Vehicle Roof Roller Blind Snap Coupling for Dual-Length Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller blind systems for vehicle roofs with two roller blind arrangements of different lengths require complex coupling mechanisms, making them difficult and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A roller blind system utilizing an elastically deformable snap connection for coupling the drive cable to the tension bow of the second roller blind arrangement, eliminating the need for complex components like pawls and slideways, and ensuring the drive cable remains connected to prevent stick-slip effects and accidental loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism with pawls and cam tracks is used to connect the drive cable to the second roller blind arrangement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex coupling mechanism (pawls, cam tracks) from the system, replacing it with a simple elastically deformable snap connection that achieves the same functional goal of reliably connecting the drive cable to the second roller blind arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the connection components by using elastically deformable materials that can reversibly change shape under load, allowing the snap connection to engage and disengage automatically based on force application rather than complex mechanical interlocking
2Reliability
If a permanent connection is used between the drive cable and the second roller blind arrangement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is worsened due to the need for complex disconnection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The snap connection is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the mechanical forces applied during operation and assembly, eliminating the need for separate connection or disconnection mechanisms. The system serves itself by using operational forces to both connect and disconnect the drive cable
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive cable is disconnected from the second roller blind arrangement during normal operation, then the adaptability for different configurations is improved, but the risk of accidental loosening and stick-slip effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap connection transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic connection that can automatically engage and disengage based on operational forces. The connection state changes dynamically during operation, allowing the drive cable to remain connected during unwinding while automatically disconnecting when fully wound, providing both stability and adaptability
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 solution simplifies the production and operation of the roller blind system by using a snap connection that is easy to manufacture, prevents stick-slip effects, and ensures reliable coupling and decoupling, maintaining the drive cable connection during unwinding and winding, thus enhancing the system's efficiency and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the locking mechanism has an elastically deformable snap connection by means of which the second section of the drive cable can be detachably coupled to the pull bar of the second roller blind arrangement. The elastically deformable snap connection has a thickening that can be received for detachable coupling by a receptacle of the snap connection, wherein the receptacle is elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
A spring assembly is arranged in the winding shafts, by means of which the two roller blind sections are wound onto the shafts
Implementation Method 3
the drive cable, with its second section, remains coupled to the drawbar of the second roller blind assembly in both the partially and fully unwound states of the second roller blind section. This offers the advantage of preventing a stick-slip effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a roller blind system for a vehicle roof, comprising two roller blind assemblies (10, 12). The roller blind path (18) of the first roller blind assembly (10) is designed to be longer in the extension direction than the roller blind path (20) of the second roller blind assembly (12). At least one compression-resistant drive cable (26, 28) is provided, a first section of which is rigidly coupled to a pulling hoop (22) of the first roller blind assembly (10) and a second section of which can be releasably coupled to a pulling hoop (24) of the second roller blind assembly (12). According to the invention, a locking mechanism is provided which has an elastically deformable snap-on connection (50), by means of which the second section of the drive cable (26, 28) can be releasably coupled to the pulling hoop (24) of the second roller blind assembly (12).