Wind Deflector Assembly With Single-Leg Biasing Against False Anti-Trap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind deflector assemblies for open roof vehicles experience false anti-trap phenomena due to high biasing forces from biasing devices, especially at high speeds, which can lead to unwanted movement and noise issues.

Innovation Solution

A wind deflector assembly with a biasing device that utilizes a single pivotally connected leg to maintain the wind deflector in an extended position, featuring a convex part for optimal force distribution and a concave sliding bearing for secure engagement, along with a safety catch and height adjusting mechanism to manage wind loads and prevent detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biasing device with two legs is used to maintain the wind deflector in extended position, then the wind deflector remains stable at high speeds, but high biasing forces are generated causing false anti-trap phenomena

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of wind deflector at high speedVSAvoidbiasing force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts one leg from the biasing device, reducing it from two legs to a single leg. This extraction reduces the biasing force generated by the device while maintaining its primary function of keeping the wind deflector taut in the extended position, thereby preventing false anti-trap phenomena.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the biasing device, specifically the angle of the first leg with regard to the wind deflector arm and the position of the biasing device relative to the wind deflector arm. These parameter changes optimize the force distribution to balance stability and force magnitude.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wind deflector assembly is designed to be adjustable in height, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to different driving conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces adjustability to the biasing device, allowing the first leg to be positioned at different angles and locations relative to the wind deflector arm. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization for different driving conditions without requiring a completely different device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism allows the user to pre-set the optimal position and angle of the first leg before driving, based on expected driving conditions. This preliminary configuration simplifies the device structure while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3795397B1Wind deflector assembly
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 INALFA ROOF SYST GROUP
  • EP3795397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3795397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3795397B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The wind deflector assembly in front of a roof opening of a vehicle, wherein the wind deflector assembly is capable of moving between a retracted and an extended position and comprises an elongated member, a pair of wind deflector arms connected with first ends to opposite ends of the elongated member and with second ends to the stationary part by means of slidable hinges. The wind deflector assembly is biased by means of a spring in a rearward longitudinal direction, said spring being connected to the second end of the wind deflector arm. A biasing device engages the wind deflector arm urging it towards its extended position, wherein the biasing device comprises first and second legs integrally connected to each other at their first ends, the first leg loading the wind deflector assembly between the wind deflector arm and the stationary part and the second leg extending substantially along the wind deflector arm, and wherein a second end of the first leg is pivotally connected with regard to the stationary part. The first leg is the only biasing connection of the biasing device.