Curved Roller Blind Shade for Vehicle Roof Headroom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof systems in vehicles lack a controlled deployment and retraction mechanism that also provides space efficiency in both deployed and retracted configurations.
Innovation Solution
A roller blind system with a shade made of a flexible sheet and multiple bow springs, which transitions between a coiled configuration for compact storage and a deployed configuration that conforms to the curved shape of the roof, providing enhanced headroom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional flat shade is used, then the structure is simple, but the headroom within the cabin is reduced and space efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by using bow springs to form an arched configuration in the shade, replacing a flat structure. This curved design allows the shade to conform to the curved shape of the roof system while providing increased headroom within the cabin, directly resolving the contradiction between volume efficiency and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the shade to transition between different configurations - specifically between a coiled/retracted state and a deployed/arched state. The bow springs allow the shade to dynamically adjust its shape and position, providing space efficiency in both deployed and retracted configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the shade is made compact for storage, then space efficiency improves, but the ability to conform to curved roof shape is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic transition capability of the bow spring structure allows the shade to switch between compact coiled configuration for storage and an expanded arched configuration for deployment. This dynamic behavior enables the shade to achieve both compact storage and curved conformance at different operational states, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the bow springs to change their structural configuration - transitioning from a compressed/coiled state to an extended/arched state. This parameter change enables the shade to adapt its physical form between storage and deployment, achieving both compactness and curved conformance as needed.
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 system allows for controlled exposure or coverage of the roof system, enhancing space efficiency and providing more headroom within the vehicle cabin compared to traditional flat shades.
Implementation Method 1
multiple bow springs distributed along a length of the flexible sheet, each of the bow springs extending transversely to the length of the flexible sheet
Implementation Method 2
each of the bow springs in a straight configuration; and a deployed configuration within a rail assembly with each of the bow springs in a curved configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A roller blind can be provided for a roof system of a vehicle. A shade (e.g., cloth) of the roller blind can be retracted into a coil with bow springs fully extended in a straight configuration at their maximum width. When deployed, the ends of the bow springs are urged towards each other to form a narrower width and a curved shape. This allows the shade to conform to the curved shape of the overlying roof system (e.g., glass) and provide more headroom within the cabin.