Vehicle Sunroof Drive Synchronization via Load Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunroof apparatuses with paired opening and closing drive units at the widthwise ends of the roof opening are prone to misalignment and lodging issues due to differences in coupled states between the movable bodies and panels during tilting and sliding operations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sunroof apparatus with a control device that detects load variations caused by switching of coupled states between movable bodies and panels, allowing for reverse movement control of the drive units to maintain synchronized switching between the tilting and sliding states, preventing lodging and ensuring smooth state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pair of opening and closing drive units are provided at widthwise both end portions of the roof opening, then the movable panel can be opened and closed effectively, but misalignment and lodging may occur between the left and right drive units due to rattling and different coupled states
Solution Approach 1:
The control device detects load variations in each drive unit during operation and uses this feedback information to determine when switching has occurred. Based on this feedback, the control device can coordinate the operation of both drive units to maintain synchronization and prevent misalignment between the left and right sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device proactively manages the switching timing between tilting and sliding states for both drive units. By detecting load variations and predicting when switching should occur, the control device can coordinate both drive units to switch at the same time, preventing the misalignment problem before it occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupled state is switched in one drive unit but not the other, then differential movement occurs between left and right sides, but this leads to lodging in the opening and closing drive units
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors load variations in both drive units and uses this feedback to detect when switching has occurred. This allows the control device to identify and correct asynchronous switching conditions before they lead to lodging, ensuring both drive units remain synchronized.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device takes preliminary action to prevent lodging by detecting load variations and coordinating the switching timing of both drive units. By anticipating potential asynchronous switching conditions and correcting them proactively, the system prevents the harmful effect of lodging before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sunroof apparatus includes: a pair of first and second opening and closing drive units provided in a widthwise direction, the pair of first and second opening and closing drive units each including: a rail extending in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle; a movable body provided so as to be movable on the rail; and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the movable body to a movable panel provided in a roof opening portion, and arranged at widthwise both end portions of the roof opening portion so as to be capable of opening and closing the movable panel; and a control device configured to control operations of the opening and closing drive units.