Motor Vehicle Roof Module with Integrated Installation Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle roof structures lack efficient and aesthetically appealing solutions for installing roof cross rails, often requiring additional components like installation bases and strips, which increase manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.
Innovation Solution
A roof structure with a planar glass roof module that extends beyond installation bases, featuring module openings with plastic extrusion coatings and adhesive fastening, allowing for secure roof rail installation without separate covering strips, and incorporating reclosable closure elements for improved durability and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If installation bases are attached to fastening flanges for mounting roof cross rails, then roof rail installation capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The installation base is integrated directly into the roof module structure, merging the functions of the roof module and installation base into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate installation bases attached to fastening flanges, reducing device complexity while maintaining roof rail installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof module is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the roof structure, incorporates installation bases for roof rails, and includes module openings for access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Shape
If separate covering strips are used to cover installation bases and fastening means, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The module opening serves dual purposes: it provides access to the installation base for roof rail mounting and simultaneously acts as the aesthetic covering element. This eliminates the need for separate covering strips, reducing manufacturing cost and material usage while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The module opening is designed to fulfill multiple functions: it enables access to the installation base for assembly purposes and provides an aesthetic cover that matches the surrounding glass roof. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated covering components.
3Shape
If the planar section extends beyond installation bases to achieve aesthetic appeal and better views, then aesthetic appearance and visibility are improved, but access to installation bases becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The module opening creates a segmented access path through the planar section, allowing access to the installation base located beyond the main glass area. This segmentation enables the planar section to extend aesthetically while providing a dedicated access route for installation and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The module opening acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the aesthetic requirement (extending planar section) and the functional requirement (access to installation base). It provides a controlled access point that allows installation operations without compromising the overall aesthetic design.
4Ease of operation
If module openings are left open for access to installation bases, then ease of installation is improved, but durability and appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The module opening is designed with predetermined dimensions and positioning that enable easy access to the installation base during assembly. This preliminary design of the opening geometry facilitates straightforward installation operations while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appearance when closed.
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 design enhances the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, reduces material and manufacturing costs, and decreases vehicle weight, while ensuring reliable and secure roof rail installation with minimal additional components.
Implementation Method 1
the module openings in the planar section of the roof module are each completely extrusion coated using a plastic
Implementation Method 2
The roof module is fastened onto two fastening flanges
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a roof structure of a motor vehicle, in which a roof channel, which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, having a fastening flange is formed on both vehicle sides by at least one vehicle body component. A roof module is fastened on the two fastening flanges, which has a planar section, implemented at least sectionally in the form of a glass roof, for bridging a roof opening formed between the roof channels, at least one pair of installation bases for installing a roof rail being arranged between the fastening flanges and the planar section of the roof module. The planar section has a plurality of module openings, which are assigned to the installation bases and are each enclosed by a plastic extrusion coating, for an installation of the roof rail.