Rear Roof Crossmember Bracket With Integrated Grab Handle Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing motor vehicle structures with sunroofs are weakened and require complex, bulky gussets and grab handle supports, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble effectively.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle structure with simplified gussets and grab handle supports, where the grab handle support is integrated into the gusset with vertically or inclined anchoring orifices, and electrical resistance welding points are used for secure attachment between the gussets, lateral supports, and rear roof crossmember, optimizing the gusset shape and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rear crossmember with gusset and grab handle support is added to the vehicle structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gusset and grab handle support into a single integrated component. The gusset serves dual functions: reinforcing the roof structure and providing mounting support for the grab handle. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing assembly steps and overall structural complexity while maintaining both structural strength and handle support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gusset is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides structural reinforcement and serves as a mounting bracket for the grab handle. By making the gusset universal in its functionality, the patent reduces the total number of parts required and simplifies the overall assembly process while achieving both structural and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the grab handle support is offset towards the rear of the crossmember, then the structural distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural distributionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grab handle support is merged with the gusset into a single stamped component. The anchor holes for the handle are formed directly in the gusset material, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or complex offset structures. This integration maintains proper structural distribution while dramatically simplifying manufacturing to a single stamping operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gusset by forming anchor holes directly in the stamped material rather than requiring separate offset mounting structures. This parameter change in the design approach transforms a complex multi-component assembly into a simple single-piece component with optimized hole placement that achieves both structural distribution and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for gusset and handle support, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but the assembly time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gusset and grab handle support are merged into a single integrated component that is installed as one unit. This eliminates multiple assembly steps involving separate components and fasteners, reducing assembly time significantly. The integrated design maintains all necessary mounting points and structural features while requiring only a single installation operation, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing assembly flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of gussets, enhances the structural rigidity, and ensures efficient and stable attachment to the roof arches, improving the overall structural integrity of the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

electrical resistance welding points are used for secure attachment between the gussets, lateral supports, and rear roof crossmember

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3934934B1Structure comprising a bracket for a rear roof panel cross member incorporating a handle support
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3934934B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a structure of a motor vehicle with sunroof (3A), said structure having, on each of the two lateral sides (5), an arch (7) of the rear roof panel (3) with a lining (7B); a rear cross member (11) of the roof panel (3) extending transversely between the two arches (7) of the rear roof panel (3) and comprising two ends (11A); a bracket (15) connecting each of the ends (11A) to the corresponding lining (7B); and, at at least one of the two lateral sides (5), a grab handle support; the at least one grab handle support being formed directly on the corresponding bracket (15) and comprising two anchoring holes (17D) of said handle, said anchoring holes (17D) being perpendicular to the rear crossmember (11) of the roof panel (3).