Passive Deflector for Vehicle Window Buffeting Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs experience buffeting noise due to wind flow over open windows, which is not effectively mitigated by complex actuating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A passive deflector integrated with the vehicle's window seal or pillar, projecting outward to disrupt wind flow without the need for actuators, is used to reduce buffeting noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive deflector is used instead of an actuated buffer, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adapt flow control to different window positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed to be passively deployed by the window itself during the window opening process. The window glass directly pushes the deflector into its flow-disrupting position, eliminating the need for external actuators while maintaining adaptability to the specific vehicle and window geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the window channel, and the window opening action automatically deploys it to the correct position before the window reaches the open state, ensuring flow control is ready in advance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the deflector projects outward from the pillar, then buffeting noise is reduced, but the deflector may interfere with door closure or aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that changes position based on window state. It is retracted when the window is closed to avoid interference, and deployed when the window is open to reduce buffeting, optimizing performance for each operational condition
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is nested within the window channel structure, allowing it to be housed compactly when not in use and deployed into the airflow path when needed, maximizing space utilization and minimizing interference
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 passive deflector effectively reduces buffeting noise by redirecting wind flow, enhancing passenger comfort without the complexity and cost of actuating mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the deflector influences flow over an opening to a passenger compartment of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary vehicle flow influencing assembly includes a deflector formed together with a seal that provides a portion of a glass run for a side window of a vehicle. The deflector projects outward from the vehicle when the side window is lowered such that the deflector influences flow over an opening to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A vehicle flow influencing assembly includes a pillar that is directly forward a side window of a vehicle, and a deflector configured to influence flow over an opening to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The opening is provided by positioning the side window in an open position. The deflector extends longitudinally in a direction aligned with the pillar. The deflector projects outward from a primary surface of the pillar when the side window is closed and when the side window is open.