Pivotable Wind Deflector with Internal Pressure Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind deflector systems for vehicles, particularly trucks, do not effectively optimize the positioning of air deflectors to minimize aerodynamic drag, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced speed due to unfavorable air resistance forces.

Innovation Solution

A wind deflector arrangement featuring a pivotable deflector on the vehicle's cab roof with integrated air pressure sensors to measure pressure within the space formed by the deflector and cab roof, allowing for automatic adjustment to maximize air pressure and minimize drag, independent of predetermined aerodynamic profiles and trailer heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wind deflector is positioned using predetermined aerodynamic profiles and geometric data, then the positioning can be simplified, but the accuracy and adaptability to real aerodynamic conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind deflector positioningVSAvoidaerodynamic drag reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using air pressure sensors to continuously monitor the actual aerodynamic conditions and automatically adjusting the wind deflector position based on real-time pressure differential measurements. This closed-loop feedback system replaces predetermined profiles with adaptive real-time control, resolving the contradiction between simplified operation and precise aerodynamic optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically measuring air pressure differentials and adjusting the wind deflector position without requiring manual input or predetermined aerodynamic profiles. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and actuators to optimize performance based on current conditions, eliminating the need for complex external aerodynamic data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the wind deflector position is fixed based on geometric data, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying trailer heights and aerodynamic conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind deflector systemVSAvoidtrailer height adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the wind deflector position adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts to varying trailer heights and aerodynamic conditions through automated position control based on real-time air pressure measurements, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed positioning and adaptive versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the position parameter of the wind deflector based on measured air pressure differentials. By dynamically adjusting this key parameter in response to varying conditions, the system achieves adaptability to different trailer heights and aerodynamic scenarios without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If air pressure sensors are placed outside the space formed by the wind deflector and cab roof, then they are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, but measuring inside the space increases protection while providing better aerodynamic data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair pressure measurementVSAvoidsensor environment exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the space between the wind deflector and cab roof as an intermediary measurement zone. This intermediate space provides protected sensor placement while still capturing relevant aerodynamic pressure information, resolving the contradiction between sensor protection and measurement accuracy by utilizing the pressure field in this intermediate region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption by optimizing the wind deflector's position based on real-time air pressure measurements, providing a more efficient and adaptive solution for varying trailer heights and environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one air pressure sensor arranged within a space formed by the wind deflector and the cab roof of the vehicle for measuring an air pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

wind deflector configured to reduce air resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag reduction: Drag

Implementation Method 3

air/wind deflectors are normally located on top of the vehicle cab, i.e. on the vehicle cab roof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow diversion: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10737734B2Wind deflector arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

A wind deflector arrangement includes a wind deflector configured to reduce air resistance, the wind deflector being arranged on a cab roof of a vehicle, the wind deflector being pivotable around a substantially transversal axis of the vehicle, wherein the wind deflector arrangement further includes at least one air pressure sensor for measuring an air pressure during traveling of the vehicle, wherein the at least one air pressure sensor is arranged within a space formed by the wind deflector and the cab roof of the vehicle. A method for controlling a wind deflector arrangement and a vehicle including such a wind deflector arrangement are also provided.