Modular Centre Guide Rail Layout for Universal Open-Roof Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open-roof vehicle guide assemblies require customization for different vehicle configurations and types, leading to increased costs due to the need for separate manufacturing and design adaptations, and they often compromise on space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular guide assembly featuring a centre rail element with integrated guide channels and a cable channel that allows the drive cable to pass between them, enabling the same assembly to be used with motor drives in either the front or rear portion without additional adaptations, and can be easily adapted to various vehicle types by adjusting dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the guide assembly is customized for different vehicle configurations and types, then the functionality and suitability for specific vehicle types is improved, but the manufacturing costs and design efforts are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different vehicle types and configurations. The cable channel is positioned centrally between the guide channels, allowing the same guide rail design to be used regardless of whether the motor drive is located at the front or rear of the open roof assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide assembly designs for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail is designed as a modular component with distinct functional zones: guide channels for the closure member, a centrally positioned cable channel for the drive cable, and support mechanisms. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and be adapted to different vehicle types without requiring complete redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide assembly is customized for different vehicle types, then the suitability for specific vehicle features is improved, but the design and manufacturing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail incorporates a universal design where the cable channel is positioned between the guide channels rather than on the exterior. This central positioning allows the same guide rail structure to work with motor drives located at either the front or rear of the assembly, reducing design complexity while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the cable channel is arranged outside the functional package of the guide assembly, then the accessibility for cable routing is improved, but the space required for the guide assembly is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cable channel is nested within the functional package of the guide assembly, positioned between the guide channels rather than on the exterior. This nesting approach allows the cable to be routed through the internal structure of the guide rail, maintaining compact dimensions while providing adequate accessibility for cable installation and maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If the drive cable follows a sharp curvature to reach the motor drive, then the cable routing is simplified, but the reliability of the cable system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable channel is pre-positioned within the guide rail structure to provide a smooth, predetermined path for the drive cable. This preliminary arrangement of the cable channel ensures that the cable follows a gentle curvature from the motor drive to the guide assembly, preventing sharp bends that could compromise cable reliability while maintaining routing simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A guide assembly of an open roof assembly comprises a centre rail element. The centre rail element comprises a first wall member and a second wall member, the second wall member being arranged substantially parallel to the first wall member. A transverse wall member extends between the first wall member and the second wall member. A first guide channel is arranged in the first wall member and a second guide channel is arranged in the second wall member. A cable channel is provided on the transverse wall and is arranged between the first guide channel and the second guide channel. Thus, a modular centre rail element is provided that may be used with all vehicle types without further vehicle specific adaptation.