Single Motor Multifunction Drive for Moon Roof and Roller Shade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional moon roof systems require two drive motors, one for the glass panel and one for the roller shade, which occupy valuable space and limit headroom and design flexibility, making it difficult to achieve sleeker and more stylish vehicle designs, and are often underutilized due to concerns about noise and damage when both components are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction drive system using a single motor with a transmission that includes a sliding worm screw and actuator to selectively engage with either the moon roof or roller shade drive link, allowing both components to be operated independently with reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two drive motors are used (one for moon roof, one for roller shade), then both components can be operated independently, but the space overhead is increased and headroom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive motor is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively driving either the moon roof or the roller shade through a transmission mechanism. The motor unit serves as a universal drive that can operate both components independently when needed, eliminating the need for two separate motors and reducing overhead space.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive motor for the moon roof and the drive motor for the roller shade are merged into a single motor unit. This consolidation combines the functions of two separate drive systems into one compact component, reducing the total volume overhead while maintaining the capability to operate both components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two drive motors are used, then both components can be operated independently, but the system cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive motor is designed as a multi-functional unit that can drive both the moon roof and roller shade. This universality reduces the total component count, lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to operate each component independently through electronic control of the transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging two separate motor systems into one, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This consolidation decreases system cost while the transmission mechanism ensures both components can still be operated independently when required.
3Volume of moving object
If a single drive motor is used for both moon roof and roller shade, then space overhead is reduced and headroom is improved, but the complexity of the transmission mechanism is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single drive motor and the two load components (moon roof and roller shade). This intermediary device enables the motor to selectively engage with either component through a sliding worm screw that can be positioned to drive the moon roof or the roller shade, managing the complexity through a well-defined mechanical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism incorporates a dynamically reconfigurable connection where the sliding worm screw can be actuated to engage with different worm gears depending on the desired operation. This dynamic switching capability allows a single motor to serve multiple functions without requiring a permanently complex transmission structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single drive motor is used for both moon roof and roller shade, then part costs are reduced, but the reliability of independent operation is reduced due to shared motor concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures independent operation of both components through a single motor. The sliding worm screw and actuator system provides reliable mechanical switching between driving the moon roof and driving the roller shade, preventing interference and ensuring that each component can be operated independently without concern for the other.
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 enables a single motor to efficiently operate both the moon roof and roller shade, reducing part costs and space usage, enhancing headroom and design freedom while maintaining a larger daylight opening, and allowing for smoother operation without noise or damage concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission may include a first drive worm wheel connected to the first drive link, a second drive worm wheel connected to the second drive link and a sliding worm screw
Implementation Method 2
The transmission of the multifunction drive system may further include an actuator to retain the sliding worm screw in the first position or the second position along the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A moon roof system includes a moon roof, a roller shade and a multifunction drive system. That multifunction drive system includes a single drive motor including a drive shaft, a first drive link connected to a first accessory or moon roof, a second drive link connected to a second accessory or roller shade and a transmission for selectively connecting the drive shaft to the first drive link and the second drive link. A related method is also provided.