External Mirror Flow Separation Edge for Display Wind Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external mirror apparatuses for motor vehicles fail to effectively reduce wind noises around display apparatuses, which are part of driver assistance systems, leading to undesirable acoustic disturbances.
Innovation Solution
An external mirror apparatus design featuring a flow guiding element with a flow separation edge arranged as an eddy generator next to the display apparatus, where the flow separation edge extends parallel to the display apparatus and projects away from the mirror housing, swirling the air flow to minimize wind noises. The flow guiding element is positioned upstream of the display apparatus in the normal flow direction, ensuring air is guided along the inflow surface until it separates at the flow separation edge, reducing turbulence and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a display apparatus is arranged in a recess of the mirror housing, then driver assistance functions are enabled, but wind noises are generated around the display apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
A flow guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the air flow and the display apparatus. This element includes a flow separation edge that generates controlled eddies to redirect the air flow, preventing it from directly impinging on the display apparatus and thus reducing wind noise while allowing the display to function normally in the recess
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful direct air flow impingement on the display apparatus into a beneficial controlled eddy flow pattern. By strategically positioning the flow separation edge, the previously harmful turbulent flow directly against the display is transformed into a swirling eddy flow that bypasses the display apparatus, reducing noise while maintaining aerodynamic functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow separation edge projects away from the mirror housing, then air flow is effectively swirled to reduce wind noises, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guiding element is merged with the mirror housing as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The flow separation edge is formed as part of the housing structure itself, combining the housing's structural function with the flow guidance function, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while achieving effective wind noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guiding element serves multiple functions: it structures the air flow to generate eddies for noise reduction, defines the recess geometry for the display apparatus, and integrates with the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby minimizing structural complexity while achieving the desired aerodynamic effect
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
This design significantly reduces wind noises around the display apparatus by swirling the air flow, providing a structurally simple and effective solution that is independent of the display apparatus's geometric design, ensuring secure air flow guidance and reduced acoustic disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
the flow guiding element is arranged next to the display apparatus as an eddy generator and has a flow separation edge, which extends at least essentially in parallel to the display apparatus and projects away from the mirror housing. The air flow is separated from the flow guiding element by the flow separation edge
Implementation Method 2
the flow guiding element is arranged next to the display apparatus as an eddy generator in such a way that, when it is impinged upon by an air flow, the air flow is swirled to at least largely avoid wind noises
Data Source
AI summary
An external mirror apparatus for a motor vehicle, including a mirror housing and including at least one flow guiding element arranged on an outside of the mirror housing for the purpose of influencing an air flow at the external mirror apparatus. It is provided that a display apparatus is arranged in a recess of the mirror housing, in particular for a warning device of the motor vehicle, and the flow guiding element is arranged next to the display apparatus as an eddy generator and has a flow separation edge, which extends at least essentially in parallel to the display apparatus and projects away from the mirror housing.