Vehicle Roof Panel Height Adjustment via Eccentric Slide Shoe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art roof assemblies face challenges in height adjustment due to production tolerances and attachment tolerances, leading to increased vertical height and potential sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the height adjusting mechanism within the telescope system, where slide shoes support and adjust the telescope parts, minimizing overall height by utilizing lateral space, with eccentric sliding surfaces and pivoting axes to adjust the height of the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate adjustable bracket is used to adjust panel height, then height adjustment capability is improved, but the total vertical height of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is merged with the telescope structure by integrating the adjustable bracket directly into the telescope assembly. The bracket is positioned to adjust the height between the first and second telescope parts, combining two previously separate functions (telescope operation and height adjustment) into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for additional vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment mechanism is repositioned from a vertical arrangement to a lateral arrangement within the telescope structure. By utilizing the lateral space between the first and second telescope parts, the mechanism achieves height adjustment functionality without increasing the vertical dimension, effectively transforming the problem from a vertical space constraint to a lateral space utilization solution.
2Ease of manufacture
If production tolerances and attachment tolerances are not compensated, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with adjustable characteristics that allow dynamic adaptation to tolerance variations. The bracket can be positioned at different heights relative to the telescope parts, enabling compensation for manufacturing and attachment tolerances. This dynamic adjustability ensures proper panel height and sealing performance without requiring complex manufacturing processes or tight tolerance controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The height parameter of the bracket is made variable rather than fixed. By allowing the bracket height to be adjusted within a range, the system can compensate for tolerance variations in production and attachment. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different manufacturing conditions while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
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 solution reduces the total height of the roof assembly, enhances compact design, and ensures accurate height adjustment for a flush fit with the surrounding roof, improving both aesthetics and sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The slide shoe may include a pivoting axis and eccentric sliding surfaces to adjust the height. In this embodiment, the slide shoe may be pivoted or rotated around the pivoting axis. The height of the eccentric sliding surfaces will then be changed thereby adjusting the height of the first telescope part and consequently of the panel.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7a~8c
AI summary
A roof assembly for a vehicle, having a roof opening (2) in its fixed roof (1), comprises at least one movable panel (3) closing said roof opening in its closed position and being movable from said closed position rearwardly and upwardly above the fixed roof. A driven operating mechanism (4) supports the panel and comprises a telescope (5) including a first telescopic part (6) attached to the panel (3) and a second telescope part (7) attached to a remainder of the operating mechanism (4). A height adjusting mechanism (8, 9) is provided between the panel (3) and the operating mechanism (4). This height adjusting mechanism (8, 9) is arranged and adjusts the height between the first and second telescope parts (6, 7).