Vehicle Roof Panel Lock Layout for Reduced Construction Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roof systems in vehicles have a large constructional height due to the integration of locking mechanisms at the front and tilting mechanisms, necessitating a large headroom package.
Innovation Solution
The first and second locking mechanisms are positioned remotely from the front and tilting mechanisms, connected by separate links, allowing for a reduced constructional height and optimized space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanisms are integrated at the front mechanism and tilting mechanism positions, then the roof system maintains proper locking function, but the constructional height becomes large requiring large headroom package
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are separated from the front mechanism and tilting mechanism into distinct components. The first locking mechanism is positioned at a guide rail section remote from the front mechanism, and the second locking mechanism is positioned at a guide rail section remote from the tilting mechanism, allowing each component to be optimized independently for both function and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are repositioned along the longitudinal axis of the guide rails rather than being stacked vertically at the front and tilting mechanism locations. This spatial redistribution reduces the constructional height in the vertical dimension while maintaining locking functionality through strategic positioning in the longitudinal dimension.
2Length of stationary object
If the locking mechanisms are positioned remotely and connected by separate links, then the constructional height is reduced and headroom is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Separate links are introduced as intermediary components to connect the remotely positioned locking mechanisms with the front mechanism and tilting mechanism. These links transmit mechanical forces and motions across the distributed architecture, enabling the remote locking mechanisms to function effectively despite their separated positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate links serve multiple functions: they transmit locking forces, guide panel motion, and coordinate the operation between the remotely positioned locking mechanisms and the front/tilting mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof system for a vehicle includes two guide rails extending in a longitudinal direction of said vehicle at lateral sides of a roof opening. A panel is movable between a closed position, a tilted position, and a fully opened position. A first locking mechanism maintains the panel in its closed position, while a second locking mechanism locks a tilting mechanism. A first locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section located completely ahead of and remote from a front mechanism or located completely rearward of and remote of the tilting mechanism, and is operatively connected to the front mechanism by a first link. Optionally, the second locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section located completely ahead of and remote from the front mechanism or located completely rearward of and remote of the tilting mechanism, and is connected to the tilting mechanism by a second link.