Vehicle Roof Locking Mechanism Prevents Edge Oscillation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roof locking apparatuses for vehicles require multiple members to hold the roof in place, leading to a need for reduction in the number of components and prevention of oscillation during retraction and deployment.

Innovation Solution

A roof locking apparatus that holds the middle portion of the roof's edge in a front-rear direction within a predetermined space, utilizing a grip member and moving mechanism to grip and release the roof edge in a controlled manner, reducing the number of components and preventing oscillation and damage during retraction and deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional roof locking apparatus holds both ends of the roof edge, then the roof is securely held in place, but the number of members and components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroof holding stabilityVSAvoidnumber of members

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of holding both ends of the roof edge into a single gripping position. The grip member is designed to hold the middle portion of one edge of the roof, integrating the support function that would traditionally require multiple separate components at different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grip member serves multiple functions: it holds the roof edge in the fully closed state, prevents wobbling, and reduces the overall number of components needed in the roof locking apparatus. This single component performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the grip member releases the roof edge immediately, then the roof can move freely, but the roof may tilt forward, bow, or oscillate due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroof movement freedomVSAvoidroof stability during movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The moving mechanism raises the grip member to a gripping position above the holding position before the grip member releases the roof edge. This preliminary positioning action ensures the roof is properly supported and aligned before release, preventing forward tilting and bowing that would occur with immediate release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controlled sequence of raising the grip member before release acts as a cushioning mechanism, preventing sudden movements and shocks that could cause the roof to oscillate or be damaged during the transition from held to free state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8029039B2Roof locking apparatus for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 WEBASTO AG

AI summary

A roof locking apparatus for a vehicle (70) is provided in a vehicle body and operable to hold a middle portion with respect to a vehicle width direction of a front edge of the roof (2) within a storage space (7).