Vehicle Roof Rail Locking Layout for Reduced Headroom Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof systems have a large constructional height due to integrated locking mechanisms at the front and tilting mechanisms, necessitating a large headroom package.
Innovation Solution
The locking mechanisms are separated and positioned remotely from the front and tilting mechanisms, connected by links, allowing for reduced constructional height and optimized space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanisms are integrated into the front and tilting mechanisms at the same position, then the locking function is achieved, but the constructional height becomes large requiring a large headroom package
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are separated from the front and tilting mechanisms, placing them at different locations along the guide rails. This segmentation allows the locking functions to be performed remotely, reducing the constructional height at the mechanism locations while maintaining reliable locking through the linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Links are introduced as intermediary elements to connect the remotely positioned locking mechanisms with the front and tilting mechanisms. These links transmit the locking action over a distance, enabling the locking function to be performed at a location that does not increase constructional height while still effectively controlling the panel movements.
2Length of stationary object
If the locking mechanisms are separated and positioned remotely from the front and tilting mechanisms, then the constructional height is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional links and remote positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The links serve multiple functions: they connect the remote locking mechanisms to the front and tilting mechanisms, transmit locking forces, and enable synchronized operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing system complexity despite the remote positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are positioned at the same remote location along the guide rails, merging their spatial arrangement. This consolidation simplifies the overall system layout and reduces complexity by having a single remote locking station rather than distributed locking points.
3Length of stationary object
If the first locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section remote from the front mechanism, then the headroom is improved, but the requirement for additional links and remote connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are extracted from their traditional integrated positions at the front and tilting mechanisms and relocated to a remote position along the guide rails. This extraction eliminates the need for complex integrated locking structures at the mechanism locations, improving headroom while the links provide the necessary remote connections.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle with two guide rails (5) at opposite lateral sides of a roof opening (3), a panel (4) movable between a closed, tilted, and fully opened position, a front mechanism (F), a first locking mechanism (L1) for maintaining the panel in its closed position, a tilting mechanism (T), and a second locking mechanism (L2) for locking the tilting mechanism (T), the front mechanism (F) and the first locking mechanism (L1) as well as the tilting mechanism (T) and the second locking mechanism (L2) being separate mechanisms, wherein the first locking mechanism (L1) and optionally the second locking mechanism (L2) is located at a guide rail section (5') located completely ahead of and remote from the front mechanism (F) or located completely rearward of and remote of the tilting mechanism (T), and the first locking mechanism (L1) being operatively connected to the front mechanism by a first link (7), and the optional second locking mechanism (L2) being operatively connected to the tilting mechanism by a second link (9).