Sliding Wind Deflector Assembly for Reduced Space and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflector assemblies for vehicles face issues such as large space requirements, detrimental aerodynamics, and visibility concerns due to their design, which affect both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A wind deflector assembly featuring a spoiler part and a mesh part that are slidable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, allowing for an overlapping retracted position and a staggered extended position, with the spoiler part pivotably connected to the vehicle at one end and the mesh part at the other, enabling reduced dimensions and improved aerodynamics while maintaining effective noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mesh material is used to reduce wind noise, then wind noise reduction is improved, but the space requirement in retracted position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh part is nested within the spoiler part when retracted, with the mesh part positioned inside the contour defined by the spoiler part. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy minimal space in the retracted position while maintaining their respective functions when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector member is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions through pivotal movement. The mesh part and spoiler part can slide relative to each other, transitioning from an overlapping configuration in retraction to a staggered configuration in extension, enabling dynamic adaptation to different operational states.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mesh material extends vertically in extended position, then wind noise reduction is improved, but aerodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh part is designed to slide relative to the spoiler part, allowing it to assume different positions. In the extended state, the mesh part can be positioned to extend vertically for noise reduction, while in the retracted state, it overlaps with the spoiler part to maintain aerodynamic contours. This dynamic repositioning resolves the conflict between noise reduction and aerodynamics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mesh material is positioned vertically in extended position, then wind noise reduction is improved, but the open sky feeling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh part can dynamically adjust its position relative to the spoiler part. When retracted, it overlaps with the spoiler part and becomes less visible to occupants, preserving the open sky feeling. When extended, it can be positioned vertically to provide noise reduction. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize both visibility and noise reduction based on operational state.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the spoiler panel is positioned in front of the roof opening, then wind noise reduction is improved, but the distance to roof opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler part and mesh part are combined into a single integrated wind deflector member that functions as a unified structure. This merging allows the assembly to achieve effective wind noise reduction while maintaining a compact overall length, as the two parts work together synergistically rather than requiring separate positioning.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the spoiler panel reaches required height, then wind noise reduction is improved, but the angle of inclination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design of the spoiler part and mesh part allows the assembly to achieve the required effective height for noise reduction while maintaining a more favorable angle of inclination. The combined structure distributes the height requirement across both parts, enabling a gentler overall angle compared to a single-panel design.
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 minimizes space requirements in the retracted position and enhances aerodynamics and aesthetics by combining the benefits of spoiler and mesh parts, reducing wind noise and maintaining an open sky feeling while ensuring the rear edge reaches the required height with a reduced angle of inclination.
Implementation Method 1
the wind deflector beam and mesh material, in the extended position, is capable of creating a turbulent flow pattern above the roof opening for reducing wind noise
Implementation Method 2
In an extended (outwardly pivoted) position the spoiler panel causes a laminar flow pattern over the roof opening for reducing wind noise
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A wind deflector assembly comprises a wind deflector member (8) which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and which comprises a spoiler part (9) and a mesh part (10) of which one is positioned on top of the other and which are slidable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between an overlapping position in the retracted position of the wind deflector member and a staggered position in the extended position. One of the spoiler part (9) and mesh part (10) at a forward end through a first pivot (16) is pivotably connected to the vehicle whereas the other of the spoiler part and mesh part at a rearward end is hingeably connected (21) to a first end of at least one pivotable wind deflector arm (22) of which an opposite second end through a second pivot (23) is pivotably connected to the vehicle.