Curved Pivot Side Panel for Vehicle Roof Gap Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side panels for vehicles with opening roofs require significant vertical space due to their design, limiting functionality and accommodation options, and do not efficiently cover lateral openings when the roof is raised.
Innovation Solution
A side panel with a pivot mounting that extends along its longitudinal edge, allowing it to pivot about a curved or bowed axis, reducing vertical space requirements and enabling attachment to curved roofs, with a design that includes flexible materials and slotted panels for improved mobility and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a side panel is designed as a rigid slat in a panel well, then it can effectively close lateral openings, but it requires large vertical space on the lateral roof rail
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is detached from the cover and integrated into the roof structure, changing its spatial relationship from being vertically stacked under the cover to being horizontally distributed along the roof's longitudinal direction. This dimensional repositioning eliminates the need for vertical clearance while maintaining the closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel is nested into the roof structure itself, utilizing the roof's longitudinal space rather than requiring separate vertical accommodation. The panel becomes an integrated component of the roof assembly, eliminating the need for additional vertical space.
2Ease of operation
If the pivot mounting is positioned at the front end only, then the side panel can pivot vertically upward, but it requires large vertical clearance for the panel box
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting motion is reoriented from vertical (perpendicular to the roof surface) to lateral (parallel to the roof surface in the longitudinal direction). This changes the dimension in which the panel moves, eliminating the need for vertical clearance while preserving the pivoting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the panel pivoting upward relative to the cover, the panel pivots laterally relative to the roof structure. This inverted motion direction eliminates the vertical space requirement while achieving the same functional effect of opening and closing the lateral gap.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the side panel is rigid, then it provides stable closing, but it cannot accommodate curved roof shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is divided into multiple segments or articulated sections that can flex relative to each other. This segmentation allows the panel to conform to curved roof surfaces while maintaining structural integrity and stable closing function when in the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can adapt its shape. The panel remains stable when closed but can deform to match curved roof contours during installation or adjustment, achieving both stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side panel of a vehicle roof that can be opened, which is provided for closing a lateral opening between a cover raised over the vehicle roof and the adjoining vehicle roof and has a pivot mounting which can be attached on the roof side, wherein according to the present embodiments the pivot mounting extends along the side panel and in particular the pivot mounting has a curved or bowed pivot pin.