Modular Roof Module Adapter Elements for Vehicle Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle production methods require multiple assembly stations for different roof variants due to varying connection methods to the vehicle body shell, increasing manufacturing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with construction variant-specific adapter elements and surface elements that provide a uniform connection interface to the vehicle body shell, allowing all roof modules to be connected in the same way, reducing the need for separate installation stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different connection methods are used for different roof variants, then each roof variant can be properly installed, but multiple assembly stations are required increasing manufacturing time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized connection interface that works for all roof variants (panoramic glass roofs, sliding roofs, lifting roofs, full roofs). Instead of having different connection methods for each variant, a single universal connection system is implemented that can accommodate multiple roof types through standardized mounting points and connection mechanisms on the vehicle body shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into standardized mounting points distributed across the vehicle body shell, allowing different roof variants to be assembled from modular components. Each roof variant uses the same set of standardized mounting points but combines them differently to achieve variant-specific configurations, enabling modular assembly at a single station.
2Reliability
If multiple assembly stations are provided for different roof variants, then each variant can be assembled properly, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single assembly station is designed with universal capabilities to handle all roof variants through standardized connection interfaces. The mounting points and connection mechanisms are designed to accommodate panoramic glass roofs, sliding roofs, lifting roofs, and full roofs using the same assembly procedures, eliminating the need for multiple specialized stations and reducing manufacturing time while maintaining assembly quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different connection methods are used for different roof variants, then each roof type can be installed, but the number of assembly parts and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces assembly system complexity by implementing a universal connection system with standardized mounting points that work for all roof variants. Instead of having separate connection mechanisms for each roof type, the same standardized interface is used across all variants, reducing the variety of assembly parts needed and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the ability to produce multiple roof construction variants.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular system for producing a plurality of design variants of a roof module for a motor vehicle, a plurality of design-variant-specific adapter elements (16, 18, 20), and a plurality of design-variant-specific planar elements (34, 36, 42, 43, 48, 52), wherein at least one respective planar element (34, 36, 42, 43, 48, 52) can be connected to a frame (10), in particular a motor vehicle body-in-white structure, forming a roof opening by means of at least one adapter element (16, 18, 20) in each case.