Vehicle Side-View Mirror Sleeve Wind Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle side-view mirrors experience wind noise due to gaps between the mirror base and head, turbulences caused by rib and groove configurations, and interaction with internal parts, which existing designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle side-view mirror design featuring a sleeve on the mirror base with a smooth, inwardly extending second outer peripheral surface that forms a passage with the mirror head, guiding wind and reducing turbulence, along with a perimeter design that divides wind flows to lower wind speed and a thin second outer peripheral surface for weight savings and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If ribs and grooves are formed on the shaft outer peripheral surface, then pressure fluctuations are balanced and noise is reduced, but turbulences are generated which cause wind noise
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure (intermediary element) is introduced between the shaft and the mirror head to redirect wind flow. This guide structure includes a guide surface that smoothly guides wind from the gap into the mirror head, preventing direct interaction between wind and the ribbed shaft surface, thus eliminating turbulence while maintaining noise reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from addressing wind noise through surface features (2D rib patterns) to using a three-dimensional guide structure that spatially redirects wind flow. The guide structure creates a new dimensional approach by forming a passage that channels wind along a controlled path, avoiding turbulence generation
2Ease of operation
If a gap is formed between the mirror base and mirror head, then the mirror head is rotatable, but wind enters the gap causing wind noise
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary component that fills the gap between the mirror base and mirror head. It allows rotational movement to pass through while simultaneously serving as a wind flow controller, redirecting wind into the mirror head and preventing noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure performs multiple functions: it maintains the rotational capability of the mirror head while simultaneously acting as a wind guide to prevent wind noise. This multi-functional element eliminates the need for separate components for rotation and wind management
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second outer peripheral surface extends smoothly inward, then turbulences are reduced and wind noise is lowered, but a passage of sufficient cross-section must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The second outer peripheral surface is designed with a smooth curved profile rather than sharp edges or ridges. This curved geometry smoothly redirects wind flow into the mirror head while maintaining an adequate passage cross-section, preventing turbulence without requiring additional space
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 design significantly reduces wind noise by minimizing turbulence and wind speed through the gap, while maintaining structural strength and allowing for weight savings.
Implementation Method 1
this results in turbulences which, due to factors such as wind velocity, may cause wind noise
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve 15 is formed on a mirror base 10. An opening 28a is formed in a mirror head 20. The sleeve 15 has an outer peripheral surface including a first outer peripheral surface 15a and a second outer peripheral surface 15b. The second outer peripheral surface 15b is located further in an inward radial direction of the sleeve 15 than the first outer peripheral surface 15a. The second outer peripheral surface 15b is formed so as to extend smoothly in a circumferential direction of the sleeve. A passage 40, which guides wind entering the mirror head 20, is formed between the second outer peripheral surface 15b and an inner peripheral surface of the opening 28a.