Vehicle Mirror Deflector for Wind Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle side door mirror assemblies face issues with wind noise and water/dirt intrusion due to the clearance hole in the housing, which allows for movement but compromises sealing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible deflector with a stepped configuration is mounted to the housing, surrounding the support arm and allowing for stretching to reduce wind noise and prevent intrusion, while maintaining the frameless appearance and adjustability of the mirror assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clearance hole is provided in the housing around the support arm base to allow free rotation, then the housing can rotate freely relative to the base for adjustment, but wind noise and water/dirt intrusion occur through the clearance hole
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible deflector made of elastomeric material is mounted around the support arm base within the clearance hole. The deflector acts as a flexible barrier that blocks wind noise and prevents water/dirt intrusion while allowing the housing to rotate freely for mirror adjustment. The flexible nature of the material enables it to accommodate the rotational movement without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible deflector serves as an intermediary element between the housing and the support arm base. It fills the clearance hole space and mediates between the need for free rotation and the need to block harmful factors. The deflector transmits the rotational movement while maintaining a barrier against wind noise and contaminants.
2Shape
If the glass assembly is extended flush with the housing edge to achieve a frameless appearance, then aesthetics are improved, but the glass assembly becomes more exposed to impacts and disconnection risks
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible deflector extends around the support arm base and provides a protective barrier that shields the glass assembly from impacts while maintaining the frameless appearance. The deflector's flexible material allows it to absorb and dissipate impact forces without compromising the aesthetic flush design.
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 flexible deflector effectively reduces wind noise and blocks debris and water entry, ensuring a quiet and sealed environment for the mirror assembly during movement, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector has a stepped configuration allowing for stretching of the deflector as the housing is moved relative to the support arm
Implementation Method 2
A flexible deflector is mounted to the housing and surrounds a portion of the support arm received in the housing. The deflector extends into a space between the housing and the support arm portion to reduce wind noise and prevent intrusion
Data Source
AI summary
An external mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a support arm adapted to be affixed to an associated vehicle side door, and a housing movably mounted to the support arm. A glass assembly is secured to the housing. A flexible defector is mounted to the housing and surrounding a portion of the support arm received in the housing. The deflector has a stepped configuration allowing for stretching of the deflector as the housing is moved relative to the support arm and to reduce wind noise through a gap between the support arm portion and the housing.