Retractable Roof Support Lever Stability Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunroof systems lack stability and safety for the movable roof part in different functional positions, particularly during transitions between closed, ventilation, and open positions.
Innovation Solution
The carrier profile is articulated to a support lever with a sliding joint, providing additional support at the rear end, and a stationary support recess in the guide rail arrangement ensures stability, while a sliding joint at the front end and a water gutter fastening system enhance functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support profile is only mounted in the guide rail assembly by means of a sliding joint at the front end, then the structure remains simple, but stability and safety of the movable roof part are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into two separate support points: a front end sliding joint and a rear end support lever with support element. This segmentation provides stability at both ends of the support profile without creating a complex centralized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is given a circular arc curvature that is concentric with the pivot axis, adding a geometric dimension that enables the support element to be inserted into or removed from the support recess by means of a pivoting movement, thereby providing stability without complex locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional support elements and support levers are added to improve stability, then reliability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support lever serves multiple functions: it provides longitudinal support through the support element, enables pivoting motion for position transitions, and incorporates a receptacle for attaching the water channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support lever combines the support function, pivoting mechanism, and water channel attachment into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the support element has a circular arc curvature for easy insertion into the support recess, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support element and support recess are designed with coordinated circular arc curvatures that are concentric with the pivot axis. By standardizing the radius and center point of these arcs to match the pivot geometry, manufacturing precision is simplified while maintaining smooth operation.
4Ease of operation
If the support lever is made longitudinally displaceable for smooth roof section movement, then ease of operation improves, but stability during transitions may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support lever is designed to be longitudinally displaceable within the guide rail assembly through a support slide, allowing dynamic adjustment during roof section movement. The support element's circular arc curvature ensures that this displacement occurs smoothly while maintaining stable engagement with the support recess throughout the transition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sliding roof system with a movable roof section and a stationary roof section, and with at least one adjustment mechanism positioned in a guide rail arrangement for moving the roof section between a closed position, a ventilation position, and an open position (moved under the stationary roof section), wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a drive carriage driven by a drive system and a support profile rigidly connected to the roof section and operatively connected to the drive carriage by means of a cam guide, is known. According to the invention, the support profile is pivotally connected at its rear end region to a support lever, which is longitudinally displaceable in the guide rail arrangement by means of a support carriage, and a stationary support recess is provided in the guide rail arrangement in which a support element of the support lever is supported depending on the position of the support lever.