Rollo Screen Support Member Dynamics for Vehicle Roof Sagging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rollo assemblies often experience sagging in the central region of the rollo screen between opposite longitudinal guides, especially as the screen dimensions increase, and existing solutions fail to effectively manage this issue while optimizing support and aesthetic considerations.

Innovation Solution

The support member is connected to the pull beam via a spring means assembly, allowing it to move with the rollo screen between fully wound and partially wound positions, and remain stationary when the screen is fully wound off, using flexible members like wires or cables with tension springs or pulleys to maintain optimal positioning and reduce jamming risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the support member is fixed to the pull beam, then the support member remains stationary, but it cannot follow the rollo screen movement between fully wound and partially wound positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport member positioningVSAvoidsupport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is connected to the pull beam through spring means assembly (tension springs and flexible members) that allow dynamic adjustment. The support member can move along with the rollo screen when partially wound, and return to a fixed end position when fully wound, providing both adaptability and stability through elastic connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Spring means assembly acts as an intermediary between the support member and the pull beam. The tension springs and flexible members transmit force while allowing controlled movement, mediating between the stationary pull beam and the moving support member to achieve both following motion and positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the support member moves freely with the rollo screen, then it follows the screen position, but it may jam in the support member guides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport member mobilityVSAvoidjamming risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Stationary stops are positioned to engage the support member and prevent it from moving beyond the defined end position. This preliminary constraint prevents the support member from jamming in the guides by limiting its travel range before jamming can occur, while still allowing free movement within the safe range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring means assembly acts as a buffer between the support member and the pull beam, absorbing excess movement and preventing direct contact that could cause jamming. The elastic connection allows the support member to follow the screen while preventing over-travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of moving object

If the rollo screen dimensions are increased, then the coverage area is improved, but the sagging in the central region increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverollo screen coverageVSAvoidrollo screen sagging
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is positioned specifically in the central region of the rollo screen where sagging occurs. By providing localized support at the critical sagging point rather than uniform support across the entire screen, the invention effectively counteracts the central sagging problem while maintaining large screen dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is positioned in advance to provide support before the rollo screen is fully deployed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the central region is supported from the beginning of the deployment process, preventing sagging from developing as the screen extends to its full dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution ensures stable support and improved aesthetic appeal by maintaining the support member's position, reducing sagging and jamming risks, while allowing for symmetrical force application and efficient operation of the rollo assembly across various positions.

Implementation Method 1

a spring means assembly, at one hand, ensures that the support member will move along with the rollo screen when latter moves between its fully wound position and a partially wound off position, and, on the other hand, allows the support member to be kept stationary in its end position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic tension: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the spring means assembly comprises a flexible member, such as a wire, cable or rope, that with a first end is connected to the support member and that with a second end is connected to a spring member carried by the pull beam and loading the flexible member for pulling the support member towards the pull beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension force: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2650464B1Rollo assembly and open roof construction for a vehicle provided therewith
Publication Date: 2016.10.19 INALFA ROOF SYST GROUP
  • EP2650464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2650464B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2650464B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3i

AI summary

A rollo assembly comprises a rollo screen (1) with opposite longitudinal ends and opposite transverse ends, a winding shaft (3) for winding and unwinding said rollo screen (1) at a first one of said longitudinal ends, a pull beam (2) connected to the other one of said longitudinal ends and two longitudinal guides (4) for cooperation with the transverse ends of the rollo screen (1) and for guiding opposite ends of the pull beam (2). At least one support member (7) for the rollo screen (1) is provided extending underneath the rollo screen (1) between two opposite longitudinal support member guides (4). The support member (7) is movable in said longitudinal direction along the support member guides (4) in such a manner that it moves along with the rollo screen (1) when latter moves between its fully wound position and a partially wound off position, and is kept stationary in an end position when the rollo screen (1) moves between its partially wound off position and its fully wound off position.