Vehicle Wind Deflector Tensioning for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open roof constructions for vehicles with flexible wind deflectors face challenges in maintaining the flexible member taut over its entire width, leading to inefficient wind deflection, increased noise due to resonance, and premature wear, as the flexible upper frame member lacks sufficient rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A substantially rigid upper frame member with a tensioning device, such as a leaf spring, is used to keep the flexible member taut over its entire width, maintaining optimal shape and appearance, with the tensioning device housed within a recess to prevent external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the upper frame member is made flexible to reduce weight and storage space, then the overall weight and storage space are reduced, but the flexible member cannot be kept taut over its entire width, leading to poor appearance, reduced efficiency, increased noise, and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The upper frame member is divided into two functional parts: a rigid section that provides structural support and anchoring points, and a flexible section that reduces overall weight and storage space. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
A tensioning device is pre-installed between the rigid upper frame member and the flexible member to apply continuous tension. This preliminary action ensures the flexible member remains taut over its entire width during operation, preventing resonance and wear issues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the upper frame member is made rigid to maintain shape, then the shape stability is improved, but the flexible member cannot be kept taut, resulting in poor appearance and reduced wind deflection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The upper frame member is segmented into a rigid portion that maintains shape stability and a flexible portion that allows weight reduction. The rigid section serves as a stable anchor for the tensioning device.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device is pre-configured to apply continuous tension to the flexible member from the rigid frame, ensuring the flexible member remains taut without compromising the rigid frame's shape stability.
3Weight of moving object
If the flexible member is used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but noise increases due to resonance of the flexible material
Solution Approach 1:
The wind deflector is segmented into rigid and flexible parts, with the rigid upper frame providing a stable base that does not resonate, while the flexible member is tensioned to minimize its resonance potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device applies continuous preliminary tension to the flexible member, stiffening it enough to reduce resonance and noise generation while retaining the weight benefits of flexible material.
4Volume of stationary object
If the flexible member is used to reduce storage space, then storage space is reduced, but wear increases due to improper tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The upper frame member combines rigid and flexible sections, allowing the wind deflector to be compact when retracted while maintaining proper tension during use through the dedicated tensioning device.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device provides continuous preliminary tension to the flexible member, ensuring it operates under optimal tension conditions that minimize wear while allowing compact storage when retracted.
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 wind deflector maintains its shape and efficiency in deflecting wind, reducing noise and wear, while maintaining a visually appealing appearance and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible member is attached to said upper frame member through a tensioning device for keeping the flexible member taut over its entire width
Implementation Method 2
the wind deflector deflects the air which otherwise would cause disturbing noises when the movable panel is in a position for opening said roof opening
Data Source
AI summary
An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a roof opening which is provided in a stationary roof part of the vehicle, a movable panel for selectively opening and closing said roof opening, and a wind deflector positioned at the frontal edge of the roof opening, which wind deflector is provided with an upper frame member and a flexible member attached with one edge to said upper frame member. The upper frame member is substantially rigid and the flexible member is attached to said upper frame member through a tensioning means for keeping the flexible member taut over its entire width.