Vehicle Roof Cover Locking Mechanism Simplified Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle roof cover mechanisms require complex locking systems with multiple components and spring elements, leading to increased material costs, production complexity, and potential wear issues.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking mechanism using a carriage with a carriage link and a stationary link, where the raising rod is coupled to both, allowing for opposite directional movement, reducing the need for filigree components and spring elements, and minimizing the tolerance chain, thus avoiding abrupt load jumps and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components and spring elements is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function into the guide rail structure itself, where the guide rail serves dual purposes: guiding the carriage movement and providing the locking function through its geometric profile. The carriage link engages with specific profile sections of the guide rail to achieve locking without separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes spring elements and delicate locking components from the system. The locking mechanism relies solely on the geometric interaction between the carriage link and guide rail profile, eliminating the need for springs, cam mechanisms, or other active locking components.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is designed with an integrated profile that combines guiding and locking functions. The same guide rail structure provides both the movement path for the carriage and the geometric constraints for locking, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail profile is divided into distinct functional sections: a first section for guiding movement, a second section for locking engagement, and a third section for release. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each section while maintaining the overall locking function.
3Device complexity
If the stationary link and carriage link move in the same direction, then the mechanism is simpler, but the locking function cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism dynamically changes the relative movement directions of the carriage link and guide rail profile during operation. During locking, the carriage link moves in one direction relative to the guide rail, and during release, the movement direction reverses, enabling the locking function through controlled dynamic interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having both links move in the same direction, the patent utilizes opposite directional movement between the carriage link and guide rail profile engagement points. This inversion of movement direction is essential for creating the mechanical advantage needed for secure locking.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4A
Figure 4B~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (AO) with a cover (D) for a vehicle roof (FD). The rear region of said cover can be raised starting from a closed position for closing a roof opening (DOE) using deployment means in order to open the roof opening, and the cover can be moved towards the rear over the vehicle roof (FD) into an open position. The deployment means have a slide (S) which can be moved in a guide rail (FS) in a vehicle longitudinal direction by means of a drive, said slide comprising a slide gate (KS). The deployment means further have a gate (KO) which is stationary relative to the guide rail (FS). The deployment means additionally have a deployment rod (AS) which can be moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction by means of the slide (S) and which is coupled to the stationary gate (KO) by means of a first coupling element (KE1) and to the slide gate (KS) by means of a second coupling element (KE2) in the closed position of the roof (D).