George G Fradl

US Patent:

6174025, Jan 16, 2001

Filed:

Aug 31, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/387004

Inventors:

Robert E. Henderson - Armada MI
George G. Fradl - Chesterfield MI
James Albert DeGroot - Macomb Township MI

Assignee:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

B60J 722

US Classification:

296217

Abstract:

An improved sunroof assembly is provided. The sunroof assembly includes a sunroof portion and an air dam portion. The sunroof portion includes a sunroof panel which is positionable between an open and a closed position. The air dam portion includes an air dam structure, a drive assembly and a wind noise determining portion. The air dam structure is pivotally coupled to the sunroof portion and is positionable between a retracted position and an extended position. The drive assembly is coupled to the sunroof portion and the air dam structure and operable for positioning the air dam structure between the retracted position and the extended position. The wind noise determining system determines the amount and characteristics of the noise transmitted into the vehicle passenger compartment through sunroof assembly and generates a signal in response thereto. Drive assembly interprets the signal and selectively repositions air dam structure in predetermined control method to vary the position of air dam structure so as to minimize the wind noise transmitted into a vehicle passenger compartment.