Vehicle Sunroof Frame Cable Channel Bevel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunroof frames experience noise and snagging issues with drive cables due to their design, which affects the smooth operation and reliability of the sunroof mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The frame features smooth, continuous run-in bevels on its wall sections with specific radii of curvature and a duct bridge in crossing areas to minimize noise and snagging, ensuring quiet and reliable cable guidance, with a design that includes a cover element for additional support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable duct designs with sharp edges and corners are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the drive cable experiences noise and snagging during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct features continuous run-in bevels with defined radii of curvature (first radius R1 approximately 1.0-2.0 mm, second radius R2 approximately 0.1-0.5 mm) instead of sharp edges and corners. This curved geometry guides the drive cable smoothly through the duct, eliminating noise and snagging while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes.
2Reliability
If wall sections are designed with large curvature radii, then cable running is smoother, but the channel widening becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct employs different curvature radii in different zones: a larger first radius R1 (1.0-2.0 mm) in the initial run-in area for smooth cable entry, and a smaller second radius R2 (0.1-0.5 mm) in the transition area to control channel widening. This localized variation in geometric quality optimizes both cable guidance and dimensional control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the frame structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but cable crossing areas cannot be properly supported
Solution Approach 1:
In cable crossing areas, a duct bridge is introduced as an intermediary structural element. This duct bridge prevents the drive cable from being slacked off and leaving its desired guideway when loaded, ensuring reliable cable guidance without complicating the overall frame structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The utility model provides a frame of a sliding roof of a vehicle. The sliding roof comprises a covering part used for selectively opening or closing a roof opening, the frame comprises a frame body which is provided with at least one cable groove for guiding a driving cable, the driving cable is rigid when being compressed and can actuate with the help of a driving device supported by the frame body, the cable grooves are designed in a manner of enabling the driving cable to be guided alternately in the axial direction of the cable grooves from a first side with the help of upper wall portions and from a second side with the help of lower wall portions and to be exposed from a lower notch portion away from one side corresponding to the upper wall portions and from an upper notch portion away from one side corresponding to the lower wall portions, a covering part is arranged on the frame body in a corner portion area comprising water outgoing connecting members and is arranged between two upper wall portions or two lower wall portions in a manner of partly covering, and the upper notch portion or the lower notch portion align at the water outgoing connecting members in projection.