Folding Roof Cable Latching for Adjustable Tension and Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle roof tensioning cable systems with fixed lengths face challenges in adjusting to tolerances, leading to low closing forces and reduced overall stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle roof with an openable folding roof features a length-adjustable tensioning cable system, utilizing a latching mechanism with a latching element and base that allows for precise adjustment of cable tension by allowing movement in one longitudinal direction, using a latching toothing and flexible tongues for multiple-stage adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length tensioning cable is used, then the cable tension cannot be adjusted, but the manufacturing precision requirement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning cable system transitions from a fixed-length design to a dynamically adjustable design. The cable length can be modified in-situ using the latching mechanism, allowing the system to adapt to different tension requirements and tolerance conditions without being constrained by initial manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable length parameter is made variable through the latching mechanism. By changing the effective cable length in discrete stages, the system can optimize cable tension to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and achieve the desired sealing force.
2Force
If a spring element is used to generate cable tension, then the cable tension can be generated, but the overall stiffness of the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is extracted from the tensioning cable system. Instead of using a spring to generate cable tension, the patent uses a direct mechanical latching mechanism that allows cable length adjustment without introducing elastic elements that would reduce system stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the cable anchor points. It provides a rigid, non-elastic means of adjusting cable length and maintaining tension, replacing the spring element's function while preserving system stiffness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latching element is adjustable in multiple directions, then the adjustment flexibility is increased, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed with asymmetric adjustability - the latching element can be moved freely in one longitudinal direction for adjustment, but is constrained in other directions by the latching base. This asymmetric design provides sufficient adjustment flexibility for cable tension while maintaining simple construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle roof including an openable folding roof and a tensioning cable which tensions the folding roof in the closed state. One front end of the cable is fixedly anchored to a front roof part of the folding roof and at the rear end is held on a rear roof component which is fixed to the vehicle. The tensioning cable is length-adjustable for adjusting the cable tension via a tensioning cable system. The tensioning cable system comprises a latching base fixedly anchored to the rear roof component, a latching element attached to the rear end of the tensioning cable, and a latching mechanism which is adjustable in multiple stages and disposed between the latching base and the latching element for adjusting the longitudinal position of latching element relative to the latching base only in the longitudinal direction. The latching element in the adjusted position is held so as to be latched in a form-fitting manner to the latching base.