Storing-Type Roof Link Structure Reducing Rotational Radius
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storing-type roof designs with large rotational radii struggle to compatibly achieve the desired-shaped beltline and storage in vehicle bodies, particularly when the beltline is configured for a sporty impression, leading to potential overlap issues and compromised cabin space.
Innovation Solution
A link structure for the storing-type roof with a drive mechanism that includes a drive unit with a drive motor and gear system, where the pivotal portion is located above the beltline, and an intermediate gear positioned to overlap the beltline, reducing the rotational radius and allowing for a smaller, more flexible storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rotational radius of the link mechanism is made large to ensure smooth operation, then the storing-type roof can be supported stably, but the opening/closing locus overlaps with the storing compartment or narrow portion of the opening, preventing proper storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the pivotal portion from a lower position to a higher position above the beltline, changing the spatial dimension of the rotation axis. This dimensional shift allows the opening/closing locus to follow a different trajectory that avoids overlapping with the storing compartment, thereby resolving the contradiction between support stability and storage space availability.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle height is increased or vehicle longitudinal length is extended to avoid overlap between the opening/closing locus and storing compartment, then the storing-type roof can be stored, but the sporty feeling is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing vehicle height or length to avoid overlap, the patent uses dimensional change by repositioning the pivotal portion above the beltline. This allows the opening/closing locus to be redirected into a different spatial plane, avoiding the storing compartment without compromising the vehicle's compact dimensions and sporty appearance.
3Device complexity
If the pivotal portion is positioned at a lower level to simplify the link mechanism structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the opening/closing locus overlaps with the storing compartment, preventing proper storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the pivotal portion to a higher dimension (above the beltline) rather than simplifying the mechanism structure. This positional change in space allows the link mechanism to maintain its functionality while the opening/closing locus avoids the storing compartment, achieving both proper storage and acceptable mechanism complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the drive device is positioned to accommodate a large rotational radius, then the link mechanism can operate smoothly, but the drive device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the pivotal portion above the beltline, the patent changes the spatial configuration of the link mechanism. This dimensional change reduces the required rotational radius while maintaining smooth operation, thereby allowing the drive device to be more compact and less complex.
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 enables the storing-type roof to be stored compatibly within the vehicle body while maintaining the desired beltline shape, preventing overlap and optimizing cabin space, even with a slant or throttling beltline configuration, and allows for a smaller, more efficient drive device.
Implementation Method 1
a drive device to rotationally drive the drive link around a rotational axis of the pivotal portion, wherein the drive device comprises a drive unit including a drive motor and a drive gear connected to the drive motor
Implementation Method 2
a driven gear provided at the drive link and having a gear shaft center thereof which matches the pivotal portion of the drive link, and an intermediate gear engaging with the drive gear and the driven gear
Data Source
AI summary
There provided an openable roof, a link mechanism foldably supporting the openable roof, and a drive device to drive a drive link of a link mechanism. The drive device comprises a drive unit including a drive gear connected to a drive motor, a driven gear provided at the drive link, and an intermediate gear engaging with the drive gear and the driven gear. The drive unit is located at a lower level than a beltline of the vehicle body, the driven-gear pivotal portion is located at a higher level than the beltline, and the intermediate gear is located at a specified level such that the intermediate gear overlaps the beltline in a side view.