Non-Parallel Vehicle Roof Tracks for Larger Sunroof Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle roof closure systems with parallel tracks constrain the size of the sunroof opening, limiting its dimensions and accessibility due to fixed track spacing, which restricts the design flexibility of the vehicle's roof.
Innovation Solution
A moveable panel system utilizing non-parallel tracks on the vehicle body, coupled with compensation drive mechanisms and a transverse guide member, allowing the panel to travel along converging or diverging tracks, enabling larger openings and non-rectangular panel shapes, and incorporating front and rear track mechanisms for enhanced movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If parallel tracks are used in the roof, then the track mechanism can travel in the X- and Z-dimensions, but the sunroof opening size is constrained and cannot be made larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static parallel tracks to dynamic non-parallel tracks that can change their relative positioning. The compensation drive mechanisms enable the tracks to adapt their configuration, allowing the panel to move along curved paths rather than straight lines, thereby increasing the effective opening area without being constrained by fixed track spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movement in the Y-dimension (lateral direction) in addition to the traditional X- and Z-dimensions. By allowing the panel to travel laterally along non-parallel tracks, the system expands the movement space from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional path, enabling larger opening areas that were previously impossible with parallel track constraints
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between parallel tracks is reduced to accommodate narrow roof width, then the track spacing fits the vehicle, but the hands through opening becomes constrained and cannot be positioned optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation drive mechanisms allow the track spacing to dynamically adjust during panel movement. As the panel travels along the non-parallel tracks, the varying distance between tracks at different positions enables the hands-through opening to be optimally positioned and sized, rather than being fixed by initial track spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the track system by using non-parallel tracks with varying spacing. This allows the track separation distance to be optimized at different positions along the roof, improving hands-through opening accessibility while adapting to the vehicle's roof geometry
3Ease of manufacture
If parallel tracks are used, then the installation is simple, but the panel movement is restricted to straight lines and cannot achieve curved paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the panel movement function into multiple independent compensation drive mechanisms, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be relatively simple while the combination enables complex curved movement paths, balancing manufacturing simplicity with movement versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation drive mechanisms act as intermediary devices between the simple parallel track structure and the desired complex curved panel movement. These intermediaries translate simple linear track movements into complex curved panel trajectories, maintaining ease of track installation while achieving versatile panel motion
Data Source
AI summary
A moveable panel system for a vehicle comprises: non-parallel tracks on a body of the vehicle, the body having an opening; a panel sized to cover the opening; a transverse guide member on the panel; and compensation drive mechanisms that couple the panel to the respective non-parallel tracks, each of the compensation drive mechanisms moveable along the transverse guide member and moveable in one of the non-parallel tracks.