Sunroof Guide Pipe Holding Structure with Oblique Bank Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunroof apparatus guide pipe holding structures are prone to removal due to external forces, especially at curved recessed grooves where the guide pipe is only in line contact with engaging claw parts, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A holding structure featuring a guide pipe groove with an obliquely extending bank part and an inclined surface, along with cutout areas and slits, ensures surface contact with the guide pipe's outer surface, providing enhanced holding power and preventing removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engaging claw parts are provided to hold the guide pipe, then the guide pipe can be held in the frame, but the guide pipe is likely to be removed when external force is applied since only line contact is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from line contact (1D) to surface contact (2D) by designing the guide pipe groove with a curved inner surface that matches the outer surface of the guide pipe. This dimensional change in contact area significantly increases the holding strength and prevents removal under external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact parameter from line contact to surface contact by modifying the groove geometry. The curved inner surface of the groove creates extensive surface contact with the guide pipe, increasing friction and holding force to prevent removal under vibration and external loads.
2Ease of manufacture
If a recessed groove is formed in the frame for the guide pipe, then the guide pipe can be accommodated, but the guide pipe may still be removed when external force is applied due to the opened upper part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface contact instead of line contact by creating a curved groove surface, which maintains ease of assembly while significantly improving holding reliability under external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pipe groove is designed with a curved inner surface that conforms to the cylindrical outer surface of the guide pipe. This curvature creates optimal surface contact area, enhancing holding reliability while maintaining simple manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Force
If the guide pipe is pressed to the outer edge of the recessed groove, then the guide pipe can be held, but the guide pipe is likely to be removed from the outer edge when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the holding force from line contact to surface contact across the curved groove. This increases the effective contact area and friction force, making the guide pipe resistant to removal under external forces while maintaining proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the contact geometry from edge-based line contact to surface-based contact, the patent increases the normal force distribution and frictional resistance, preventing the guide pipe from being removed even when pressed against the groove edge under external loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A holding structure of a guide pipe of a sunroof apparatus is provided in which a guide pipe is difficult from being removed. In a frame 12 of the sunroof apparatus in which a guide pipe 25L covering a cable 22 is arranged, a bank part 601 extending obliquely upward from one of the sidewalls 502 of the guide groove 51L is formed on the one of the sidewalls, and a bottom portion 501 of the guide pipe groove 51L comes in surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower part of the guide pipe 25L and the bank part 601 comes in surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the guide pipe 25L.