Offset Modular Vehicle Roof Structure for Impact Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structural design of vehicles with panoramic glass roofs lacks a central crosspiece, leading to challenges in force distribution during impacts and regulatory restrictions on non-steel materials in the roof area, while also limiting brightness in the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A modular structural roof design featuring offset stretchers that connect the front and rear bodywork parts, allowing for reduced side stretcher size and increased transverse gap, enabling the use of composite materials and a translucent panel for enhanced brightness and compliance with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a panoramic glass roof without a central crosspiece is used to improve brightness, then the luminosity in the passenger compartment is improved, but the force distribution during impact is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The roof structure is segmented into multiple independent stretchers (central stretcher and side stretchers) that are offset from each other. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength without requiring a central crosspiece, enabling the panoramic glass design while distributing impact forces through multiple separate load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchers are positioned in multiple transverse dimensions (offset from each other) rather than being aligned in a single plane. This dimensional arrangement creates a three-dimensional load distribution network that improves both structural integrity and brightness by eliminating the need for a blocking central crosspiece.
2Illumination intensity
If the side stretchers are reduced in size to increase transverse gap for brightness, then the brightness is improved, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented from the side stretchers to the central stretcher. The side stretchers can therefore be reduced in size to increase transverse gap and brightness, while the central stretcher compensates for the reduced strength by bearing the primary structural load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the central stretcher is made of steel while side components can use lighter materials. This composite material approach allows the side stretchers to be smaller for brightness while the steel central stretcher maintains overall structural strength.
3Illumination intensity
If non-steel materials are used in the roof area to reduce weight and improve brightness, then the brightness and weight are improved, but regulatory compliance is violated
Solution Approach 1:
Different material qualities are applied to different locations: steel is used specifically for the central stretcher in the regulated zone to ensure compliance, while other areas can use lighter materials like aluminum or composites to reduce weight and improve brightness. This localized material selection satisfies both regulatory and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof structure uses a composite material strategy combining steel (for regulatory compliance in critical zones) with lighter materials (for weight reduction and brightness). This multi-material approach resolves the contradiction between regulatory requirements and brightness/weight improvements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a structural roof (1) of a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, comprising at least one front bodywork part (11) and one rear bodywork part (12) which are capable of engaging with an upper frame of a body structure. At least one of said front and rear bodywork parts (11, 12) is connected to at least the other one of said front and rear bodywork parts (11, 12) via at least one side rail (13) offset transversely by a distance D relative to at least one side edge (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) of said bodywork parts (11, 12) so that the structural roof (1) forms a modular assembly capable of being added as a single part to the upper frame of a body structure. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with such a structural roof.