Movable Panel Nonlinear Track Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable panel assemblies for vehicle roofs, such as sunroofs, face challenges in efficiently transitioning between closed and open positions while maintaining structural integrity and ease of operation, particularly in accommodating varying roof geometries and ensuring smooth motion without the need for additional biasing forces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a track assembly system with nonlinear tracks and a trolley mechanism that allows the movable panel to pivot and rotate, utilizing sliding members and actuator cables to adjust the arm's position in response to the panel's movement, ensuring smooth operation and self-centering capabilities without additional biasing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional sliding mechanism is used to move the sunroof panel, then the panel can transition between closed and open positions, but additional biasing forces and support mechanisms are required to maintain structural integrity and ensure smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nonlinear tracks with curved geometries that guide the trolley's movement path. The tracks are designed with varying radial angles relative to the track body axis, creating a nonlinear motion path that naturally facilitates smooth panel transition without requiring additional biasing forces. The curved track geometry transforms the linear actuation motion into the complex rotational and translational movements needed for panel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes a dynamic trolley mechanism that pivots and rotates as it moves along the nonlinear tracks. The trolley's orientation changes continuously during panel movement, allowing it to adapt to the varying geometric requirements of the sunroof mechanism. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for static support mechanisms and biasing forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable panel transitions between closed and open positions using a linear track, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying roof geometries and ensure smooth motion
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinear tracks are designed with curved geometries and varying radial angles that match the specific roof geometry requirements. The tracks can be configured with different curvature profiles to accommodate various vehicle roof shapes and panel positions, providing adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The track geometry parameters, particularly the radial angles relative to the track body axis, are varied along the length of the tracks to achieve the desired panel motion. By changing these geometric parameters, the same basic track assembly can be adapted to different roof geometries and panel configurations.
3Reliability
If additional biasing forces are used to ensure smooth operation of the movable panel, then operational reliability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinear track assembly and trolley mechanism are designed to self-center and self-align during panel operation. The geometry of the tracks and the pivoting capability of the trolley automatically maintain proper alignment and distribute loads, eliminating the need for external biasing forces and reducing the number of support mechanisms required.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a first track, a second track, and an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track. A lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction. The arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track.