Movable Panel Assemblies With Integrated Track Structural Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current movable panel assemblies for vehicle roofs lack efficient mechanisms to control light admission and sealing, leading to issues with glare and wind noise, and do not effectively utilize structural members for support and integration.
Innovation Solution
A movable panel assembly integrated with a track member into a structural member, featuring a variable translucence area and sealing structure that adjusts with the panel's movement, allowing controlled light admission and sealing, and utilizing track carriers and sliding members for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a movable panel assembly is integrated with a track member into a structural member, then structural support and integration are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track member is integrated directly into the structural member (e.g., roof rail), combining the support function and the guidance function into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate track components while maintaining structural integrity and reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the track member for panel guidance, and integrates with the movable panel assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Illumination intensity
If a variable translucence area is added to control light admission, then light control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translucence parameter of the window is made variable through the use of electrochromic or similar materials that can change their light transmission properties in response to electrical signals, allowing dynamic control of light admission without mechanical moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control system (electrochromic layer or similar) is introduced between the light source and the interior space, allowing precise control of light transmission without requiring mechanical adjustment of the window panel itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing structure is added to prevent wind noise and water entry, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing structure (weatherstrip or similar elastic material) is used at the interface between the movable panel assembly and the fixed structure. This flexible element deforms to maintain continuous contact and sealing during panel movement, effectively preventing wind noise and water intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure is positioned and pre-configured to anticipate and compensate for gaps or misalignments that may occur during panel movement, ensuring continuous sealing protection before problems can arise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the panel is made movable between closed and open positions, then functionality is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure provides continuous feedback through its deformation and contact forces, ensuring that the panel maintains proper positioning and sealing engagement throughout its range of motion, thereby maintaining reliability despite movability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a roof panel, an opening defined by the roof panel and a movable panel assembly that is configured to move between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening. A first track is located above the roof panel at a first lateral side of the movable panel, and a second track located above the roof panel at a second lateral side of the movable panel, wherein the movable panel is supported by the first track and the second track for movement between the closed position and the open position.