Vehicle Wind Deflector Assembly With Low-Force Taut Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflector assemblies for vehicles with open roofs face challenges in maintaining the tension of flexible members across various active positions while avoiding interference with the operating mechanism, particularly in ensuring the flexible member remains taut without disturbing the assembly's operation.
Innovation Solution
A wind deflector assembly with a substantially rigid upper frame member and a flexible member connected to a lower frame member through tensioning members, such as bending springs, which maintain the flexible member's tension across all active positions without interfering with the operating mechanism, allowing for smooth movement between retracted and extended positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible member is tensioned using strong tensioning members, then the flexible member remains taut in all active positions, but the operating force required to move the wind deflector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter of the tensioning members by specifying that their maximum tension force should be substantially lower than the maximum operating force of the operating mechanism, optimizing the balance between maintaining tautness and minimizing operating force
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning members are designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt their tension force according to the position of the wind deflector assembly while maintaining the flexible member taut throughout movement
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wind deflector assembly uses a complex structure to maintain flexible member tension, then the flexible member remains taut, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning members are designed to automatically maintain the flexible member taut through their own elastic properties and geometric configuration, without requiring additional control mechanisms or complex adjustment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible members with air-permeable mesh material combined with simple tensioning members, avoiding the need for rigid complex structures while maintaining the required tautness and functionality
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 the flexible member remains taut across all active positions, maintaining its functionality while minimizing the operational force required for the wind deflector assembly's movement, thus enhancing the assembly's performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The tensioning members may be bending springs which preferably extend from the elongate member substantially rearwardly
Data Source
AI summary
An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a panel for a roof opening and a wind deflector assembly positioned at the front edge of the roof opening. The wind deflector assembly is provided with a substantially rigid upper frame member extending at least along the front edge. A flexible member connects with an upper edge to said upper frame member and with a lower edge to a stationary part. The upper frame member is movable by an operating mechanism between a lower, inactive position and at least two upper, active positions. Tensioning members keep the flexible member taut over in all active positions, and is provided with a substantially rigid, elongate lower frame member at its lower edge. The lower frame member connects to the stationary part through the tensioning members having a maximum tension force which is substantially lower than a maximum operating force of the operating mechanism.