Roof Access Bracket for Universal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof accessory systems for motor vehicles do not allow for seamless attachment and detachment of accessories regardless of the presence of a hard-top or soft-top roof, compromising aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal when the roof panel is removed.

Innovation Solution

A roof accessory interface featuring a bracket beneath the roof panel that can be attached to using a quarter-turn fastener and rotatable tab, allowing for secure attachment and detachment, and a cap to cover the opening when not in use, enabling the accessory to be mounted with or without a roof panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a roof accessory system is designed for hard-top roofs only, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to soft-top roofs is lost and aerodynamic profile is compromised when roof panel is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different roof configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both hard-top and soft-top roof configurations. The bracket attaches to the roll bar structure which exists in both roof types, allowing the same accessory system to function across different roof configurations without requiring separate attachment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the bracket that attaches to the roll bar, the roof panel with opening, and the accessory itself. This segmentation allows the bracket to serve as a permanent universal mounting point while the accessory can be attached or removed independently based on roof configuration and user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a roof accessory is permanently fixed to maintain aerodynamic profile, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but ease of detachment and reconfiguration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static permanent fix to a dynamic reversible connection. The quarter-turn fastener mechanism allows the accessory to be quickly attached and detached, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure attachment when engaged. The rotatable tab provides visual feedback on attachment status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the bracket is exposed when roof panel is removed, then accessibility for attachment is improved, but aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic profile are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic profileVSAvoidaccessibility for accessory attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roof panel acts as an intermediary element between the bracket and the external environment. When attached, it conceals the bracket and maintains aerodynamic profile. When removed, it allows direct access to the bracket for accessory attachment. The panel's opening is positioned to align with the bracket, providing access only when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10787131B2Roof accessory interface

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, among other things, a roof structure, a bracket projecting from the roof structure, a roof panel configured to attach to the roof structure such that the bracket is beneath the roof panel, and an accessory configured to attach to the bracket. A method is also disclosed.