Wind Deflector Assembly Biasing Device Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflector assemblies for vehicles fail to maintain stability at high speeds, leading to ineffective reduction of wind noise and turbulence above open roof constructions.
Innovation Solution
A two-leg pivotable biasing device with a bent leaf spring, including a third leg connected to the wind deflector arm, provides increased spring force and stability by locking the wind deflector arm in its extended position, utilizing a rounded end for minimal wear and a pivot pin made from plastic for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple spring loaded lever is used as biasing device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the wind deflector arm at high speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is segmented into three distinct legs (first leg, second leg, third leg) that work together to provide stable support. The first leg provides biasing force, the second leg provides geometric stability through triangulation, and the third leg connects to the wind deflector arm, distributing loads and maintaining positional stability at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device transitions from a simple planar lever to a three-dimensional structure with three legs forming a triangular configuration. This spatial arrangement adds dimensional stability, creating a rigid support framework that resists forces from multiple directions, thereby maintaining wind deflector arm stability at high speeds.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wind deflector arm is locked in extended position, then the stability at high speeds is improved, but the ease of operation for retraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device dynamically transitions between providing strong locking force in the extended position and allowing controlled movement during retraction. The spring-loaded nature of the first leg enables it to lock firmly when extended while yielding when sufficient force is applied by the closure, making the system adaptive to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's retraction action and the locked biasing device. It engages with the biasing device to gradually overcome the locking force, allowing controlled release and retraction without requiring excessive force while maintaining stability during normal operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a rounded end is used for sliding engagement, then the wear is minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first leg is provided with a rounded end instead of a flat or sharp edge for sliding engagement with the third leg. This curved geometry distributes contact pressure across a larger area, reduces stress concentration, and minimizes wear during repeated sliding movements, thereby extending the durability of the sliding surface.
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 ensures maximum support for the wind deflector arm at high speeds, maintaining its extended position and reducing wind noise through a stable and rigid support mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing device comprises a bent leaf spring
Implementation Method 2
is capable of creating a turbulent flow pattern above the roof opening for reducing wind noise
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A wind deflector assembly intended for use in front of a roof opening (3) of an open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a wind deflector member (6) which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wind deflector member is connected to a first end of at least one pivotable wind deflector arm (5) of which an opposite second end is at least pivotally connected to a stationary part (18). A biasing device (8) engages the wind deflector arm and is urging the wind deflector arm towards the extended position. The biasing device is at least pivotally connected to the stationary part through a pivot (10). The biasing device (8) comprises at least a first (10) and second (12) leg connected to each other at a connection. At least the first leg loads the wind deflector arm (5) towards the extended position and the second leg (12) of the biasing device is attached to the wind deflector arm. The pivot (11) is positioned near the connection between the first and second leg (10, 12).