Vehicle Sunroof Guide Mechanism for Quiet Tilt-Down Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunroof devices experience mechanical restriction issues during the tilt-down operation, leading to potential striking sounds due to the contact between pins and guide grooves, which affects the smooth transition and operation of the movable panel.
Innovation Solution
The sunroof device incorporates a guide rail system with a sliding member and a support member featuring a first and second guide portion, along with a resin deflective portion and a rubber buffer body, which restricts movement and absorbs shocks during the tilt-down operation, preventing striking sounds by controlling the speed and posture of the movable panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical restriction is performed by contact between the front pin and rear pin with the lower wall of the second guide groove, then the tilt down state transition is completed, but striking sound occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a resin deflective portion on the support member that contacts the bottom wall before the pins reach the lower wall of the second guide groove. This resin portion deforms elastically to absorb the impact energy, preventing the striking sound that would occur from direct metal-to-metal contact while still ensuring reliable transition to the tilt down state.
2Ease of operation
If the engaging portion presses the guide portion to cause tilt down operation, then the movable panel transitions to tilt down state, but the movement restriction is insufficient without mechanical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid mechanical contact system to a system that incorporates elastic deformation. The resin deflective portion changes its physical state from undeformed to elastically deformed, allowing smooth movement restriction without the harsh mechanical contact that would compromise operation quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the first elastic member deforms elastically during tilt down operation, then striking sound is prevented, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the resin deflective portion directly into the support member structure. Rather than adding a separate cushioning component, the deflective portion is formed as part of the support member itself, combining the structural support function with the shock-absorbing function in a single integrated element.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents striking sounds during the transition to the tilt-down state by controlling the speed and posture of the movable panel, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the load on the sliding member, while allowing for adjustable elastic deformation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic member restricts movement of the sliding member to the rear of the vehicle with respect to the support member in a second state where the engaging portion that has passed through the first guide portion while elastically deforming the first elastic member and has entered the second guide portion presses the second guide portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sunroof device includes: a guide rail provided on each edge portion of an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle in a width direction; a sliding member supported on the guide rail so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a support member provided with a first elastic member and having a front end portion supported on the guide rail so as to be rotatable and slidable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the support member supporting a movable panel that opens and closes the opening, in which the sliding member includes a bottom wall located above the guide rail, a vertical wall provided upright on the bottom wall, and an engaging portion provided on the vertical wall, the support member includes a guide portion engaged with the engaging portion, and the guide portion including first and second guide portions.