Pressure Relief Valve Linked to Door Protector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door closing efforts are increased due to pressure buildup in the passenger compartment, which is difficult to manage with traditional air extractors, leading to user frustration and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief valve is mechanically linked to a door protector mechanism, opening when the door opens to allow air flow and closing when the door is closed, using a cable or lever mechanism to deploy and retract the protector and control airflow, reducing door closing efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional air extractors are used to manage cabin pressure, then air flow rate can be maintained, but door closing effort increases and packaging space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The air extraction function is segmented into two separate mechanisms: a pressure relief valve located in the door assembly that opens during door closing to relieve pressure, and a climate control air extractor that provides continuous air flow management. This segmentation allows the pressure relief function to be decoupled from the main air extractor, reducing door closing effort without compromising overall air flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve performs preliminary pressure relief action during door opening and closing operations before the main climate control system needs to manage pressure. By preemptively relieving pressure buildup during door operations, the system prevents high closing efforts while maintaining effective air flow management through the climate control extractor
2Quantity of substance
If larger air extractor openings are used to achieve adequate air flow, then air flow rate improves, but noise, vibration, and harshness increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the air management function into a pressure relief valve and climate control air extractor, the system can use a smaller climate control extractor opening that operates during normal driving conditions, thereby reducing NVH while the pressure relief valve handles pressure management during door operations to maintain adequate overall air flow
3Quantity of substance
If more air extractors are packaged in the rear portion of the vehicle to deliver desired flow attributes, then air flow rate improves, but packaging constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve integrated into the door assembly serves multiple functions: it relieves cabin pressure during door closing operations, provides an additional air flow path, and eliminates the need for separate rear air extractors. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve desired air flow attributes without adding components that would consume packaging 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
This solution reduces door closing efforts by venting air pressure as the door opens and closes, improving user satisfaction and NVH performance by allowing air extractors to be smaller, thus minimizing noise and vibration issues.
Implementation Method 1
When a vehicle door is closed, pressure can suddenly rise within the compartment which can result in a high closing effort
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a door having interior and exterior sides, at least one inlet in the interior side, at least one outlet in the exterior side, and a door protector mechanism to move a protector relative to the door. At least one pressure relief valve is in communication with the inlet and outlet, and is mechanically linked for movement with the protector. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, mechanically linking at least one pressure relief valve for movement with the protector such that the pressure relief valve opens in response to the door beginning to open.