US20120049545A1 - Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille - Google Patents
Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120049545A1 US20120049545A1 US12/871,260 US87126010A US2012049545A1 US 20120049545 A1 US20120049545 A1 US 20120049545A1 US 87126010 A US87126010 A US 87126010A US 2012049545 A1 US2012049545 A1 US 2012049545A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sound attenuating
- grille
- members
- bumper
- horizontal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
- B60R19/52—Radiator or grille guards ; Radiator grilles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
- B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
- B60R19/52—Radiator or grille guards ; Radiator grilles
- B60R2019/525—Radiator grilles
Definitions
- Exemplary embodiments herein generally relate to a cooling structure for a front end of a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a grille for a vehicle bumper configured to attenuate aerodynamically induced noises and sounds from the flow of air through the grille.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 100 provided with a cooling structure 102 .
- the vehicle 100 includes an engine compartment 110 provided at a front end of the body of the vehicle, a bumper 112 attached to a lower portion of the front end of the vehicle body and a grille 114 attached to an upper portion of the front end of the vehicle body.
- the bumper 112 has an elongated opening 116 formed in a central portion of a frontward protruding portion 118 of the front bumper 112 , and the opening elongates in the transverse direction of the vehicle body.
- the opening 116 is defined by spaced transverse walls 120 , 120 and spaced apart side walls 122 , 122 .
- a grille or mesh 128 is secured in the elongated opening 116 .
- a radiator 150 is disposed rearward of the front bumper 112 , i.e., below a front end portion of the bonnet 132 relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. This radiator 150 is cooled by cooling air introduced from the grille 114 and bumper grille 128 .
- a bumper beam 152 can be provided. Typically, the bumper beam 152 extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle body.
- the bumper grille 128 includes an upper mesh part 160 and a lower mesh part 162 , which is separated from the upper mesh part by a transverse member 164 .
- the upper and lower mesh parts 160 , 162 direct cooling air toward a central portion of the radiator 150 and also shield the elongated opening 116 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.
- the upper mesh part 160 includes a plurality of horizontal members 170 and a plurality of vertical members 172 . As shown, the horizontal members 170 are in a stacked relationship to one another.
- the spaced apart vertical members 172 span between the upper transverse wall 120 and transverse member 164 and together with the horizontal members 170 define a plurality of stacked and transversely spaced rhombus shaped air passages 176 .
- the lower mesh part 162 has a construction similar to the upper mesh part 160 .
- the upper and lower mesh parts 160 , 162 restrict the passage of particles to the vehicle radiator 150 , thereby preventing large objects, such as rocks or road debris, from striking and damaging the vehicle radiator.
- the flow of air through the upper mesh part 160 can create resonant vortices 180 downstream of the grille 128 .
- These resonant vortices 180 can result in unwanted noises, such as a whistle sound, that is audible from the inside of the vehicle.
- FIG. 5 graphically illustrates the whistle amplitude associated with the flow of air through the upper mesh part 160 of the grille 128 .
- the solid line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through the lower mesh part 162 of the bumper grille 128 with the upper mesh part 160 being masked.
- the sound or noise amplitude associated with the air flowing through the bumper grille 128 is about 55 dB, which is the sound amplitude of a normal conversation at 1 m.
- the dashed line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through both the upper mesh part 160 and the lower mesh part 162 of the bumper grille 128 .
- the sound or noise associated with the air flowing through the bumper grille 128 is about 79 dB, which is the sound amplitude of traffic on a busy roadway at 10 m. Because this whistle amplitude is audible within the vehicle cabin, it is desirable to mitigate or minimize the resonant vortices and the accompanying sounds associated with the cooling air passing through the bumper grille 128 .
- a bumper for a front end of a vehicle comprises a body having an opening defining an air flow inlet.
- the opening is elongated in the transverse direction of the body and is defined by spaced apart transverse walls and spaced apart side walls.
- a grille is disposed in the opening.
- the grille includes at least one generally horizontal member having at least one sound attenuating member attached thereto and configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grill.
- a method of attenuating resonance generated by a flow of air through a grille provided in an elongated opening of a bumper located at a front end of a vehicle comprises providing the grille with at least two separate air ports for the flow of air through the grille, and providing at least one sound attenuating member in each air port.
- a grille for a bumper for a front end of a vehicle includes a plurality of horizontal members connected with a plurality of generally vertical members.
- the grille defines a plurality of air ports through which air passes through the grille.
- At least one sound attenuating member is connected with at least one of the horizontal members and vertical members and is configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grille.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a bumper located at a front end, the bumper including a known grille.
- FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the front end of the vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the bumper grille of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the grille of FIG. 3 taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 illustrating the flow of air through an upper mesh part of the bumper grille.
- FIG. 5 graphically illustrates sound amplitude associated with the flow of air through the upper mesh part of the bumper grille of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an exemplary grille for the bumper of FIG. 1 , an upper mesh part of the exemplary grille having a sound attenuating member according to one aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the grille of FIG. 6 taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the exemplary grille for the bumper of FIG. 1 , an upper mesh part of the exemplary grille having a sound attenuating member according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an exemplary grille for the bumper of FIG. 1 , an upper mesh part of the exemplary grille having a sound attenuating member according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 graphically illustrates sound amplitude associated with the flow of air through the upper mesh part of the bumper grilles of FIGS. 6 , 8 and 9 .
- FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an exemplary grille 200 for use within the opening 116 of the bumper 112 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.
- the grille 200 includes at least one generally horizontal member extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body and at least one vertical member. At least one sound attenuating member 250 , 300 , 350 is connected to one of the at least one horizontal member and the at least one vertical member to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille 200 to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grille 200 .
- the grille 200 includes an upper mesh part 210 and a lower mesh part 212 , which is separated from the upper mesh part by a transverse member 214 . Similar to grille 128 ( FIG. 1 ), the upper and lower mesh parts 210 , 212 direct cooling air toward a central portion of the radiator 150 and also shield the elongated bumper opening 116 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.
- the upper mesh part 210 includes a plurality of horizontal members 220 , 222 , 224 and a plurality of vertical members (only vertical members 230 , 232 , 234 are shown in FIG. 6 ). As depicted, the horizontal members 220 , 222 , 224 are in a stacked, parallel relationship to one another.
- Each vertical member 230 , 232 , 234 is upwardly inclined in an alternating manner toward one of the side walls 122 , 122 ( FIG. 1 ) relative to the horizontal members. That is, each vertical member 230 , 232 , 234 is generally triangular wave shaped.
- the vertical members 230 , 232 , 234 span between the upper transverse wall 120 and transverse member 214 and together with the horizontal members 170 define a plurality of stacked and transversely spaced air passages or ports 260 .
- Each air port 260 is rhombus shaped when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
- the array of air ports 260 defined by the transverse member 214 and horizontal member 220 is a mirror image of the array of air ports 260 defined by horizontal members 220 and 222
- the array of air ports 260 defined by the horizontal members 222 and 224 is a mirror image of the array of air ports 260 defined by horizontal members 224 and upper transverse wall 120 .
- the term “array” means that the plurality of air ports 260 are generally aligned along the transverse length of the vehicle body.
- each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 includes a front wall 240 , an upper or top surface 242 , a lower or bottom surface 244 and a back wall 246 .
- the upper and lower surfaces 242 and 244 are generally planar surfaces; although, this is not required.
- the grille 200 includes the at least one sound attenuating member 250 to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grille 200 .
- the at least one sound attenuating member 250 extends downwardly from a bottom surface 244 of at least one of the horizontals members 220 , 222 , 224 .
- the at least one of the horizontal members 220 , 222 , 224 includes a plurality of transversely spaced sound attenuating members 250 . More particularly, each horizontal member includes a plurality of sound attenuating members 250 extending downwardly from their respective bottom surfaces 244 . The plurality of sound attenuating members 250 located on each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 is arranged such that each air port 260 includes at least one sound attenuating member 250 . In the illustrated embodiment, each air port 260 includes three transversely spaced sound attenuating members; though more or less than three are contemplated. With particular reference to FIG.
- each sound attenuating member 250 is spaced rearwardly of the forward wall 240 of each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 .
- each sound attenuating member 250 is also spaced forwardly of the rear wall 246 of each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 .
- the sound attenuating members 250 are only provided in the air ports 260 defined by the horizontal members 220 , 222 , 224 , transverse member 214 and vertical members 230 , 232 , 234 .
- the air ports 260 defined by the upper transverse wall 120 and horizontal member 224 are devoid of any sound attenuating member. In other words, the transverse walls 120 , 120 that define the opening 116 provided in the bumper 112 are not provided with sound attenuating members.
- Each sound attenuating members 250 are shaped similar to the shape of each air port 260 , which as indicated previously is rhombus shaped when viewed from the front of the vehicle 100 . As shown in FIG. 6 , each sound attenuating member 250 includes a pair of side walls 270 , 272 , a bottom surface 274 and an upper surface 276 . The upper surface 276 is secured to the bottom surface 244 , and the sound attenuating members 250 can be integrally formed with each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 . The bottom surface 274 of each sound attenuating member 250 is generally planar and generally parallel to the upper surface 242 of the horizontal member located directly beneath the sound attenuating member 250 .
- one of the sound attenuating member sidewalls 270 , 272 extends generally parallel to one of the vertical members and the other sound attenuating member sidewall extends generally parallel to the other grille vertical member.
- sidewall 270 is generally parallel to vertical member 232 and sidewall 272 .
- the bottom surface 274 is generally parallel to the top surface 242 of the horizontal member located directly beneath the sound attenuating member.
- each of the sound attenuating members 250 are rhombus shaped and, more particularly, are trapezoid shaped.
- the lower mesh part 212 has a construction similar to the upper mesh part 210 .
- the sound attenuating members 250 are provided only on the upper mesh part 210 so as to not be visible as viewed from above.
- horizontal member 280 of the lower mesh part 212 is devoid of any sound attenuating members.
- a sound attenuating member 300 for the grille 200 is shown.
- a sound attenuating member 300 is attached to the bottom surface 244 of each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 . Similar to sound attenuating member 250 , sound attenuating member 300 can be positioned rearward of the forward wall 240 and forward from the rear end of the bottom surface 244 . As depicted, the exemplary sound attenuating member 300 extends substantially along the transverse length of each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 . Although, it should be appreciated that the sound attenuating member 300 can be separated by the vertical members (only vertical members 230 , 232 are shown in FIG.
- each sound attenuating member 300 can have sidewalls which do not extend parallel to the vertical walls.
- the sidewalls of each sound attenuating member can be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal members 220 , 222 , 224 .
- the transverse members 120 , 120 that define the opening 116 provided in the bumper 112 are not provided with sound attenuating members 300 .
- a sound attenuating member 350 for the grille 200 is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiments, at least one sound attenuating member 350 is attached to the bottom surface 244 of each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 .
- the sound attenuating member 350 has a shape similar to the sound attenuating member 250 .
- the sound attenuating member 350 includes sidewalls 352 , 354 and a generally planar bottom surface 356 .
- the bottom surface 356 is generally parallel to each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 .
- the sidewalls are shaped similar to the vertical members (only vertical members 230 , 232 are shown in FIG.
- each sound attenuating member 350 is trapezoid shaped. As shown, only a single sound attenuating member is provided in each of the air ports 260 defined by the horizontal members 220 , 222 , 224 , transverse member 214 and vertical members 230 , 232 .
- the air ports 260 defined by the upper transverse wall 120 and the horizontal member 224 are devoid of any sound attenuating member. In other words, the transverse members 120 , 120 that define the opening 116 provided in the bumper 112 are not provided with sound attenuating members.
- FIG. 10 graphically illustrates the sound amplitude associated with the flow of air through the upper mesh part 210 of the bumper grille 200 .
- the solid line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through the air ports 260 having the sound attenuating member 250 .
- the sound or noise amplitude associated with the air flowing through the bumper grille 200 is about 67 to 69 dB.
- the longer dashed line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through the air ports 260 of the upper grille part 210 having the sound attenuating member 300 .
- the sound or noise associated with the air flowing through that exemplary bumper grille 200 is about 67 to 70 dB.
- the smaller dashed line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through the air ports 260 of the upper mesh part 210 having the air attenuating member 350 .
- the sound or noise associated with the air flowing through that embodiment of the exemplary grille 200 is about 67 to 73 dB.
- a method of attenuating resonance generated by a flow of air through the grille 200 includes providing the grille 200 with at least two separate air ports 260 for the flow of air through the grille 200 , and providing at least one sound attenuating member 250 , 300 , 350 in each air port 260 .
- the method further includes providing three spaced apart sound attenuating members 250 in each air port 260 , each sound attenuating member having a shape similar to a transverse cross-sectional shape of the air port 260 .
- the method further includes attaching each sound attenuating member 250 , 300 , 350 to a bottom surface 244 of each horizontal member 220 , 222 , 224 , which at least partially defines each air port 260 , and locating each sound attenuating member 250 , 300 , 350 rearward of an air inlet of each air port 260 .
- a first array or plurality of transversely spaced air ports 260 and a second array or plurality of transversely spaced air ports 260 located above the first array of air ports are provided.
- the method includes locating at least one sound attenuating member 250 , 300 , 350 in each air port of the first array of air ports 260 and aligned that at least one sound attenuating member with the at least one sound attenuating member 250 , 300 , 350 located in the air port 260 of the second array of air ports directly above the air port of the first array.
- the sound attenuating members 250 disposed on horizontal member 222 between vertical members 230 and 232 are both vertically and horizontally aligned with the sound attenuating members 250 disposed on horizontal member 224 between vertical members 230 and 232 .
- the present disclosure seeks to eliminate the whistle sounds by including sound attenuating members only on the upper mesh part 210 of the grille 200 .
- sound attenuating members By including these sound attenuating members, any flow interactions within the vehicle grille 200 that would produce resonant vortices are reduced.
- the whistle sounds which would be audible in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100 are substantially eliminated, thereby improving occupant comfort.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Exemplary embodiments herein generally relate to a cooling structure for a front end of a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a grille for a vehicle bumper configured to attenuate aerodynamically induced noises and sounds from the flow of air through the grille.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of avehicle 100 provided with acooling structure 102. Thevehicle 100 includes anengine compartment 110 provided at a front end of the body of the vehicle, abumper 112 attached to a lower portion of the front end of the vehicle body and agrille 114 attached to an upper portion of the front end of the vehicle body. Thebumper 112 has anelongated opening 116 formed in a central portion of a frontward protrudingportion 118 of thefront bumper 112, and the opening elongates in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. The opening 116 is defined by spacedtransverse walls side walls mesh 128 is secured in theelongated opening 116. Left andright doors 130 are attached to the sides of the vehicle body. In the figure,reference numeral 132 denotes a bonnet,reference numeral 134 denotes a windshield,reference numerals reference numerals FIG. 2 , aradiator 150 is disposed rearward of thefront bumper 112, i.e., below a front end portion of thebonnet 132 relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Thisradiator 150 is cooled by cooling air introduced from thegrille 114 andbumper grille 128. To secure thefront bumper 112 to the vehicle body, abumper beam 152 can be provided. Typically, thebumper beam 152 extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. - With particular reference to
FIGS. 2-4 , thebumper grille 128 includes anupper mesh part 160 and alower mesh part 162, which is separated from the upper mesh part by atransverse member 164. The upper andlower mesh parts radiator 150 and also shield theelongated opening 116 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. Theupper mesh part 160 includes a plurality ofhorizontal members 170 and a plurality ofvertical members 172. As shown, thehorizontal members 170 are in a stacked relationship to one another. The spaced apartvertical members 172 span between the uppertransverse wall 120 andtransverse member 164 and together with thehorizontal members 170 define a plurality of stacked and transversely spaced rhombus shapedair passages 176. Thelower mesh part 162 has a construction similar to theupper mesh part 160. - With this known construction of the
bumper grille 128, the upper andlower mesh parts vehicle radiator 150, thereby preventing large objects, such as rocks or road debris, from striking and damaging the vehicle radiator. However, as shown inFIG. 4 , the flow of air through theupper mesh part 160 can createresonant vortices 180 downstream of thegrille 128. Theseresonant vortices 180 can result in unwanted noises, such as a whistle sound, that is audible from the inside of the vehicle. Particularly,FIG. 5 graphically illustrates the whistle amplitude associated with the flow of air through theupper mesh part 160 of thegrille 128. The solid line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through thelower mesh part 162 of thebumper grille 128 with theupper mesh part 160 being masked. In the range of 2 kHz to 4 kHz, the sound or noise amplitude associated with the air flowing through thebumper grille 128 is about 55 dB, which is the sound amplitude of a normal conversation at 1 m. The dashed line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through both theupper mesh part 160 and thelower mesh part 162 of thebumper grille 128. In the range of 2 kHz to 4 Khz, the sound or noise associated with the air flowing through thebumper grille 128 is about 79 dB, which is the sound amplitude of traffic on a busy roadway at 10 m. Because this whistle amplitude is audible within the vehicle cabin, it is desirable to mitigate or minimize the resonant vortices and the accompanying sounds associated with the cooling air passing through thebumper grille 128. - In accordance with one aspect, a bumper for a front end of a vehicle comprises a body having an opening defining an air flow inlet. The opening is elongated in the transverse direction of the body and is defined by spaced apart transverse walls and spaced apart side walls. A grille is disposed in the opening. The grille includes at least one generally horizontal member having at least one sound attenuating member attached thereto and configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grill.
- In accordance with another aspect, a method of attenuating resonance generated by a flow of air through a grille provided in an elongated opening of a bumper located at a front end of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises providing the grille with at least two separate air ports for the flow of air through the grille, and providing at least one sound attenuating member in each air port.
- In accordance with yet another aspect, a grille for a bumper for a front end of a vehicle includes a plurality of horizontal members connected with a plurality of generally vertical members. The grille defines a plurality of air ports through which air passes through the grille. At least one sound attenuating member is connected with at least one of the horizontal members and vertical members and is configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grille.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a bumper located at a front end, the bumper including a known grille. -
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the front end of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the bumper grille ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the grille ofFIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 illustrating the flow of air through an upper mesh part of the bumper grille. -
FIG. 5 graphically illustrates sound amplitude associated with the flow of air through the upper mesh part of the bumper grille ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an exemplary grille for the bumper ofFIG. 1 , an upper mesh part of the exemplary grille having a sound attenuating member according to one aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the grille ofFIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the exemplary grille for the bumper ofFIG. 1 , an upper mesh part of the exemplary grille having a sound attenuating member according to another aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an exemplary grille for the bumper ofFIG. 1 , an upper mesh part of the exemplary grille having a sound attenuating member according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10 graphically illustrates sound amplitude associated with the flow of air through the upper mesh part of the bumper grilles ofFIGS. 6 , 8 and 9. - It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated that the various identified components of the exemplary vehicle bumper grille disclosed herein are merely terms of art that may vary from one manufacturer to another and should not be deemed to limit the present disclosure.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views,
FIGS. 6-9 illustrate anexemplary grille 200 for use within the opening 116 of thebumper 112 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Thegrille 200 includes at least one generally horizontal member extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body and at least one vertical member. At least onesound attenuating member grille 200 to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through thegrille 200. - More particularly, the
grille 200 includes anupper mesh part 210 and alower mesh part 212, which is separated from the upper mesh part by atransverse member 214. Similar to grille 128 (FIG. 1 ), the upper andlower mesh parts radiator 150 and also shield the elongated bumper opening 116 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. Theupper mesh part 210 includes a plurality ofhorizontal members vertical members FIG. 6 ). As depicted, thehorizontal members vertical member side walls 122,122 (FIG. 1 ) relative to the horizontal members. That is, eachvertical member vertical members transverse wall 120 andtransverse member 214 and together with thehorizontal members 170 define a plurality of stacked and transversely spaced air passages orports 260. Eachair port 260 is rhombus shaped when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Although, it should be appreciated that alternative configurations for theindividual air ports 260 are contemplated. Further, with the general triangular wave shape of the vertical members, the array ofair ports 260 defined by thetransverse member 214 andhorizontal member 220 is a mirror image of the array ofair ports 260 defined byhorizontal members air ports 260 defined by thehorizontal members air ports 260 defined byhorizontal members 224 and uppertransverse wall 120. As used herein, the term “array” means that the plurality ofair ports 260 are generally aligned along the transverse length of the vehicle body. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , eachhorizontal member front wall 240, an upper ortop surface 242, a lower orbottom surface 244 and aback wall 246. The upper andlower surfaces grille 200 includes the at least onesound attenuating member 250 to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through thegrille 200. The at least onesound attenuating member 250 extends downwardly from abottom surface 244 of at least one of thehorizontals members horizontal members sound attenuating members 250. More particularly, each horizontal member includes a plurality ofsound attenuating members 250 extending downwardly from their respective bottom surfaces 244. The plurality ofsound attenuating members 250 located on eachhorizontal member air port 260 includes at least onesound attenuating member 250. In the illustrated embodiment, eachair port 260 includes three transversely spaced sound attenuating members; though more or less than three are contemplated. With particular reference toFIG. 7 , eachsound attenuating member 250 is spaced rearwardly of theforward wall 240 of eachhorizontal member sound attenuating member 250 is also spaced forwardly of therear wall 246 of eachhorizontal member FIG. 6 , thesound attenuating members 250 are only provided in theair ports 260 defined by thehorizontal members transverse member 214 andvertical members air ports 260 defined by the uppertransverse wall 120 andhorizontal member 224 are devoid of any sound attenuating member. In other words, thetransverse walls opening 116 provided in thebumper 112 are not provided with sound attenuating members. - Each
sound attenuating members 250 are shaped similar to the shape of eachair port 260, which as indicated previously is rhombus shaped when viewed from the front of thevehicle 100. As shown inFIG. 6 , eachsound attenuating member 250 includes a pair ofside walls bottom surface 274 and anupper surface 276. Theupper surface 276 is secured to thebottom surface 244, and thesound attenuating members 250 can be integrally formed with eachhorizontal member bottom surface 274 of eachsound attenuating member 250 is generally planar and generally parallel to theupper surface 242 of the horizontal member located directly beneath thesound attenuating member 250. - To have a cross-sectional shape similar to the
air port 260, one of the sound attenuatingmember sidewalls sound attenuating members 250 located onhorizontal member 222 and betweenvertical members sidewall 270 is generally parallel tovertical member 232 andsidewall 272. Thebottom surface 274 is generally parallel to thetop surface 242 of the horizontal member located directly beneath the sound attenuating member. As shown, each of thesound attenuating members 250 are rhombus shaped and, more particularly, are trapezoid shaped. Similar togrille 128, thelower mesh part 212 has a construction similar to theupper mesh part 210. However, according to the present disclosure, thesound attenuating members 250 are provided only on theupper mesh part 210 so as to not be visible as viewed from above. As such,horizontal member 280 of thelower mesh part 212 is devoid of any sound attenuating members. - With reference to
FIG. 8 , asound attenuating member 300 for thegrille 200 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Asound attenuating member 300 is attached to thebottom surface 244 of eachhorizontal member member 250,sound attenuating member 300 can be positioned rearward of theforward wall 240 and forward from the rear end of thebottom surface 244. As depicted, the exemplarysound attenuating member 300 extends substantially along the transverse length of eachhorizontal member sound attenuating member 300 can be separated by the vertical members (onlyvertical members FIG. 8 ) such that a plurality of transversely spacedsound attenuating members 300 are provided on eachhorizontal member sound attenuating member 300 are closely adjacent to or abut one of the vertical members. Further, eachsound attenuating member 300 can have sidewalls which do not extend parallel to the vertical walls. For example, the sidewalls of each sound attenuating member can be substantially perpendicular to thehorizontal members bumper grille 200, thetransverse members opening 116 provided in thebumper 112 are not provided withsound attenuating members 300. - With reference to
FIG. 9 , asound attenuating member 350 for thegrille 200 according to yet another aspect is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiments, at least onesound attenuating member 350 is attached to thebottom surface 244 of eachhorizontal member sound attenuating member 350 has a shape similar to thesound attenuating member 250. In particular, thesound attenuating member 350 includessidewalls bottom surface 356. Thebottom surface 356 is generally parallel to eachhorizontal member vertical members FIG. 9 ) such that one of thesidewalls FIG. 9 , eachsound attenuating member 350 is trapezoid shaped. As shown, only a single sound attenuating member is provided in each of theair ports 260 defined by thehorizontal members transverse member 214 andvertical members air ports 260 defined by the uppertransverse wall 120 and thehorizontal member 224 are devoid of any sound attenuating member. In other words, thetransverse members opening 116 provided in thebumper 112 are not provided with sound attenuating members. - By adding at least one
sound attenuating member horizontal members grille 200, the whistle noise associated with the knowngrille 128 can be mitigated. For example,FIG. 10 graphically illustrates the sound amplitude associated with the flow of air through theupper mesh part 210 of thebumper grille 200. The solid line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through theair ports 260 having thesound attenuating member 250. In the range of 2 kHz to 4 kHz, the sound or noise amplitude associated with the air flowing through thebumper grille 200 is about 67 to 69 dB. The longer dashed line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through theair ports 260 of theupper grille part 210 having thesound attenuating member 300. In the range of 2 kHz to 4 kHz, the sound or noise associated with the air flowing through thatexemplary bumper grille 200 is about 67 to 70 dB. The smaller dashed line shows the sound amplitude of the air passing through theair ports 260 of theupper mesh part 210 having theair attenuating member 350. In the range of 2 kHz to 4 kHz, the sound or noise associated with the air flowing through that embodiment of theexemplary grille 200 is about 67 to 73 dB. Thus, with the sound attenuating member being connected to at least one of the horizontal members and the vertical members, the air passing through thegrille 200 is at least partially altered which in turn mitigates resonance associated with the flow of air through thegrille 200. - A method of attenuating resonance generated by a flow of air through the
grille 200 is also provided. The method includes providing thegrille 200 with at least twoseparate air ports 260 for the flow of air through thegrille 200, and providing at least onesound attenuating member air port 260. The method further includes providing three spaced apartsound attenuating members 250 in eachair port 260, each sound attenuating member having a shape similar to a transverse cross-sectional shape of theair port 260. The method further includes attaching eachsound attenuating member bottom surface 244 of eachhorizontal member air port 260, and locating eachsound attenuating member air port 260. - A first array or plurality of transversely spaced
air ports 260 and a second array or plurality of transversely spacedair ports 260 located above the first array of air ports are provided. The method includes locating at least onesound attenuating member air ports 260 and aligned that at least one sound attenuating member with the at least onesound attenuating member air port 260 of the second array of air ports directly above the air port of the first array. For example, with reference toFIG. 6 , thesound attenuating members 250 disposed onhorizontal member 222 betweenvertical members sound attenuating members 250 disposed onhorizontal member 224 betweenvertical members - As is evident from the foregoing, the present disclosure seeks to eliminate the whistle sounds by including sound attenuating members only on the
upper mesh part 210 of thegrille 200. By including these sound attenuating members, any flow interactions within thevehicle grille 200 that would produce resonant vortices are reduced. Thus, the whistle sounds which would be audible in the passenger compartment of thevehicle 100 are substantially eliminated, thereby improving occupant comfort. - It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/871,260 US8128158B1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2010-08-30 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille |
CN201180041819.7A CN103228489B (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2011-08-15 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille |
MX2013002363A MX2013002363A (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2011-08-15 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille. |
CA2809056A CA2809056C (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2011-08-15 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille |
PCT/US2011/047722 WO2012030510A1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2011-08-15 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/871,260 US8128158B1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2010-08-30 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120049545A1 true US20120049545A1 (en) | 2012-03-01 |
US8128158B1 US8128158B1 (en) | 2012-03-06 |
Family
ID=45696136
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/871,260 Expired - Fee Related US8128158B1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2010-08-30 | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8128158B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103228489B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2809056C (en) |
MX (1) | MX2013002363A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012030510A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130180789A1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2013-07-18 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Front end structure for vehicle |
US20130248141A1 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2013-09-26 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Ducting arrangement and method for directing airflow toward a radiator |
WO2016048256A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Tofaş Türk Otomobil Fabrikasi Anonim Şirketi | A grill connection system |
WO2016166003A1 (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2016-10-20 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle |
JP2017114353A (en) * | 2015-12-25 | 2017-06-29 | 株式会社ファルテック | Resin molding for vehicle |
FR3064553A1 (en) * | 2017-04-04 | 2018-10-05 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | SHUT-OFF COMPONENT FOR AIR FLOW CONTROL DEVICE FOR FRONT-END MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
RU2670393C2 (en) * | 2015-03-26 | 2018-10-22 | ФОРД ГЛОУБАЛ ТЕКНОЛОДЖИЗ, ЭлЭлСи | Front bumper step, front bumper assembly and grille, front bumper trim and vehicle (versions) |
US10293679B2 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2019-05-21 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Aerodynamic device to optimize air flow through heat exchangers |
US11235721B2 (en) * | 2020-04-01 | 2022-02-01 | Winbo-Dongjian Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. | Front protection devices and vehicles |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8348312B2 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2013-01-08 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Front end structures and lower grille assemblies for vehicles |
JP6292196B2 (en) * | 2015-08-28 | 2018-03-14 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Air intake structure at the front of the vehicle |
JP6598975B2 (en) * | 2016-02-29 | 2019-10-30 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Vehicle cooling system |
US10144378B2 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-12-04 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle air dam structure, and methods of use and manufacture thereof |
KR102360163B1 (en) * | 2017-07-27 | 2022-02-09 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Grill for vehicle |
USD888622S1 (en) | 2019-12-09 | 2020-06-30 | Wei Xu | Automobile grille |
CN114313019B (en) * | 2022-01-12 | 2023-09-08 | 长城汽车股份有限公司 | Vehicle noise attenuation method and structure and vehicle with structure |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3827530A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1974-08-06 | A Heath | Vibration-damping system |
US6023938A (en) * | 1998-09-15 | 2000-02-15 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigeration or air conditioning unit with noise reducing grille |
US6405819B1 (en) | 1999-07-09 | 2002-06-18 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle cooling structure |
US6918456B2 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2005-07-19 | International Truck International Property Company, Llc | Fluid inlet grille with aerodynamic grille bars |
JP3577018B2 (en) | 2001-08-31 | 2004-10-13 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Air intake structure around the front grill of the vehicle |
US6470700B1 (en) * | 2002-01-24 | 2002-10-29 | Carrier Corporation | Reduced noise grill |
US6957837B2 (en) | 2002-11-02 | 2005-10-25 | Stull William S | Automotive grille |
US7887125B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2011-02-15 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Grid member and vehicle front structure with the grid member |
USD593460S1 (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2009-06-02 | Ford Motor Company | Vehicle lower grille |
USD605988S1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2009-12-15 | Ford Motor Company | Vehicle grille |
CN201633680U (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2010-11-17 | 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司 | Noise reduction ventilating grating |
-
2010
- 2010-08-30 US US12/871,260 patent/US8128158B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-08-15 CN CN201180041819.7A patent/CN103228489B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-08-15 WO PCT/US2011/047722 patent/WO2012030510A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-08-15 CA CA2809056A patent/CA2809056C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-08-15 MX MX2013002363A patent/MX2013002363A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130180789A1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2013-07-18 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Front end structure for vehicle |
US8708075B2 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2014-04-29 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Front end structure for vehicle |
US20130248141A1 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2013-09-26 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Ducting arrangement and method for directing airflow toward a radiator |
WO2016048256A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Tofaş Türk Otomobil Fabrikasi Anonim Şirketi | A grill connection system |
US10293679B2 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2019-05-21 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Aerodynamic device to optimize air flow through heat exchangers |
RU2670393C2 (en) * | 2015-03-26 | 2018-10-22 | ФОРД ГЛОУБАЛ ТЕКНОЛОДЖИЗ, ЭлЭлСи | Front bumper step, front bumper assembly and grille, front bumper trim and vehicle (versions) |
US10704575B2 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2020-07-07 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle |
CN107531142A (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2018-01-02 | 宝马股份公司 | Motor vehicle |
WO2016166003A1 (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2016-10-20 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle |
DE102015207037B4 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2022-05-19 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | motor vehicle |
JP2017114353A (en) * | 2015-12-25 | 2017-06-29 | 株式会社ファルテック | Resin molding for vehicle |
FR3064553A1 (en) * | 2017-04-04 | 2018-10-05 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | SHUT-OFF COMPONENT FOR AIR FLOW CONTROL DEVICE FOR FRONT-END MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
US11235721B2 (en) * | 2020-04-01 | 2022-02-01 | Winbo-Dongjian Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. | Front protection devices and vehicles |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103228489A (en) | 2013-07-31 |
MX2013002363A (en) | 2013-08-01 |
CA2809056C (en) | 2014-10-28 |
CA2809056A1 (en) | 2012-03-08 |
WO2012030510A1 (en) | 2012-03-08 |
US8128158B1 (en) | 2012-03-06 |
CN103228489B (en) | 2014-08-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8128158B1 (en) | Method and device for attenuating aerodynamically induced noises caused by vehicle grille | |
US8474558B2 (en) | Engine intake passage structure of front vehicle body | |
JP2017008748A (en) | Vehicle structure | |
JP5803185B2 (en) | Rear spoiler | |
US20210197717A1 (en) | Sound-producing device for vehicle | |
JP5768930B2 (en) | Air guide structure | |
US10704575B2 (en) | Motor vehicle | |
JP6048389B2 (en) | Automotive front structure | |
JP4563869B2 (en) | Automobile intake structure | |
CN109131603B (en) | Air channel type wheel air deflector and vehicle with same | |
JP2006088735A (en) | Front bumper structure of automobile | |
US10363810B2 (en) | Air intake grille assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof | |
JP7206850B2 (en) | vehicle front structure | |
JP2006298312A (en) | Vehicle body lower part structure | |
JP5482616B2 (en) | Automotive front structure | |
JP5475361B2 (en) | Ventilation structure of vehicle bumper | |
CN107856619B (en) | Vehicle undercover structure | |
JP6056674B2 (en) | Body front structure | |
JP2007112340A (en) | Lower structure of automobile | |
JP2016055751A (en) | Undercover structure of vehicle | |
JP6593789B2 (en) | Body structure | |
JP6851439B2 (en) | Vehicle front structure | |
JP2019064315A (en) | Substructure of vehicle body | |
JP2021165104A (en) | Exterior noise reduction structure | |
JP6136615B2 (en) | Body front structure |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DAVIS, KWI C.;KERESTAN, AARON R.;REEL/FRAME:024908/0091 Effective date: 20100830 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20200306 |