Sunroof Drive Cable Miniaturization via Tooth Meshing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunroof devices face limitations in miniaturization due to the strength requirements of drive cables, which are compromised when attempting to reduce size.
Innovation Solution
The sunroof device incorporates a drive cable with driving teeth that mesh with driven teeth on a sliding member, eliminating the need for holes in the cable and allowing for integral movement without strength reduction, using a guiderail and resin shoe member with metal plate support for enhanced coupling and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If engaging holes are formed in the drive cable to receive engaging claws, then the sliding member can be linked to the drive cable, but the strength of the drive cable is reduced and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the engagement function from the drive cable by removing the need for holes. Instead, engaging claws protrude from the sliding member to directly engage with driving teeth on the drive cable, separating the structural integrity of the cable from the engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having holes in the drive cable to receive claws, the invention inverts the arrangement by having claws on the sliding member that engage with teeth on the cable. This reversal eliminates the need to compromise the cable structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the drive cable is miniaturized, then the size of the sunroof device is reduced, but the strength of the drive cable is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement function is extracted from the drive cable body, allowing the cable to be designed as a solid, strong structure without holes. The engagement mechanism is relocated to the sliding member, enabling cable miniaturization without strength compromise.
3Ease of operation
If engaging holes are formed in the drive cable, then the sliding member can be coupled to the drive cable, but the drive cable requires larger size to ensure strength
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is extracted from the drive cable by removing holes and relocating the engagement mechanism to the sliding member. This allows the cable to be smaller and stronger while the sliding member handles the coupling function through its engaging claws.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4C
AI summary
A sunroof device comprising: a drive cable having driving teeth arranged in a longitudinal direction and being driven to move in the vehicle front-rear direction along a guiderail; and a sliding member that controls the posture of a functional bracket together with a movable panel, in conjunction with movement in the vehicle front-rear direction. The sunroof device also comprises: driven teeth formed on the sliding member, that are meshed with the driving teeth and restrict relative movement of the drive cable and the sliding member in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a mounted portion formed on the guiderail. The drive cable and the sliding member, in which the driving teeth are meshed with the driven teeth, are mounted on the mounted portion, and the mounted portion holds these in the vehicle lateral and vertical directions.