Panoramic Roof Stacking Column with Beveled Latch and Foam Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking columns lack suitable materials to securely store heavy and sensitive motor vehicle panoramic roofs without causing damage to their delicate seals.
Innovation Solution
A stacking column design featuring latches with beveled side walls and a foam body, including memory foam, to provide gentle support and prevent pressure on the seals, combined with a pivot mechanism for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials like plastic, steel, or aluminum are used for latches, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the risk of damaging delicate seals on panoramic roofs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid metal core (steel or aluminum) for structural strength with an outer covering of shock-absorbing material (plastic, rubber, or silicone) that contacts the panoramic roof. This composite design allows the latch to maintain its mechanical strength while the soft outer layer prevents damage to delicate seals during loading and storage operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic material is used for latches, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the durability and strength are reduced due to frequent breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The latch combines plastic or rubber shock-absorbing material with a metal reinforcement structure. The metal core provides the necessary strength and durability to withstand repeated use, while the plastic or rubber outer layer maintains contact with the panoramic roof and absorbs shocks, preventing seal damage without sacrificing overall latch durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber material is used for latches, then the flexibility and shock absorption are improved, but the strength is insufficient for heavy panoramic roofs
Solution Approach 1:
The latch uses a metal structural framework (steel or aluminum) to provide the necessary load-bearing capacity for heavy panoramic roofs, while rubber or silicone coverings on the contact surfaces provide shock absorption and flexibility. This composite approach ensures both the strength needed to support heavy loads and the flexibility required to protect delicate seals.
4Strength
If silicone material is used for latches, then the flexibility and durability are improved, but the shock absorption capability is insufficient for sensitive panoramic roofs
Solution Approach 1:
The latch combines silicone or rubber material with enhanced shock-absorbing features such as increased material thickness, specialized geometric configurations, or viscoelastic properties. The metal core maintains structural integrity and durability, while the silicone outer layer is designed with sufficient thickness and structural features to provide adequate shock absorption for protecting panoramic roof seals.
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
The design effectively supports and stabilizes panoramic roofs, minimizing seal damage and ensuring secure storage without pressure marks or vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The foam body can be made of memory foam. Possible foam materials include memory foam in general, viscoelastic foam, memory foam, visco foam, visco gel foam, etc.
Implementation Method 2
The foam body at one end allows for the weight to be distributed in a large area, so that the seals are not subjected to pressure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a stacking column for a motor vehicle panoramic roof, with a latch (1), wherein the latch has a first side cheek (2) and a second side cheek (3) bevelled at one end, wherein each of the side cheeks (2, 3) has a first bolt passage (4) and a second bolt passage (5), wherein the latch (1) has an upper side (6) and a lower side (7), wherein the latch has a foam body (11) at another end.