Removable Roof Panel Latch Assembly for Vehicle Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle removable panels and rear cap systems with permanently bonded windows are difficult for owners to remove, hindering an open-air driving experience and complicating handling due to their weight and installation.
Innovation Solution
A removable roof assembly with a latch assembly featuring a push button actuator allows easy release and removal of windows, incorporating a locking feature to deter theft, and a return spring for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If permanently bonded windows are used in removable panels, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the windows cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into separable components: the window pane, the panel, and the latch assembly. This allows the window to be permanently bonded to the panel structure while still enabling easy removal through the latch mechanism, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly provides a dynamic connection system that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The push-button actuator enables the window to be securely attached during normal operation but easily detached when needed, maintaining both structural integrity and operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If permanently bonded windows are used in removable panels, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into separable components: the window pane, the panel, and the latch assembly. This allows the window to be permanently bonded to the panel structure while still enabling easy removal through the latch mechanism, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly provides a dynamic connection system that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The push-button actuator enables the window to be securely attached during normal operation but easily detached when needed, maintaining both structural integrity and operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large panels with windows are used, then open air experience is improved, but weight increases making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The roof assembly is segmented into multiple removable components including the main roof panel and separate quarter windows. This segmentation allows users to remove only the window portions to achieve an open air experience without handling the entire heavy roof structure, reducing the effective weight that must be moved.
Solution Approach 2:
The quarter windows are extracted as separate removable components from the main roof panel. This allows users to remove only the necessary window portions for ventilation and open air experience, rather than removing the entire heavy roof assembly, thereby reducing handling weight while maintaining the desired functionality.
4Ease of operation
If removable windows are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with a push-button actuator that automatically triggers the release mechanism. When the button is pressed, the internal components self-actuate to release the locking engagement, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or multiple separate controls, thus maintaining simplicity despite the added functionality.
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
Enables quick and safe removal of panels and windows, reducing weight and facilitating easy handling, while the locking feature enhances security, allowing for a seamless open-air experience.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring. That return spring may extend between the push button actuator and the inner housing. The return spring may bias the push button actuator toward a home position.
Implementation Method 2
a locking plunger that may be received in the inner housing as well as a locking plunger spring that biases the locking plunger toward an entry opening of a locking pin receiver in the inner housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a panel, a removable window and a latch assembly for securing the removable window to the panel. In one embodiment, a removable roof assembly for a motor vehicle includes a removable roof panel, a releasable locking feature that secures the removable roof panel to the motor vehicle, a removable window and a latch assembly. The latch assembly secures the removable window to the removable roof panel. The latch assembly includes a push button actuator to release the latch assembly and remove the removable window from the removable roof panel.