Sunroof Cable Securement Bracket for Controlled Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunroof assemblies face challenges in routing and securing cables of varying lengths, which can interfere with other components or become damaged, due to migration into undesirable areas during assembly or operation.
Innovation Solution
A cable securement structure comprising a rear housing with a cable-receiving groove and a cable securement bracket with a groove along a first arm, positioned to form a passage that encloses the cable, preventing interference and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are routed freely in the sunroof assembly, then ease of installation is improved, but cable migration causes interference with component operation and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing path is divided into multiple segmented channels formed by grooves in the rear housing, front housing, and side panels. These segmented channels guide the cable through specific pathways, preventing migration while maintaining ease of installation. The cable is divided into sections that fit into different grooves along its length.
Solution Approach 2:
Grooves and channels in the housing structures act as intermediary elements between the cable and the surrounding components. These intermediaries constrain the cable within defined pathways, preventing direct contact with moving parts while allowing the cable to maintain its routing flexibility.
2Reliability
If cables are secured in fixed positions, then interference with component operation is prevented, but adaptability to varying cable lengths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing system incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable tensioners and flexible groove configurations that can accommodate varying cable lengths. The grooves are designed to allow the cable to move within certain ranges while maintaining secure positioning, enabling adaptation to different cable lengths without compromising operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in cable tension and positioning based on cable length variations. By adjusting the tension and positioning parameters within the groove constraints, the system maintains reliable operation while adapting to different cable lengths used in various sunroof configurations.
3Reliability
If cables are routed through complex pathways, then cable migration and damage are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple routing functions are merged into integrated housing structures. The rear housing, front housing, and side panels collectively form the complete cable routing system through their grooves and channels, eliminating the need for separate routing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the sunroof mechanism, contain mounting points for components, and simultaneously form cable routing pathways through their grooves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated cable routing components, simplifying the overall device while protecting cable durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable securement structure is provided for a vehicle sunroof assembly. The structure includes a rear housing structured to be operably connectible to a vehicle roof and including a cable-receiving groove formed along an underside thereof and structured to receive a portion of a cable therein. The structure also includes a cable securement bracket including a cable-receiving groove structured to receive another portion of the cable therein, the bracket being structured to be securable to the rear housing underside so that the bracket groove is positioned opposite the rear housing groove so as to define a passage between the rear housing and the bracket.