Rear Bumper Drying Structure Using Vehicle-Induced Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle drying apparatuses face power loss and reduced fuel efficiency due to reliance on air conditioners or separate heat generators for drying, which also occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A drying apparatus utilizing vehicle-induced wind, integrated into the lower space of a rear bumper, featuring a rotatable storage cover, inlet cover, and outlet holes to harness and direct airflow for drying without the need for additional heating or power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an air conditioner is used to dry a wet object, then the wet object can be dried, but power is consumed and fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drying apparatus utilizes the vehicle's own motion to generate drying wind, eliminating the need for external power sources. The vehicle's forward movement creates a pressure difference that naturally drives air through the drying chamber, making the system self-powered and energy-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (air conditioner compressor or heater) with a pneumatic system driven by vehicle motion. The pressure difference generated by vehicle movement substitutes for motor-driven airflow, converting mechanical energy directly into useful drying airflow without intermediate conversion losses
2Reliability
If a heater is used to dry a wet object, then the wet object can be dried, but a separate heat generator must be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The rear bumper structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, houses the drying apparatus, and utilizes the vehicle's motion to generate drying airflow. The pressure difference generation system is integrated into the existing vehicle structure, eliminating the need for separate heat generators or complex mechanical assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the drying function from the vehicle's climate control system and implements it as a separate, independent system that uses the vehicle's motion rather than the air conditioner's output, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If a storage tray is installed in the trunk, then the wet object can be stored, but the trunk space is occupied and the area is isolated from the exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the storage function from the vertical dimension (trunk interior) to the horizontal dimension (rear bumper lower space). By utilizing the space beneath the rear bumper, the system preserves trunk capacity while providing adequate storage volume for wet objects through extended horizontal arrangement
4Reliability
If the air conditioner is used for drying, then the wet object can be dried, but unnecessary power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drying apparatus utilizes the vehicle's own motion to generate drying wind, eliminating the need for external power sources. The vehicle's forward movement creates a pressure difference that naturally drives air through the drying chamber, making the system self-powered and energy-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the vehicle's motion, which would otherwise create headwind resistance, into a beneficial force that generates the pressure difference needed for drying. The headwind that increases drag is repurposed to drive airflow through the drying chamber, turning a harmful effect into a useful function
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 enhances fuel efficiency, eliminates the need for a separate heat generator, and optimizes space utilization by using vehicle-induced wind for drying, thereby improving practicality and marketability.
Implementation Method 1
drying the wet object stored in the storage space using vehicle induced wind when the vehicle is driven
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of outlet holes formed in the rear bumper cover, and to form a passage through which the air is discharged from the storage space to the exterior of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a drying apparatus for a vehicle using vehicle induced wind. The drying apparatus is capable of drying a wet object using vehicle induced wind generated by the driving of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a storage cover that is rotatably coupled to a rear bumper cover via a hinge module, to form a storage space between the storage cover and the rear bumper cover. In addition the apparatus includes an inlet cover that is coupled to the rear bumper cover to form an inlet passage through which the vehicle induced wind flows into the storage space when the vehicle is being driven. A plurality of outlet holes are formed in the rear bumper cover, and are configured to operate as a passage to allow air to be discharged from the storage space to an exterior of the vehicle.