Soft Top Convertible Wind Deflector Airflow Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft top convertible roofs experience buffeting or ballooning when fully retracted, as air flow from vehicle movement can cause the soft top to distort, especially when it is exposed and not protected within the vehicle structure.
Innovation Solution
A wind deflector is mounted to the soft top's header bow and moves with it from a closed to a retracted position, positioning itself in front of the header bow to redirect airflow upward, preventing buffeting by deflecting air flow away from the soft top material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the soft top is allowed to sit above the vehicle structure when fully retracted, then air flow can enter the front edge of the top, but this causes buffeting or ballooning of the soft top
Solution Approach 1:
A wind deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the air flow and the soft top header bow. The deflector redirects air flow upward and over the header bow, preventing direct air flow contact with the soft top material while still allowing air flow into the vehicle. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling air flow entry without causing buffeting or ballooning.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector performs preliminary anti-action by intercepting and redirecting air flow before it can contact the soft top header bow. The deflector is positioned to meet the oncoming air flow first and redirect it upward, preventing the harmful buffeting effect from occurring in the first place.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the soft top is protected inside the vehicle structure when retracted, then buffeting is prevented, but air flow cannot enter the front edge of the top
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector serves as a mediator that allows air flow entry without requiring the soft top to be exposed to direct air flow. Instead of protecting the soft top by hiding it inside the vehicle structure, the deflector mediates between the air flow and the soft top, redirecting air flow upward while allowing it to enter the vehicle.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a wind deflector is added to prevent buffeting, then soft top stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector is designed with dynamic capabilities to move and articulate between different positions. It can pivot from a stowed position under the header bow to an active position in front of the header bow, and automatically adjusts its angle based on the soft top's position (closed or retracted). This dynamic design allows a single component to perform multiple functions without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector serves multiple functions: it prevents buffeting when the soft top is retracted, allows air flow entry, and can be positioned in different locations (in front of or under the header bow) depending on the soft top position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 wind deflector effectively prevents buffeting and ballooning of the soft top when fully retracted, ensuring the material's integrity and maintaining airflow into the vehicle, while articulating automatically with the soft top's movement from closed to fully retracted positions.
Implementation Method 1
redirecting air flow, with the wind deflector, up and over the header bow as the vehicle moves forward
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a header extending laterally between A-pillars, and a soft top, including a movable frame defining a roof of the vehicle and having a header bow that is selectively securable to the header, the frame movable between a forward closed position and a rearward retracted position. A wind deflector is mounted to the frame adjacent to the header bow and movable with the frame between the closed position and the retracted position, with the wind deflector positioned in front of the header bow when not in the closed position.