Vehicle Window Controller Mitigating Wind Throb
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, passengers experience wind throb when traveling at certain speeds with only one window open, and without a mechanism to adjust other windows, they have limited options to alleviate this discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller system that allows a single passenger to open their window, automatically opening a corresponding adjacent window to an optimum vent position to mitigate wind throb, based on vehicle speed, wind direction, and occupancy, ensuring synchronized movement of windows to maintain comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single window is opened in an autonomous vehicle, then passenger ventilation and comfort are improved, but wind throb occurs due to resonant frequency matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second window as an intermediary element to mitigate the harmful wind throb effect. When the first window is opened, the system automatically opens the second window to disrupt the resonant frequency pattern caused by single-window opening, thereby eliminating wind throb while maintaining ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the window system by opening a second window in response to detecting the first window is open. This parameter change (from one open window to two open windows) alters the aerodynamic characteristics and disrupts the resonant frequency that causes wind throb.
2Ease of operation
If a vehicle controller automatically opens a second window to mitigate wind throb, then passenger comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard window control system and as a wind throb mitigation system. By integrating the automatic second window opening function into the existing controller, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to wind throb conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting when the first window is open and autonomously opening the second window without requiring passenger intervention. The controller monitors window states and automatically adjusts the second window position to prevent wind throb, making the system self-regulating.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second window is opened to an optimum vent position, then wind throb is mitigated, but energy consumption increases due to additional window operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by opening the second window only to the extent necessary to mitigate wind throb, rather than opening it fully. The controller positions the second window at an optimum vent position that is sufficient to disrupt the resonant frequency while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from the window actuator.
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 throb by automatically adjusting window positions, enhancing passenger comfort by mitigating the resonant frequency issue, while allowing user control and climate system activation as needed.
Implementation Method 1
Wind throb can be caused by wind passing over the window opening in a way that matches a resonant frequency of the vehicle's cabin
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for mitigating wind throb in vehicles are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting wind throb in a cabin of a vehicle due to opening of a first window of the vehicle, determining when a seat that is adjacent to a second window of the vehicle is unoccupied, opening the second window when the seat is determined to be unoccupied so as to compensate for the wind throb, determining that the first window has been closed, and closing the second window in response to closing of the first window.