Water Channelling Device for Vehicle Spray Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spray-suppression systems fail to effectively address the root cause of water pulverization on wet road surfaces, as surface water remains on the road, continuing to be pulverized by subsequent vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a water channelling device that captures and redirects surface water spray away from the driving line of a vehicle, utilizing differences in density and momentum to separate water from air, and incorporating an air vent to enhance water projection away from the vehicle path, thereby reducing water available for pulverization by subsequent tires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rain flaps are used to trap and return water spray to the road surface, then visibility behind vehicles improves, but surface water remains on the road for subsequent vehicles to pulverise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts water spray from the air flow behind the vehicle using extraction devices positioned at the rear. These devices actively remove water droplets that have been pulverized by the vehicle's own tires, preventing them from being redeposited on the road surface and subsequently re-pulverized by following vehicles. This addresses the fundamental flaw in rain flap systems that merely return water to the road without removing it from the air path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air flow as an intermediary medium to carry pulverized water away from the road surface and towards extraction points. By utilizing the natural air flow generated by vehicle motion, the system creates a transport pathway that moves water from the tire contact area through the air to collection devices, preventing water from settling back on the road.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rain flaps redirect water to the road surface, then spray is suppressed, but water is re-deposited and continues to be pulverized by subsequent tires
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the presence and amount of water on the road surface and in the air flow behind the vehicle. This information is used to dynamically adjust the operation of extraction devices and water redirection systems, optimizing water removal efficiency. The system continuously monitors and responds to water accumulation, preventing the buildup that leads to repeated pulverization by subsequent vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the passive mechanical rain flap system with an active extraction system that uses air flow dynamics and mechanical extraction devices. Instead of merely redirecting water along the road surface, the new system actively pulls water out of the air flow and removes it from the system, substituting a more effective removal mechanism for the inadequate redirection approach.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional spray suppression systems are used, then initial spray is reduced, but root cause of water pulverisation is not solved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by removing water from the air flow and road surface before subsequent vehicles can pulverize it. The extraction devices are positioned to intercept water droplets in the air path behind the vehicle, removing them before they can settle on the road surface. This proactive water removal prevents the cycle of repeated pulverization that undermines the long-term effectiveness of conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards pulverized water by actively removing it from the system through extraction devices positioned at the rear of the vehicle. Rather than attempting to reuse or redirect water back onto the road surface, the system extracts and removes water droplets from the air flow, effectively discarding them in a location where they will not interfere with subsequent vehicle operation or road conditions.
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 significantly reduces surface water spray by directing it away from the driving line, minimizing its re-deposition on the road and subsequent pulverization, thus enhancing road safety and compliance with EU Directive (EU) 109/2011 for large vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing differences in density and momentum to separate water from air
Implementation Method 2
utilizing differences in density and momentum to separate water from air
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an air vent to enhance water projection away from the vehicle path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A water channelling device, suitable for use with a rain flap, has water collecting means arranged to collect water output from the rain flap and to channel said collected water to a periphery of the water channelling device.