Vehicle Roof Panel Tempered Glass Ventilation Emergency Exit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof panels in vehicles fail to effectively serve as both ventilation devices and emergency exits, posing safety concerns during emergencies and inadequate ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A roof panel with a tempered glass pane and integrated ventilation device, secured by fastening members that remain attached to the vehicle body upon breaking, ensuring safety and functionality as both a ventilation and emergency exit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a roof hatch is designed to be large enough for emergency exit, then passenger escape capability is improved, but ventilation control and safety during normal operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency exit capabilityVSAvoidventilation control safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roof hatch is divided into two functional parts: a ventilation device that can control airflow during normal operation, and an emergency exit function that activates when the glass pane breaks. The fastening members are segmented to selectively retain the ventilation device while allowing the glass pane to be removed, enabling both ventilation control and emergency escape capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening members are designed with dynamic retention characteristics - they maintain secure attachment during normal ventilation operation but are configured to release or remain attached only to the ventilation device framework after glass breakage. This dynamic behavior allows the system to transition from a controlled ventilation state to an emergency exit state while preventing the ventilation device from becoming a hazard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a ventilation device is integrated into the roof panel, then ventilation function is improved, but complexity of the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation functionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roof panel integrates multiple functions into a single structure: the glass pane serves as both a protective cover and a ventilation surface, the opening provides both ventilation passage and emergency egress path, and the fastening members provide both structural attachment and selective retention functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation device is merged with the roof panel structure itself rather than being a separate add-on component. The fastening members are integrated into the roof panel assembly, and the opening in the glass pane combines ventilation and emergency exit functions. This merging approach reduces structural complexity by eliminating redundant components and interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If tempered glass is used for the glass pane, then safety from sharp fragments is improved, but cost of materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass fragment sharpnessVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The glass pane undergoes a parameter change through tempering treatment, which transforms ordinary glass into tempered glass with enhanced safety properties. This thermal or chemical treatment process changes the internal stress distribution and physical properties of the glass, causing it to fracture into small blunt pieces rather than sharp fragments, thereby improving safety while accepting the associated material cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a safe and effective ventilation system while ensuring that the ventilation device and broken glass pieces do not pose a hazard, facilitating passenger escape and maintaining vehicle integrity during emergencies.

Implementation Method 1

a first fastening member (6) attached to the ventilation device (4) and to the vehicle body (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The tempered glass (i.e. a pre-stressed, toughened safety glass) is a glass that may be broken with a punctual force, and that falls into small pieces that are not sharp

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTempered glass fracture: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP2746080B1A roof panel

Publication Date: 2018.03.21 VALEO THERMAL COMML VEHICLES FINLAND LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a roof panel for a vehicle, comprising a glass pane (1) made of tempered glass, and being provided with an opening for the passage of air through the glass pane (1), and a ventilation device (4) attached to the glass pane (1) in connection with the opening, the ventilation device (4) being configured to control the air flow through the opening. The roof panel also comprises a first fastening member (6) attached to the ventilation device (4) and adapted to be attached to the vehicle (2).