Wind Deflector Folded Part Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflector assemblies for vehicles with open roofs face challenges in manufacturing a reliable connection between flexible wind deflecting nets and their supporting structures, leading to uneven tension and aesthetic issues due to inadequate fixing, which affects the net's shape and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The wind deflector assembly incorporates a folded part of the wind deflecting material reinforced with polyester material, which is encapsulated to create a stiff section that maintains tension and is supported by an upper elongate element with cavities and leaf springs, ensuring even tension and stability, and features a sewing line or elastic strap to prevent damage during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate V shaped part is used to connect the wind deflecting net to the upper rod, then the connection can be established, but the manufacturing complexity increases and the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to uneven tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection element with the wind deflecting net itself by creating a folded part that is inherently part of the net structure. This eliminates the need for separate V shaped connection parts, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable connection between the net and upper rod through the integrated folded part
2Reliability
If a separate V shaped part is used to connect the wind deflecting net, then the connection can be established, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to inadequate fixing and uneven tension
Solution Approach 1:
The folded part is integrated into the wind deflecting net structure, creating a seamless connection that maintains uniform tension across the net surface. This eliminates visible connection points and uneven tension areas, significantly improving the aesthetic appearance while ensuring reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The folded part creates a localized reinforced connection zone within the net structure. This local quality enhancement provides adequate fixing at the connection point while maintaining the overall uniformity and aesthetics of the net surface, preventing both inadequate fixing and visible tension variations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the folded part is reinforced with polyester material over the entire length, then the tension distribution improves, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polyester reinforcement is applied selectively only to the folded part of the wind deflecting net, not the entire net. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary tension distribution and structural stability at the critical connection zone while minimizing additional material usage and manufacturing complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wind deflector assembly is designed to move between effective and ineffective positions, then the functionality improves, but the risk of damage from leaf springs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folded part design inherently provides protection against damage from leaf springs during the movement between effective and ineffective positions. The reinforced folded structure acts as a cushioning element that prevents direct contact or damage between the net and leaf springs, allowing full functional adaptability without increased damage risk
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 provides a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional wind deflector assembly that maintains tension and stability under static and dynamic conditions, preventing damage from leaf springs and reducing wind noise.
Implementation Method 1
polyester material in the form of a strip is pressed using heat into the folded part, such that the folded part is reinforced because the polyester material encapsulates the yarns of the fabric of the wind deflecting net
Data Source
AI summary
A wind deflector assembly for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle includes an upper elongate element which is movably connected to a stationary part and a flexible wind deflecting material that extends at least along the front of the roof opening, being attached at a lower end to the stationary part and at an upper end to the upper elongate element to keep the wind deflecting material taut in at least the effective position. The wind deflecting material is folded at the upper end in a folded part, said folded part having a hinge part and an opposite first outer end part and wherein the folded part is mounted inside a first cavity whereby the first outer end part is being supported on the upper surface of the protruding part in the first cavity at least when the wind deflector assembly is in an effective position.