Central Roof Bow Adaptability for Panoramic Windshields

Solution Overview

Problem

The current manufacturing process requires producing two different types of central roof arches for vehicles with normal and panoramic windshields, increasing costs and complexity due to the need for distinct designs to accommodate different windshield configurations.

Innovation Solution

A single central roof hoop with a modified central zone, featuring a U-shaped cross-section stamped part, is designed to be adaptable to both normal and panoramic windshields, eliminating the need for separate arches by omitting undulations in the central zone where the panoramic windshield's rear edge is integrated, and using wedging cords for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two different types of central roof arches are produced for normal and panoramic windshields, then the windshield compatibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single central roof arch that can serve both normal and panoramic windshield configurations. The arch incorporates a reception area with a specific geometric shape that universally accommodates different windshield types, eliminating the need for separate arch designs for each windshield type while maintaining full compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the central zone of the roof arch where the windshield reception area is located. The undulations are strategically positioned to provide structural strength in lateral zones while the central zone has a different geometry to accommodate the windshield. This localized differentiation allows a single arch design to handle both normal and panoramic windshields without requiring complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If two different types of central roof arches are produced for normal and panoramic windshields, then the windshield compatibility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single central roof arch that can serve both normal and panoramic windshield configurations. The arch incorporates a reception area with a specific geometric shape that universally accommodates different windshield types, eliminating the need for separate arch designs for each windshield type while maintaining full compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies merging by combining the features of what would otherwise require two separate arch designs into a single unified structure. The central roof arch integrates both the undulated lateral zones for structural strength and the modified central reception area for windshield accommodation, merging multiple functions into one component that reduces part variety and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If undulations are present over the entire length of the arch for normal windshield, then the structural strength is improved, but the panoramic windshield integration is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidpanoramic windshield integration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the central zone of the roof arch where the windshield reception area is located. The undulations are strategically positioned to provide structural strength in lateral zones while the central zone has a different geometry to accommodate the windshield. This localized differentiation allows a single arch design to handle both normal and panoramic windshields without requiring complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2133228B1Automobile comprising a central roll bar on the roof

Publication Date: 2011.03.16 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6

AI summary

The vehicle has a central roof bow (3) transversely extending to a longitudinal direction from a vehicle below a roof (1), where the roof bow is constituted by a rugged embossed elongated element made of sheet metal. The roof bow is adapted to be fixed below the roof equipped with a normal windscreen or the roof equipped with a panoramic windscreen (2). The roof bow comprises a central zone (10) that connects two parts forming undulations (4-6) and extends below a rear edge of the panoramic windscreen, where the central zone is not provided with the undulations.