Sliding Roof Cover Assembly With Eccentric Lift and Rail Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding cover assemblies for vehicles, particularly waterborne vehicles, require significant strength to move the cover element between the closed and raised positions due to the need for manual operation and lack of efficient displacement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The sliding cover assembly incorporates eccentric levers as raising levers, connected to control elements that can be rotated to lift the cover element, and includes a brake mechanism to secure the cover in the raised position, allowing for easier and more efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional raising levers are used to move the cover element between closed and raised positions, then the cover element can be displaced, but significant strength is required making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The raising lever is replaced by an eccentric lever (control element) that changes the mechanical parameter of force transmission. The eccentric hinge connection creates a mechanical advantage where small rotational forces on the operating bar generate sufficient lifting force to move the cover element against gravity and friction, dramatically reducing the effort required by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is segmented into two independent control elements (eccentric levers) that can be operated separately or synchronously. Each control element handles one side of the cover element, allowing distributed force application and enabling easier operation compared to a single centralized lifting mechanism.
2Productivity
If the cover element is raised for displacement, then the cover can be moved in longitudinal direction, but the cover must be manually operated requiring significant strength
Solution Approach 1:
The operating bar with non-circular cross-section changes the operational parameter from difficult manual lifting to easy rotational manipulation. The ergonomic shape and rotational motion provide mechanical advantage, enabling rapid and easy operation that improves productivity without compromising ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element displacement is achieved through periodic rotational action of the control elements rather than continuous manual force application. The eccentric levers convert periodic rotation into the necessary lifting and sliding motions, making the operation faster and more productive while maintaining ease of use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover element is raised to open position, then the roof opening is at least partially open, but noise behavior is degraded without securing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is merged with the existing control elements and slider bodies. The same control elements that raise and lower the cover element also activate the brakes through their rotational motion, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while effectively addressing noise behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the rotational motion of the control elements. When the control elements are rotated to specific positions, they automatically engage the brakes on the guide rails, securing the cover element without requiring additional user action or complex external locking systems.
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
This configuration reduces the effort required to move the cover element, enhances user comfort through synchronous operation of control elements, and improves noise behavior by securing the cover in the raised position.
Implementation Method 1
at least one brake tab which can be elastically pushed against the respective guide rail by means of the respective control element is provided in each case
Implementation Method 2
A braking element, which is preferably made of rubber, can be disposed on each of the brake tabs in order to increase the braking force
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding cover assembly for a vehicle, in particular a waterborne vehicle, the sliding cover assembly having a cover element displaceable between a closed position, in which a roof opening is closed, and an open position, in which the roof opening is at least partially open, and a displacement mechanism for the cover element, the displacement mechanism having a slider on either side of a longitudinal center plane of the cover element, each slider being guided in a sliding manner in a respective guide rail attached to the roof, and a raising lever connected to the cover element being hinged to each slider. The sliders each have a slider body and a control element which is mounted on the slider body in such a manner that it can rotate about an axis of rotation and to which the respective raising lever is hinged eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation.