Vehicle Roof Panel Latch Assembly for Tool-Free Secure Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle roof panels are difficult to remove and install securely, often requiring multiple attachments and tools, making the process inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A removable panel system with latches that translate between open and closed positions, driven by a rotatable actuator and latch links, allowing for easy installation and removal while maintaining secure engagement with the vehicle structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple attachments and tools are used to secure the panel, then the panel connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latch mechanisms are integrated into a single panel assembly, allowing all latches to be operated simultaneously by one actuator. This combines multiple securing functions into a unified system that maintains reliable connection while simplifying operation to a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it simultaneously operates all latch mechanisms for both engagement and disengagement. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate tools or multiple attachment operations, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If multiple attachments and tools are used to secure the panel, then the panel connection reliability is improved, but the time required for installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanisms are designed to operate as a coordinated system where movement of a single actuator simultaneously engages or disengages all latches. This merging of operations reduces the time required for panel installation and removal while maintaining the reliability of multiple attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanisms are pre-positioned and configured to engage with the vehicle structure at predetermined locations. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid engagement and disengagement without requiring complex alignment or sequential operations, reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If the latches are contained within the panel body periphery, then the ease of operation is improved, but the latch engagement capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are designed with dynamic movement capability, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. When retracted, they remain within the panel periphery for easy operation and removal. When extended, they engage with the vehicle structure to provide reliable connection. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and engagement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure, for example a vehicle roof, may define an opening receiving one or more removable panels. The removable panels may each include a panel body configured to cover the opening, and a plurality of latches. The latches may each be positioned adjacent a respective edge of the body and configured to translate between different positions. The removable panel may also include an actuator and a plurality of latch links, with each latch link having a first end connected to a corresponding one of the latches, and each latch link having a second end operably linked with the actuator. Rotation of the actuator may drive each of the latches from an open position of the latch to a closed position, while rotation of the actuator in an opposite direction may drive each of the latches from the closed position of the latch to the open position of the latch.