Pressure Relief Valve Linked to Window Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face increased door closing efforts 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 the side door glass movement, opening when the window begins to open to allow air flow and closing when the door is closed, reducing cabin pressure and door closing efforts, utilizing a gear or cam assembly for mechanical linkage and including seals to manage air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional air extractors are used to manage cabin pressure, then air flow can be maintained, but door closing effort increases and NVH performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is dynamically coupled to the window mechanism, automatically opening when the window moves and closing when the window is closed. This dynamic operation allows the valve to relieve cabin pressure during window operation without requiring continuous opening, thereby reducing door closing effort while maintaining adequate air flow only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve opens in advance during window movement to prevent pressure buildup before door closing occurs. By proactively relieving pressure during the window operation phase, the system prevents the pressure spikes that would otherwise increase door closing effort, eliminating the need for larger extractors.
2Quantity of substance
If larger air extractor openings are used to increase air flow rate, then climate control performance improves, but noise, vibration, and harshness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve operates dynamically, opening only during window movement when pressure changes occur. This temporary, on-demand operation provides sufficient air flow to prevent cabin pressure buildup and associated NVH issues, while keeping the valve closed during normal driving to eliminate continuous noise and vibration sources.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple air extractors are packaged in the rear portion of the vehicle to deliver desired flow attributes, then air flow rate increases, but packaging space is consumed and NVH performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve serves multiple functions: it relieves cabin pressure during window operation, reduces door closing effort, and prevents NVH issues. By integrating this single valve with the existing window mechanism, the system achieves the air flow benefits of multiple extractors without the packaging complexity or additional NVH sources.
4Quantity of substance
If springs are used to close air extractor flaps until a certain cabin pressure is reached, then air flow is controlled, but this operation is contrary to climate fogging prevention and door closing effort reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is self-actuating through its mechanical coupling with the window mechanism. It automatically opens when the window moves and closes when the window is closed, eliminating the need for spring-loaded flaps or pressure-sensing control systems. This self-service operation ensures reliable climate control by maintaining extractor operation during window movement without compromising fogging prevention.
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 door closing efforts by alleviating pressure spikes and minimizing NVH, allowing for a smaller air extractor size and improved package design, while maintaining adequate air flow for climate control and reducing noise transmission.
Implementation Method 1
At least one pressure relief valve is in communication with the inlet and outlet, and is mechanically linked for movement with the window
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 window mechanism to move a window 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 window. 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 window such that the pressure relief valve opens in response to the window beginning to open.