Sequential Sunshade and Closure Drive Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open roof assemblies for vehicles that use a single drive motor to operate both the closure and sunshade members require complex and costly drive assemblies, which increase weight and occupy valuable space, making them inefficient in terms of cost, weight, and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A drive assembly comprising a guide, slider member, first and second lever members, and a single drive motor that moves along a slider track, where the slider member is coupled to either the sunshade member or the closure member depending on its position, allowing sequential operation of both members with a simple and reliable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a single drive motor is used to operate both closure member and sunshade member, then cost and weight are reduced, but device complexity increases due to the need for complex drive assembly mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive functions for both the closure member and sunshade member into a single drive assembly with one motor. The motor drives a slider member that can selectively engage with either the closure member or sunshade member through a unified mechanism, eliminating the need for separate drive motors and reducing overall system complexity despite the selective engagement requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can perform multiple functions: it can operate the closure member, operate the sunshade member, or operate both sequentially. The slider member and locking levers create a multi-functional system where a single drive motor serves multiple operational purposes through different engagement configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex drive assembly is used to separate operation of closure member and sunshade member, then selective operation is achieved, but height of drive assembly increases reducing interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of separate drive mechanisms (which would increase height) to a horizontal linear arrangement using a slider member that moves along a track. The locking levers engage at different positions along the linear track, enabling selective operation without requiring vertical space for multiple separate motors and mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive track is segmented into different zones: a first zone for engaging the closure member and a second zone for engaging the sunshade member. The slider member can be positioned in different segments of the linear track to selectively engage different components, enabling functional separation without increasing overall assembly height.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated drive motors are provided for each member, then operation simplicity is achieved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single motor-driven system. The unified drive assembly with slider member and locking levers provides automated sequential or selective operation, maintaining ease of operation through centralized control while significantly reducing weight compared to multiple separate motors.
Data Source
AI summary
An open roof assembly comprises a drive assembly having a slider member. The slider member comprising a coupling member, a first lever member coupled to a sunshade member and a second lever member coupled to a closure member. Each lever member comprises a mating member for coupling with the slider member and a locking lever for releasably engaging a respective locking recess. The slider member is sequentially couplable to one of the lever members. When the slider member is coupled to the first lever member, the sunshade member may be opened or closed by moving the slider member. When the slider member is coupled to the second lever member, the closure member may be opened or closed by moving the slider member.