Convertible Wind Deflector Drive for Stable Deployed Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflectors for convertibles require manual operation, often necessitating the driver to exit the vehicle or perform ergonomically inconvenient movements, and are limited by size constraints and operational complexity during vehicle travel.
Innovation Solution
A wind deflector with an integrated drive mechanism that allows the upper frame to pivot between storage and wind protection positions using a drive thread and pretensioning device, enabling automated operation and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wind deflector is operated manually, then the structure remains simple, but the driver must exit the vehicle or perform ergonomically inconvenient movements
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector operates automatically using the vehicle's existing power window motor to drive the upper frame between storage and wind protection positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and driver exit from the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The power window motor is repurposed to perform dual functions: operating the power window and driving the upper frame of the wind deflector, thereby integrating multiple functions into an existing component
2Stability of the object's composition
If the upper frame is stored on the lower frame, then the wind deflector occupies minimal space, but the upper frame flutters and cannot be held in intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
A pretensioning device applies preliminary tensioning force to the upper frame to hold it in the wind protection position against wind load, preventing fluttering and enabling stable intermediate positions
Solution Approach 2:
The pretensioning device creates a counteracting force to balance the wind load on the upper frame, maintaining stability in the deployed position
3Area of moving object
If the wind deflector is designed for maximum wind protection, then the upper frame provides maximum coverage, but the lower frame size is constrained by vehicle boundary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The upper frame is designed to pivot dynamically between storage and wind protection positions, allowing maximum wind protection area when deployed while adapting to vehicle boundaries when stored
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 integrated drive system facilitates ergonomic and convenient operation, reduces fluttering, and ensures stable positioning of the upper frame, enhancing usability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
One of the bearing points has at least one pretensioning device which pretensions the upper frame into the wind protection position
Implementation Method 2
The drive winds the drive thread
Data Source
AI summary
A wind deflector for a convertible vehicle includes a lower frame, which can be fixedly mounted to the vehicle, and an upper frame, on which a wind deflector is formed. The upper frame can be pivoted relative to the lower frame about a deployment axis, between a laid-down position and a wind protection position, by use of a drive. The upper frame and the lower frame are pivotably interconnected via at least two bearing points. The upper frame is operatively connected to the lower frame by a drive thread, and the drive thread is operatively connected to the drive. One of the bearing points has at least one preloading device.