Vehicle Roof Module Layout Without a Front Cross Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roof modules for vehicles limit the arrangement space for functional components on the front portion of the roof due to the presence of the front rail, restricting the degree of freedom in layout.
Innovation Solution
A roof module design that positions the winding device and drive source on the rear end side of the guide rails, eliminates the cross member on the front end, and integrates a rear cross member to guide the shade sheet, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing layout flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a front rail is disposed in the front portion of the automobile headliner, then the sunshade can be properly supported and guided, but the arrangement space for functional components is limited and layout freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the front rail component from the headliner assembly. By eliminating the front rail that previously occupied space in the front portion of the headliner, the invention creates additional arrangement space for functional components while maintaining sunshade functionality through the remaining rear rail and alternative support structures.
2Strength
If multiple components (winding device, drive source, cross members) are distributed throughout the guide rail structure, then structural support is provided, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the winding device and drive source into a single integrated assembly unit located at the rear end of the guide rail. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly time while maintaining all necessary structural support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear cross member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the guide rail assembly, acts as a mounting base for the winding device and drive source, and serves as a guide for the shade sheet. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies both manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the winding device and drive source are distributed at different locations, then mechanical balance is achieved, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the winding device and drive source into a single integrated assembly located at the rear end of the guide rail. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting locations and complex synchronization mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational balance through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof module includes: a roof panel; a pair of guide rails mounted on an inner surface of the roof panel and extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a shade sheet guided by the guide rails; a winding device supported by the guide rails and configured to wind up the shade sheet and a drive source configured to drive the shade sheet in an unwinding direction and a winding direction. The winding device and the drive source are arranged in a concentrated manner on a rear end side of the guide rails, and no cross member connecting the guide rails is provided on a front end side of the guide rails.