Folding Roof Transparent Elements Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding roof designs with rigid transparent panels restrict the visible surface area due to matching dimensions of top cover strips and panels, resulting in a limited exterior view.
Innovation Solution
A folding roof system with larger transparent elements and smaller transverse elements, where the larger elements have curvature matching the roof's shape, allowing them to fold over the smaller elements, which are placed on textile strips to prevent damage and noise, enabling a larger transparent area with reduced storage height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the top cover strips have the same dimensions as the rigid transparent panels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the visible surface area to the outside is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover is segmented into alternating larger transparent elements and smaller transparent elements arranged transversely. This segmentation allows the larger elements to provide extensive visible surface area while the smaller elements fit into the folds, enabling the top cover strips to be narrower than the panels without restricting visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The smaller transparent elements are nested within the folds formed by the top cover strips, with the inner surface of each small element facing the inner surface of the adjacent large element. This nesting arrangement allows the smaller elements to be obscured by the larger elements when folded, maximizing visible area while maintaining structural integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If the folding roof is designed with multiple transparent panels, then the visible area is increased, but the storage height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover elements are given different local qualities - larger transparent elements for maximum visibility and smaller transparent elements for compact folding. The smaller elements are specifically positioned to face downward into the folds, reducing the vertical profile when the roof is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent elements are arranged in both the longitudinal direction (alternating large and small elements) and the transverse direction (small elements divided into parts). This two-dimensional arrangement optimizes both visible area and compactness, allowing the elements to fold flat with minimal storage height.
3Strength
If the transparent elements are rigid and directly connected, then the structural strength is improved, but damage, chafing and noise from elements hitting each other increases
Solution Approach 1:
A textile strip is introduced as an intermediary material between the rigid transparent elements and the folding structure. This textile intermediary protects the transparent elements from direct contact with each other and with the folding mechanism, preventing damage, chafing, and noise while maintaining the structural integrity of the rigid panels.
Data Source
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AI summary
The motor car has a roof mechanism (1) that is provided for selectively closing and partially opening the roof opening (6). The folding roof system (2,3) are provided with top material (4,5). The larger transparent roof element (12) is arranged in top material. The small transparent roof elements (13) are arranged in top material after large transparent roof element arranged transversely to direction. The curvature of large and small transparent roof elements is formed transversely to direction of travel and arranged corresponding to curvature of roof. An independent claim is included for method for partial opening and closing of folded slab roof for motor car.