Vehicle Vent Foreign Object Obstruction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to prevent foreign objects from entering vehicle quarter ventilation ducts during turbulent air flow conditions without completely sealing off the vent, which is undesirable as it restricts air circulation.
Innovation Solution
A foreign object obstruction device with a rigid panel mounted between the vehicle body and rear bumper, featuring a resilient pad for sealing and stand-off structures to maintain distance from the vent, allowing air flow while preventing debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation duct is completely sealed off to prevent foreign objects, then foreign object protection is improved, but air circulation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies protection locally at the vent opening rather than sealing the entire ventilation duct. The rigid panel and resilient pad are positioned only where foreign objects enter, allowing air to circulate freely through the rest of the duct while maintaining protection at the critical entry point.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid barrier is placed close to the vent to block foreign objects, then foreign object protection is improved, but the device may obstruct air flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the barrier directly in the air flow path, the device extends the rigid panel in a direction perpendicular to the air flow (towards the bumper), creating a protective surface that blocks foreign objects from reaching the vent without interfering with the air circulation through the vent opening.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rigid panel extends close to the bumper to maximize protection, then foreign object protection is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised by turbulent forces
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient pad is positioned between the rigid panel and the bumper to absorb and cushion the forces generated by turbulent air flow and objects striking the device. This beforehand cushioning prevents these forces from being transmitted to the rigid panel, maintaining its structural integrity while allowing it to extend close to the bumper for maximum protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient pad changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing elasticity and shock absorption capabilities. This allows the rigid panel to maintain its position close to the bumper without compromising structural integrity, as the pad absorbs the impact forces that would otherwise damage the rigid structure.
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
Effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the vehicle cabin while maintaining unobstructed air flow through the vent, even under turbulent conditions, by using a rigid panel with a resilient pad and stand-off structures to absorb forces and maintain structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient pad is disposed between the free end and the inner surface of the rear vehicle bumper so as to form a seal between the panel and the inner surface of the rear vehicle bumper
Implementation Method 2
a stand-off structure extending from the rigid panel to the vehicle body so as to maintain the foreign obstruction device a predetermined distance from the vent
Implementation Method 3
A resilient pad may be disposed between the stand-off structure and the vehicle body so as to help absorb the force caused by objects being hurled into the device
Data Source
AI summary
A foreign object obstruction device for preventing foreign objects from entering into the vent of a vehicle without completely obstructing the air passage of the vent is provided. The foreign object obstruction device extends between the a rear vehicle bumper and the vehicle body, and includes a rigid panel mounted to the vehicle body, generally beneath the vent so as to present a generally horizontal planar surface. The foreign object obstruction device may also include a stand-off structure extending from the rigid panel to the vehicle body so as to maintain the foreign obstruction device a predetermined distance from the vent, and a resilient pad disposed between the stand-off structure and the vehicle body so as to help absorb the force caused by objects being hurled into the device; and between the rigid panel and the bumper so as to form a seal.