providing rearward visibility is combined with a secondary function of generating downforce and reducing buffeting noise through the integrated downforce generator. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate buffeting reduction components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The downforce generator is merged with the side mirror assembly, combining two previously separate systems (mirror support structure and airflow control device) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall vehicle aerodynamic system while achieving both visibility and noise reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively reduces buffeting noise from 110.8 decibels to 106.4 decibels and generates sufficient downforce to improve traction and aerodynamic grip, particularly in high-performance vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the downforce generator configured to influence flow to reduce buffeting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic downforce generation: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

generates sufficient downforce to improve traction and aerodynamic grip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow deflection: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10988002B2Vehicle assembly and method to reduce buffeting and generate downforce

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle flow influencing assembly includes, among other things, a downforce generator that extends laterally outward from an area of a vehicle, and that extends longitudinally from a leading edge portion to a trailing edge portion, the trailing edge portion aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle with a side mirror of the vehicle, the downforce generator configured to influence flow to reduce buffeting.