Convertible Rear Window Control for Aerodynamics and Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible motor vehicles face challenges in improving aerodynamics and comfort, particularly in a reliable and reproducible manner, especially when the rear windows are lowered to enhance aerodynamics with the roof open.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with a movable roof and rear windows that automatically adjust between closed and open positions based on the roof configuration, using an actuator assembly and control unit to ensure isolation and visibility, while optimizing aerodynamics and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the rear windows are lowered manually to enhance aerodynamics with the roof open, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but manual operation complexity increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear windows automatically detect the roof position and adjust their own position accordingly. When the roof is open, the windows lower themselves to enhance aerodynamics; when the roof is closed, they raise themselves to maintain visibility and isolation. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual operation while optimizing aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is configured to automatically lower the rear windows before or during the roof opening process, and raise them before or during the roof closing process. This preliminary action ensures optimal aerodynamic performance is achieved proactively without requiring manual intervention after the roof position changes.
2Loss of energy
If the rear windows are lowered to create air flow outlets with the roof open, then aerodynamics is improved, but rear visibility and compartment isolation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear windows are designed with dynamic positioning capability, automatically adjusting between lowered and raised positions based on roof configuration. When the roof is open, windows lower to improve aerodynamics; when the roof is closed, windows raise to maintain rear visibility and compartment isolation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the rear windows based on the roof state parameter. By detecting whether the roof is open or closed, the control unit adjusts the window position parameter accordingly, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency when the roof is open while maintaining visibility and isolation when the roof is closed.
3Loss of energy
If automatic control systems are implemented to coordinate roof and window positions, then aerodynamic performance and comfort are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting roof position, controlling rear window positioning, and coordinating with the actuator assembly. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while achieving optimized aerodynamic performance and passenger comfort through automatic coordination of roof and window positions.
4Reliability
If the rear windows remain in fixed closed positions with the roof open, then compartment isolation is maintained, but aerodynamic performance and passenger comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rear windows transition from a fixed position to a dynamic position system that automatically adjusts based on roof configuration. When the roof is open, the windows lower to improve aerodynamics and passenger comfort; when the roof is closed, they raise to maintain compartment isolation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining isolation and optimizing aerodynamic performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes a frame with a first and a second opening, which are oriented transversely to the forward moving direction; a first rear window, which is coupled to the frame in a movable manner between a first position, in which it closes the first opening, and a second position, in which it at least partially frees the first opening; a second rear window, which is coupled to the frame in a movable manner between a third position, in which it closes the second opening, and a fourth position, in which it partially frees the second opening; a roof, which is coupled to the frame in a movable manner between a closed and an open configuration; first driving means, which are configured to automatically place the first and the second rear window in the first and in the second position, respectively, when the roof is in the closed configuration and/or to place the first and the second rear window in the third and in the fourth position, respectively, when the roof is in the open configuration.