Lockable Pivot Link for Panoramic Sunroofs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tilt and outer slide sunroof systems experience motor stalling and pinching issues when operating at high vehicle speeds due to intense forces, and the pivot link fails to maintain the glass panel in a tilted position due to vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A tilt and slide apparatus with a guide block, drive shoe, pivot link, and a mechanical lock mechanism that allows the pivot link to pivot and lock in a raised position, ensuring the glass panel tilts and remains open during high-speed vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the tilt-up stroke operates at high speed to quickly open the sunroof, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to motor stalling and pinching issues at high vehicle speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesunroof opening speedVSAvoidmotor stalling and pinching prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the tilt-up stroke speed variable rather than constant. The system operates at high speed during initial movement to quickly open the sunroof, then automatically reduces speed when approaching the fully open position. This dynamic speed adjustment allows the system to maintain high productivity during most of the operation while ensuring reliability during critical phases where motor stalling and pinching are most likely to occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the pivot link is designed without a locking mechanism to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates due to pivot link slipping under high-speed vehicle vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivot link structureVSAvoidpivot link position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through an automatic locking mechanism that engages and disengages based on the pivot link's position during operation. As the pivot link moves to its final position, the locking mechanism automatically engages to prevent slipping caused by vibrations at high speeds. When the pivot link needs to move, the mechanism automatically disengages. This eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex control systems while maintaining stability, and the automatic nature keeps the overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking mechanism is added to the pivot link to prevent slipping under vibrations, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivot link position stabilityVSAvoidpivot link structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a guide block as an intermediary element that mediates between the pivot link and the locking mechanism. The guide block receives the pivot pin and translates its movement into automatic engagement and disengagement of the locking features. This intermediary simplifies the overall design by providing a mechanical advantage and reducing the complexity of direct interaction between the pivot link and locking components, thereby achieving enhanced stability with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10940742B2Lockable pivot link and lock for panoramic sunroofs
Publication Date: 2021.03.09 AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA INC
  • US10940742B2 patent drawing
  • US10940742B2 patent drawing
  • US10940742B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for a sunroof of a vehicle, including a pivot link pivotally coupled to a drive shoe, the pivot link having a first pivot pin configured to slide along a first guide channel of a guide block to control tilting of a movable panel as the drive shoe slides, a lift guide, and a check assembly including a mechanical lock. The mechanical lock includes an inner surface having a locking guide channel to guide a second pivot pin of the pivot link, the locking guide channel includes an upper guide portion. The pivot link is configured to pivot to a raised position to tilt the movable panel when the drive shoe is slid in the forward direction and becomes coupled to the lift guide by the check assembly. The upper guide portion engages the second pivot pin to lock the pivot link in the raised position.