Vehicle Open Roof Panel Support Lever Guide Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open roof constructions for vehicles face challenges in providing stable support to panels during movement, particularly in ensuring seamless passage through seals without additional components or increased structural height.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a support lever guided in the same rail as the lifting lever, aligned in a longitudinal direction without overlap, allows for stable panel support and passage through seals, with the support lever taking over lifting functions to achieve higher panel positions without increasing the control slide height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting member is used to move the panel, then the panel can be opened, but stable support in all positions cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting function and support function into a single integrated lever system. The lifting member is designed to perform both lifting operations and provide stable support throughout the panel's movement range, eliminating the need for separate lifting and support mechanisms. This merging of functions ensures continuous stable support while maintaining opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between lifting mode and support mode. The lever's geometry and pivot points are configured so that it can actively lift the panel during opening, then dynamically adapt to provide stable support in various positions including fully open and intermediate positions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional components are added to improve panel support, then stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs lifting, supports the panel in intermediate positions, and provides stable support in the fully open position. This universal design eliminates the need for additional dedicated support components, maintaining simplicity while achieving comprehensive support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (lifting, intermediate support, final position support) into a single lifting member structure. By combining these functions rather than using separate components for each, the design achieves stable panel support without increasing device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lifting member is positioned to provide stable support, then panel stability improves, but passage through seals becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member is designed with locally optimized characteristics: in regions where seal passage is required, the member has reduced width or offset positioning to clear the seals; in regions where support is required, the member maintains full structural integrity. This local differentiation allows stable support functionality while enabling smooth passage through seals without additional components.
4Length of moving object
If greater lifting height is achieved, then panel opening capability improves, but Z-package height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member utilizes a multi-dimensional movement path rather than a simple vertical translation. By incorporating rotational and lateral movements in addition to vertical lifting, the system achieves greater panel lifting height without proportionally increasing the height of the control slide mechanism. The lever's angular motion and offset pivot points enable extended lifting range within a compact vertical envelope.
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 configuration enables a compact and stable open roof construction that allows for greater lifting height with a smaller Z-package, reducing wear on seals and simplifying the structural design by eliminating the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a first or rear device (5) comprising a lifting member, here in the form of a lifting lever (16) and a support lever (17)
Implementation Method 2
The lifting lever (16) cooperates with the control slide (15) through at least two pin-curve connections
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
An open roof construction comprising a panel (3), and a first device (5) for raising the rear side of the panel moving it above an adjoining roof part (2'). The first device (5) includes a lifting member (16) cooperating with a control slide (15) for moving the panel at least to a venting position. The control slide (15) and the lifting member (16) are guided by a longitudinal guide rail (28) alongside the roof opening and below the adjoining roof part (2'). A passage opening (25) alongside the adjoining roof part (2') above the guide rail (28) allows passage of the lifting member (16) in positions of the panel (3) above the adjoining roof part (2'). A support lever (17) cooperates with the control slide and supports the panel in positions in which it is above the adjoining roof part (2'). The support lever (17) is guided in the guide rail (28) and is adapted to also pass through the passage opening.