Vehicle Roof Antenna Module Fixation Unit Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing antenna modules on vehicle roofs often apply compression forces that can deform the roof, risking dents and requiring significant force for secure locking.
Innovation Solution
A roof structure with a fixation unit that pivots to apply torsional force instead of compression, using a spring mechanism with pre-bent legs and a locking device integrated into the housing, allowing the antenna module to be securely attached with minimal initial pressure and preventing unwanted rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression force is applied to click the head of the fixation unit into the opening of the vehicle roof, then the antenna module can be pre-assembled to the vehicle roof, but the vehicle roof may be deformed or dented due to the significant compression force required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying compression force directly to lock the fixation unit, the invention inverts the approach by using a pivoting motion that converts the locking action into a torsional force. The head of the fixation unit is designed to pivot within the opening, transforming the harmful compression force into a beneficial torsional force that achieves secure locking without deforming the roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the applied force from compression to torsion. By designing the head of the fixation unit to pivot rather than be pushed straight in, the force vector changes direction and type, converting a potentially harmful compressive load into a safe torsional load that locks the antenna module without risking roof deformation.
2Ease of operation
If a fixation unit with spring legs is used, then the initial pressure force required for installation is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the spring mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring legs are pre-bent during manufacturing to provide the necessary flexibility and locking capability. This self-service approach means the fixation unit comes pre-configured with the elastic properties needed for easy installation, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly steps during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head of the fixation unit is manually compressible to eliminate overlapping, then the antenna module can be detachably pre-assembled, but additional manual effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation unit transitions from a static compressed state during installation to a dynamic pivoting state for locking. The head is designed to be compressible during the installation phase to allow detachable pre-assembly, then pivots into a locked position where the spring legs engage with the roof opening, providing secure attachment without requiring continuous manual compression.
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
The solution reduces the risk of roof deformation by using torsional force for locking, requiring less initial force and ensuring secure attachment without causing dents, while allowing the antenna module to be easily mounted and locked without deforming the vehicle roof.
Implementation Method 1
A head which is consist of free ends of spring legs can be clicked in the opening of the vehicle roof with a very small pressure force since the free ends of the spring legs can flex away during the head is pushed into the opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention is related to a roof structure (RFS) for a vehicle (V) comprising an antenna module (1) and a vehicle roof (101) wherein the antenna module (1) is mountable to at least one opening (102; 103) of the vehicle roof (101), wherein in a mounted position (MP) of the antenna module (1) the head (51) of the fixation unit (50) is received in a first opening (102) and the antenna carrier (3) is received in a second opening (103) of the vehicle roof (101) and both protrude beyond an upper surface (101a) of the vehicle roof (101), wherein the fixation unit (50) is pivoted in the housing (2), wherein in the mounted position (MP) and in a first turning position (FTP) of the fixation unit (50) the antenna module (1) is detachable pre-assembled to the vehicle roof (101) by the fixation unit (50), wherein the head (51) of the fixation unit (50) overlaps the vehicle roof (101) in first edge regions of the first opening (102) and is manually compressible to a compressed state to eliminate the overlapping and wherein in the mounted position (MP) and in a second turning position of the fixation unit (50) the antenna module (1) is locked to the vehicle roof (101) by the fixation unit (50), wherein the head (51) of the fixation unit (50) overlaps the vehicle roof (101) in second edge regions of the first opening (102) and the head (51) is compressed by the second edge regions (102c, 102d) of the vehicle roof (101) to the compressed state.