Wind Deflector Sealing Assembly for Vehicle Roof Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof systems for vehicles with fixed roofs fail to adequately reduce wind noise entering the vehicle when the panel is closed, particularly due to gaps between the wind deflector and panel components.
Innovation Solution
The roof system incorporates an extended first seal between the wind deflector arms and the panel, and a second noise barrier between the wind deflector member and the stationary part, along with a flexible mesh material and adjustable seal sections to minimize noise entry, allowing for reduced system size and increased headroom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional sealing arrangement is used between the wind deflector and panel, then the structure remains simple, but wind noise enters the vehicle interior through gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing arrangement is divided into multiple segments: a first seal positioned between the wind deflector body and panel, and a second seal positioned between the wind deflector arms and panel. This segmentation allows each seal to address specific gap locations, effectively blocking wind noise from entering through different pathways while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing arrangement extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, creating a multi-dimensional noise barrier. The first seal extends across the gap between the wind deflector body and panel, while the second seal extends along the gaps between the wind deflector arms and panel, forming a comprehensive three-dimensional sealing network that blocks noise from multiple angles
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wind deflector assembly is made larger to improve noise reduction, then noise insulation improves, but headroom for passengers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector member is extracted from a fixed position and made movable between a retracted position below the fixed roof and an extended position above the fixed roof. When retracted, it minimizes interference with headroom; when extended, it provides effective noise insulation. This extraction allows the noise barrier function to be activated only when needed, preserving passenger headroom during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wind deflector member is made dynamic through its ability to move between retracted and extended positions. The wind deflector arms are rotatably connected to the stationary part, allowing the entire assembly to adapt its configuration. This dynamics enables the system to optimize between headroom requirements and noise insulation needs based on operational conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A roof system for a vehicle comprises a wind deflector member including a wind deflector body which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle that is movable between a retracted position below a fixed roof and an extended position at least partly above the fixed roof. Wind deflector arms at the lateral ends of the wind deflector body extend substantially in a rearward direction and are at least rotatably connected to a stationary part. A sealing arrangement comprises a first seal is positioned between the wind deflector body and a panel that seals a gap between an the wind deflector body and the panel in its closed position. The first seal is configured to close a gap between the wind deflector arms and the panel. A second seal is closes a gap between the wind deflector member and the stationary part when the panel is in its closed position.