Motor Vehicle Roof with Movable Segment for Cargo and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large passenger vehicles face challenges in transporting objects on the roof due to safety concerns related to movable roof segments, which can impair functionality and safety when extended.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle roof design featuring a movable roof segment that can be opened vertically, creating additional storage space between the base roof and the roof segment, with movable upper and lower roof elements that can be partially transparent or opaque, allowing for improved access and loading while maintaining safety through pressure equalization without affecting air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable roof segment is provided for pressure equalization in case of airbag deployment, then safety is improved, but the ability to transport objects on the roof is significantly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The movable roof segment is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. This allows only the necessary portion to move for pressure equalization while other segments remain fixed and can support cargo, thus resolving the contradiction between safety functionality and cargo transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The roof segment is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing it to transition between fixed and movable states as needed. When cargo transport is required, the segment remains fixed; when safety is concerned, it can move to equalize pressure, thus adapting to different operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the roof segment is made fixed to improve cargo transport capability, then the ability to transport objects is improved, but pressure equalization functionality in case of airbag deployment is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections. This allows the system to maintain fixed segments for cargo support while having other segments capable of moving for pressure equalization, thus achieving both cargo transport capability and safety functionality simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The movable roof segment is designed to serve multiple functions: it can remain fixed to support cargo transport, or it can move to enable pressure equalization during airbag deployment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure adaptable to different operational requirements
3Volume of stationary object
If additional storage space is created by moving the roof segment vertically, then storage capacity is improved, but air resistance increases affecting maximum speed
Solution Approach 1:
The roof segment is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to change position to create storage space when needed, and to return to its streamlined position when maximum speed is required, thus balancing storage capacity and aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The position and orientation parameters of the roof segment can be changed to optimize performance. When storage is needed, the segment moves to create volume; when speed is prioritized, the segment is positioned to minimize air resistance, thus adapting parameters to different operational priorities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances storage capacity and transport efficiency by providing additional space for luggage and bulky items without compromising safety, allowing for secure loading and unloading while maintaining the vehicle's aerodynamics and passenger compartment integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the upper roof element and/or the lower roof element are at least partially transparent
Implementation Method 2
which allows pressure equalization in the vehicle interior in the event that one or more airbags are deployed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A motor vehicle roof 12 comprises a base roof 14 and a roof segment 16 that is substantially vertically movable relative to the base roof 14. In the closed state, the roof segment 16 is substantially in contact with the base roof 14, and in the open state, it is spaced apart from the base roof 14. According to the invention, the roof segment 16 can have at least one upper roof element 18 that is movably connected to the roof segment 16, and/or the base roof 14 can have at least one lower roof element 22 that is movably connected to the base roof 14. The movable roof element 18, 22 allows the storage space 28 to be opened and closed. This makes it possible to improve the transport of luggage without significantly compromising safety.