Dynamic Mirror Surface Reducing Wind Noise Throb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles experience loud wind noise throb at high speeds due to standing waves and vortex interactions when windows are open, leading to driver and passenger dissatisfaction, requiring windows to be closed or speed adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly with a dynamic surface and control module that displaces the surface between home and deployed positions to redirect airflow, reducing wind noise throb by monitoring window and vehicle conditions using sensors and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If windows are opened in a motor vehicle moving at high speeds, then ventilation and fresh air are improved, but wind noise throb occurs due to standing waves and vortex interactions
Solution Approach 1:
A dynamic surface (air deflector) is introduced as an intermediary element between the mirror housing and the airflow. This surface actively redirects the airflow pattern to prevent vortex formation and standing wave generation, thereby eliminating wind noise throb while allowing windows to remain open
Solution Approach 2:
The air deflector surface is made dynamic rather than static. It can be displaced between a retracted position (when windows are closed) and a deployed position (when windows are open), allowing the system to adapt its configuration to different operating conditions and eliminate wind noise only when necessary
2Object-affected harmful factors
If windows are closed to eliminate wind noise throb, then wind noise is reduced, but ventilation and fresh air intake are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic surface acts as an intermediary that allows both conditions to coexist: windows remain open for ventilation while the surface redirects airflow to prevent wind noise throb, eliminating the need to choose between ventilation and noise reduction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vehicle speed is adjusted to change standing wave patterns, then wind noise throb is reduced, but travel time and productivity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflector surface serves as a mediator that directly addresses the aerodynamic cause of wind noise throb through airflow redirection, eliminating the need for indirect speed adjustments and allowing maintenance of optimal travel speeds
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing vehicle speed to alter standing wave patterns, the system changes the aerodynamic parameters by deploying the dynamic surface to modify airflow characteristics, thereby eliminating wind noise throb while maintaining constant vehicle speed
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a dynamic surface is added to redirect airflow, then wind noise throb is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic surface is integrated into the existing mirror assembly structure, allowing the mirror housing to serve multiple functions: supporting the mirror and actively managing airflow to reduce wind noise throb, thereby minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing operational data (window position, vehicle speed, sound pressure levels) to automatically control the dynamic surface deployment, eliminating the need for separate control inputs and reducing overall system complexity
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 reduces wind noise throb to acceptable levels without closing windows or altering vehicle speed, enhancing passenger comfort by dynamically managing airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex of wind from the side mirror or a pillar adjacent the window
Implementation Method 2
a standing wave may form in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly includes a support arm, a mirror housing carried on the support arm and a mirror body held in the housing. A dynamic surface is provided on the support arm. A control module is configured to displace the dynamic surface between a home position and a deployed position. In the deployed position a wind stream flowing over the dynamic surface is redirected and wind noise throb is reduced.