Wind Noise Throb Reduction via Active Cancellation and Dynamic Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind noise throb, caused by standing waves and vortex interactions in open vehicle windows at high speeds, results in loud and unpleasant low-frequency noise, requiring windows to be closed or speed adjustments to mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller, active noise cancellation subsystem, and dynamic airflow control subsystem, which monitors sound pressure and window positions to generate active noise cancellation signals and displace dynamic surfaces on side mirrors or pillars to redirect airflow, maintaining a consistent visual field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If windows are opened for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but wind noise throb increases to unacceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the harmful wind noise throb (caused by standing waves and vortex interactions) as the target for active noise cancellation. By generating anti-phase sound waves through speakers, the system converts the harmful noise into beneficial silence, allowing windows to remain open for ventilation without the unpleasant noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic surfaces (such as adjustable mirror housings or pillars) as intermediary elements between the wind flow and the open window. These surfaces can be adjusted to modify airflow patterns, redirecting the wind to reduce vortex formation and standing wave generation, thereby mediating between the need for ventilation and the need for noise reduction
2Productivity
If vehicle speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but wind noise throb intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sound pressure levels and window positions through sensors, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the active noise cancellation signal and dynamic surface positions in real-time based on this feedback, allowing the vehicle to maintain higher speeds while keeping wind noise throb at acceptable levels through continuous adaptation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic surfaces are displaced to redirect airflow, then wind noise throb is reduced, but visual field in mirrors may change
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically adjustable surfaces (such as mirror housings or support arms) that can change their position or orientation. These dynamic surfaces are adjusted in real-time to optimize airflow redirection while maintaining acceptable visual fields, allowing the system to adapt to different driving conditions and window configurations
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
Effectively reduces wind noise throb to acceptable levels without closing windows or altering vehicle speed, providing a comfortable driving experience by actively canceling noise and altering airflow patterns.
Implementation Method 1
an active noise cancellation subsystem responsive to the controller and configured to generate an active noise cancellation signal to reduce the wind noise throb
Implementation Method 2
change the vortex interaction with the wave
Implementation Method 3
displacing a dynamic surface on the motor vehicle to direct airflow away from an open window
Data Source
AI summary
A wind noise throb reduction system includes a controller configured to reduce wind noise throb, an active noise cancellation subsystem responsive to the controller and a dynamic airflow control subsystem responsive to the controller. A related method of reducing wind noise throb in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is also provided.