Adjustable Stiffness Vehicle Roof Panel for Compact Storage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing removable roof panels for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between deployed and stowed configurations, often requiring manual handling and lacking adaptive stiffness control for compact storage.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle roof panel system with adjustable stiffness panels that can change stiffness in response to control signals, using mechanisms like layer jamming, inflatable, or electro-magnetic panels, allowing for controlled deployment and stowage, maintaining a compact rolled form through adjustable stiffness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the roof panel uses fixed high stiffness for structural support, then the panel maintains strength and rigidity when deployed, but the panel becomes difficult to fold and store compactly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel strengthVSAvoidfolding ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roof panel incorporates adjustable stiffness mechanisms that allow the panel to dynamically change its mechanical properties. The panel can transition from a high-stiffness state during deployment to a low-stiffness state during folding and storage, enabling both structural strength and ease of operation at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The panel's stiffness parameter is made variable rather than fixed. Through mechanisms such as adjustable bracing elements, changeable support structures, or modifiable material properties, the panel can alter its stiffness parameter to match operational requirements - high when needed for strength, low when needed for folding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the roof panel uses fixed low stiffness for easy folding, then the panel can be stored compactly, but the panel lacks sufficient structural support when deployed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding easeVSAvoidpanel strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The roof panel incorporates adjustable stiffness mechanisms that allow the panel to dynamically change its mechanical properties. The panel can transition from a high-stiffness state during deployment to a low-stiffness state during folding and storage, enabling both structural strength and ease of operation at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The panel's stiffness parameter is made variable rather than fixed. Through mechanisms such as adjustable bracing elements, changeable support structures, or modifiable material properties, the panel can alter its stiffness parameter to match operational requirements - high when needed for strength, low when needed for folding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the roof panel is designed as a rigid structure, then the panel provides stable support when deployed, but the panel occupies excessive storage space when stowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel stabilityVSAvoidstorage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The roof panel incorporates adjustable stiffness mechanisms that allow the panel to dynamically change its mechanical properties. The panel can transition from a high-stiffness state during deployment to a low-stiffness state during folding and storage, enabling both structural strength and ease of operation at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The panel design allows the panel to fold into a compact rolled or folded configuration that nests within a small storage volume. The adjustable stiffness mechanism enables the panel to maintain its rigid, stable structure during deployment while collapsing into a compact form for storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables seamless transition between deployed and stowed configurations, ensuring a compact storage form and improved handling by adapting stiffness for efficient storage and deployment.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustable stiffness panel may include one of, or a combination of, a layer jamming panel, an inflatable panel, a mechanically locking panel, or electro-magnetic panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLayer jamming:

Implementation Method 2

The adjustable stiffness panel may include one of, or a combination of, a layer jamming panel, an inflatable panel, a mechanically locking panel, or electro-magnetic panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflatable: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS10286764B2Removable roof panel for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A roof panel includes a first member and a second member. A panel is attached to and interconnects the first member and the second member. The panel is configurable between a deployed configuration for attachment to a vehicle, and a stowed configuration for storage. The panel has a planar form when in the deployed configuration, and a rolled up form when in the stowed configuration. The panel may include an adjustable stiffness panel, such as a layer jamming panel, controllable in response to a control signal to exhibit a first stiffness when in the deployed configuration or the stowed configuration, or a second stiffness for reforming the panel between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.