Sunroof Wind Deflector System for Noise Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle sunroofs increase mass, reduce interior volume, and create aerodynamic drag and wind noise, negatively impacting fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A compressible and extendable sunroof wind deflector system with rails, holders, and a deflector assembly that directs airflow over the sunroof opening, reducing high-pressure air entry into the vehicle interior when the sunroof is open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sunroof panel is used to provide an openable roof structure, then passenger comfort and ventilation are improved, but aerodynamic drag and wind noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A deflector assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the incoming airflow and the sunroof opening. The deflector includes a first portion that directs airflow over the opening and a second portion that diffuses air before it enters the vehicle interior, thereby mediating the harmful aerodynamic effects while preserving the beneficial ventilation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector assembly converts the harmful high-velocity turbulent airflow into a beneficial diffuse airflow pattern. By directing air over the sunroof opening and then diffusing it through the second portion, the system transforms aerodynamic drag and wind noise into gentle ventilation airflow that enters the vehicle interior in a controlled manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If a sunroof panel is used to provide an openable roof structure, then passenger comfort and ventilation are improved, but wind noise in the passenger compartment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidwind noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second portion of the deflector assembly acts as an intermediary that diffuses air before it enters the passenger compartment. This diffusion process reduces the velocity and turbulence of incoming air, thereby minimizing wind noise generation while still providing ventilation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector converts the harmful high-velocity airflow that causes wind noise into a beneficial low-velocity diffuse airflow. The second portion specifically addresses noise by diffusing air in a manner that reduces turbulent entry into the passenger interior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a sunroof panel is used to provide an openable roof structure, then interior ventilation is improved, but fuel efficiency decreases due to aerodynamic drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior ventilationVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector assembly serves as a mediator that allows interior ventilation while minimizing aerodynamic drag. By properly directing and diffusing airflow, it enables the sunroof to remain open for ventilation without creating excessive drag that would reduce fuel efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful aerodynamic drag into beneficial ventilation airflow. The first portion directs air over the opening to reduce drag, while the second portion diffuses air to provide ventilation, effectively transforming drag-inducing airflow into fuel-efficient ventilation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system reduces wind noise and turbulent airflow, enhancing fuel efficiency and passenger comfort by diffusing air before it enters the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

the deflector assembly is allowed to extend and direct airflow over and to diffuse air before entering the sunroof opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow direction and diffusion:

Data Source

PatentUS9873314B1Sunroof wind deflector system

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 AISIN WORLD CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A system to reduce wind noise and turbulent airflow from entering into a sunroof opening of a vehicle, including a sunroof panel slideably connected to the sunroof opening; a rail on a side of the sunroof opening; and a holder fixed in the rail; a deflector assembly including an upper panel pivotally connected to holder and a lower panel connected to the rail. The sunroof panel covers and compresses the deflector assembly in a closed position and covers the sunroof opening, and the deflector assembly rotates and extends when the sunroof panel retracts to an at least a partially open position.