Vehicle Roof Closure Element Lateral Stability Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof assemblies with non-parallel guide rails face challenges in maintaining closure elements in a stable lateral position and preventing rattling, particularly when packaging height is a concern.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a biasing device attached to the closure element, operatively connected to sliding elements through a synchronizing device, ensures equal movement and maintains the closure element in a predetermined position, using contracting springs and pulley systems to manage tension forces, resulting in a compact and stable arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a biasing device is attached to the closure element and connected to sliding elements, then the closure element is maintained in a predetermined lateral position and rattling is prevented, but the packaging height is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is nested within the closure element structure, with the contracting spring housed inside the closure element body and the biasing element extending laterally to connect with the sliding elements. This nested arrangement minimizes the external packaging height while maintaining the stabilizing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device utilizes the lateral dimension for its primary function, with the biasing element extending horizontally from the closure element to connect with the sliding elements. By orienting the biasing action in the lateral direction rather than vertically, the packaging height is minimized while achieving lateral position stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rubber elastic members are used as biasing devices on side flaps, then the side flaps are prevented from hanging down, but the packaging height is increased and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is merged with the closure element structure, where the contracting spring is integrated into the closure element body and the biasing element serves as both a structural connector and a biasing mechanism. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure compared to using separate rubber elastic members on each side flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element serves multiple functions: it connects the closure element to the sliding elements, provides the biasing force to maintain lateral position, and prevents rattling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that would be required if rubber elastic members were used on each side flap individually.
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 effectively prevents rattling and maintains the closure element in a stable lateral position, optimizing packaging height and reducing complexity while ensuring smooth operation along non-parallel guide rails.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing device comprises a contracting spring
Implementation Method 2
the synchronizing device includes pull elements biased by the contracting spring
Implementation Method 3
the synchronizing device comprises at least one pulley, attached to the closure panel in a rotatable manner and having two flexible pull elements connected to the sliding elements and of which at least one is wound around the pulley
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening (1) in its roof (2). It comprises a pair of guide rails (5, 5') extending in a non-parallel way and at a distance from each other. At least one closure element (3; 11), is adjustable in order to at least cover and at least partly open the opening (1) in said vehicle roof, said closure element (3; 11) having two opposite sides adjacent to the guide rails. At least one pair of sliding elements (10, 10') opposite of each other on each of said sides of the closure element (3; 11) is provided for slidably engaging in the respective guide rail (5, 5'), said sliding elements being slidably connected to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction. A biasing device (13) is used for biasing the sliding elements (10, 10') relative to the closure element (3; 11) in a substantially lateral direction. The biasing device (13) is attached to the closure element (3; 11) on one end and is operatively connected to each pair of opposite sliding elements (10, 10') on the other end with interposition of a synchronizing device (14) equalizing the movements of the sliding elements.