Vehicle Open Roof Cover Members Guide Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open roof constructions for vehicles lack a simple and safe solution for covering lateral gaps when the roof panel is moved, often requiring complex fastening means and compromising occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
The cover members are integrally connected with the guide members, either made of the same material or different materials interconnected during manufacturing, forming a single part without additional connecting means, ensuring a seamless and secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cover members are attached to guide members using sliding connection, then the assembly allows movement and adjustment, but the construction becomes complex and mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member and guide member are merged into a single integral component through co-moulding, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms. This combining of previously separate parts resolves the contradiction by simplifying the construction while maintaining the necessary functional properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the guide member provides guidance and support, while the integrated cover member provides protection and coverage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and fastening means, thereby simplifying the overall construction.
2Reliability
If cover members are attached to guide members using fastening means, then the assembly is secure, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the cover member and guide member into a single integral part, the patent eliminates the need for fastening means entirely. The co-moulded structure provides inherent security and stability without requiring additional time for assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral assembly is self-contained and self-securing through its monolithic structure. The design eliminates the need for external fastening operations, allowing for quick installation without compromising the security or stability of the connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If cover members and guide members are made as separate components, then manufacturing is flexible, but assembly requires complex fastening means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover member and guide member into a single component manufactured through co-moulding processes. This approach maintains manufacturing flexibility while eliminating assembly complexity, as the integral structure requires no fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The co-moulding process creates a composite structure where different material properties can be combined in a single component. This allows for manufacturing flexibility in selecting appropriate materials for different functional requirements while producing an integrated assembly that eliminates complex fastening needs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a roof opening (2) in a fixed root part (1) and a movable panel (3) for opening and closing said roof opening. At opposite sides of the panel flexible cover members (5) are provided for covering lateral gaps created when the panel (3) moves towards an open position. Further it comprises two guide members (4) extending along corresponding opposite sides of the roof opening for guiding respective parts of the open roof construction. The cover members (5) are integrally connected with the respective guide members (4).