Motor Vehicle Roof Wedge Span Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The structural organization of motor vehicle bodies is disrupted by variations in vehicle models of different lengths, requiring adaptations in roof configuration and frame components, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rigid wedges into the roof to correct discrepancies in span between the roof and the frame, allowing for a common body architecture across varying vehicle lengths without altering the volume or density of flexible joints, and reducing the need for diverse manufacturing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible joints are used to compensate for span differences between roof and frame, then manufacturing and assembly tolerances are accommodated, but the volume and density of flexible joints are structurally limited and cannot sustainably compensate for span differences across different vehicle lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is divided into multiple sections with individual adjustable support points. Each section can be independently positioned using rigid wedges to correct span discrepancies, allowing the roof structure to adapt to different vehicle lengths without requiring a complete redesign of the entire body architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid wedges are introduced as intermediary elements between the roof and frame. These wedges act as correction members that adjust the span relationship without requiring changes to the flexible joints themselves, thereby maintaining their volume and density while achieving adaptability across different vehicle models.
2Reliability
If bodywork components are adapted for each vehicle model length, then correct roof bearing is achieved, but manufacturing costs and tool diversification increase
Solution Approach 1:
A common set of bodywork components and manufacturing tools is designed to serve multiple vehicle models of different lengths. The rigid wedge correction mechanism allows the same base architecture to be used across the range, with adjustments made through the wedge system rather than through model-specific component variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical dimensions and configurations of bodywork components for each vehicle model, the invention changes the span parameters through rigid wedge insertion. This allows the same components to be used across different vehicle lengths by adjusting the span correction rather than redesigning the components themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid wedges are incorporated into the roof, then span discrepancies are corrected and common body architecture is maintained, but the roof structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid wedge system provides a dynamic adjustment capability to the roof structure. The wedges can be inserted or removed to correct span discrepancies, making the roof structure adaptable without requiring a completely rigid or completely flexible design. This dynamic element allows correction while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle body (1) equipped with a curved roof (2) supported on a framing (3, 4a-4d) formed by the body (1). The framing (3, 4a-4d) is composed of body elements which are assembled together, at least the lateral side members (3) of which are braced by cross-members (4a-4d) which are distributed along the body (1) and comprise a front cross-member (4a), a rear cross-member (4d) and at least one middle cross-member (4b, 4c). The roof (2) incorporates at least one rigid wedge (6a, 6b; 7a, 7b), via which the roof (2) bears against the framing (3, 4a-4d), said at least one wedge (6a, 6b; 7a, 7b) forming a member for correcting a difference of span of the roof (2) against the framing (3, 4a-4d) between a span of the roof (2) against the front cross-member (4a) and a span of the roof (2) against the framing (3, 4a-4d) behind the front cross-member (4a).