Retractable Roof Locking Mechanism with Shared Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable roof systems for vehicles require a separate electric motor for the roof locking apparatus, increasing the number of components and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The roof locking apparatus is integrated with the lid driver, eliminating the need for a dedicated driving source and reducing the number of system components by using a push-pull cable transmission mechanism to coordinate the opening and closing of the roof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate electric motor is provided for the roof locking apparatus, then the roof can be reliably retained in the storage space, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the roof locking apparatus and lid driver into a single integrated unit, sharing the electric motor and control system. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors while maintaining the roof locking function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates the lid and simultaneously controls the roof locking apparatus through a transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one motor to replace two, reducing component count while preserving the roof retention capability.
2Device complexity
If the number of members in the retractable roof system is reduced, then the system becomes simpler and more cost-effective, but the functional capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the roof locking apparatus and lid driver into one integrated system with a shared motor, the patent reduces the total number of components while preserving all essential functions through careful mechanical design and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transmission mechanism as an intermediary that transfers power from the shared motor to both the lid driver and roof locking apparatus. This intermediary enables one motor to control multiple functions without compromising system capability.
3Device complexity
If the roof locking apparatus works with the lid driver, then the number of driving sources is reduced, but the coordination and timing control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The roof locking apparatus is designed to operate in predetermined coordination with the lid driver based on the lid's position. The locking mechanism activates automatically when the lid reaches specific positions during opening or closing, eliminating the need for complex real-time control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system uses the lid driver's own motion to trigger the roof locking apparatus through mechanical linkage. The system serves itself by using the existing lid movement to automatically engage or disengage the roof lock without requiring separate control signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable roof system for a vehicle is provided with a roof locking apparatus (70) provided in a vehicle body and retaining a retractable roof in a storage space (7) which is different from a trunk space, and a link mechanism (10) provided in the vehicle body and capable of changing a position of a lid (6) covering the storage space (7) so as to open and close to an open position and a closed position. The roof locking apparatus (70) is structured such as to work with the link mechanism (10).