Convertible Trim Panel Cable Actuation for Arm Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In convertible vehicles, the arms used in the convertible roof assembly often interfere with the vehicle body when transitioning from a stored to a covering position, as the trim panels do not efficiently open to allow the arms to pass through the vehicle body opening, leading to potential interference and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A trim panel system is introduced, featuring a hinge assembly, torsion spring for closure biasing, and a clock spring for opening biasing, along with a cable mechanism that moves the trim panel from a closed to an open position in conjunction with the arm's movement, ensuring the arms can pass through the vehicle body opening without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the trim panel remains in the closed position to maintain vehicle body integrity and aesthetics, then the vehicle body opening is closed and aesthetically pleasing, but the arms cannot move through the vehicle body opening without interference
Solution Approach 1:
The trim panel is opened in advance before the arms need to pass through the vehicle body opening. The cable mechanism is actuated to move the trim panel to the open position, creating clearance for the arms to move through without interference. This preliminary action prevents the harmful interference while maintaining the aesthetic closed position during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim panel transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open position when needed. The hinge assembly enables rotational movement, and the cable mechanism provides dynamic control to open the panel when arms need to pass through, then close it again when the operation is complete, adapting the vehicle body opening state to the operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If a simple hinge mechanism is used to open the trim panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the trim panel cannot be reliably moved to the open position to allow arms passage
Solution Approach 1:
A cable mechanism serves as an intermediary between the actuation system and the trim panel. The cable transmits force from the actuator through the hinge assembly to the trim panel, enabling reliable movement to the open position. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled, reliable operation while maintaining relative simplicity compared to direct mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a cable-based actuation system. Instead of using rigid mechanical connections to move the trim panel, a flexible cable system is used to transmit the opening force, simplifying the mechanical structure while ensuring reliable movement of the trim panel to the required open position.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the trim panel is opened to allow arms movement, then the arms can pass through without interference, but the vehicle body opening is exposed and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trim panel is opened only for the brief period necessary to allow arms to pass through the vehicle body opening, then immediately closed. This preliminary and temporary opening action prevents arm interference during the critical movement phase while minimizing the time the aesthetic appearance is compromised, restoring the closed aesthetic state as quickly as possible after the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim panel operates in a periodic manner: closed during normal operation to maintain aesthetics, opened periodically when arms need to pass through, then closed again. This periodic action alternates between the aesthetic closed state and the functional open state, ensuring that the harmful arm interference is prevented only when necessary while preserving the aesthetic appearance during the majority of operational time.
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
This solution allows the arms to move freely through the vehicle body opening as the convertible roof transitions, preventing interference and enhancing the vehicle's aesthetics by ensuring timely and smooth operation of the trim panel.
Implementation Method 1
The trim panel system further includes a torsion spring coupled between the vehicle trim panel and the hinge assembly. The torsion spring is configured to bias the vehicle trim panel toward the closed position.
Implementation Method 2
The trim panel system further includes a clock spring coupled between the bracket and the arm. The clock spring is configured to apply a force to the bracket to bias the vehicle trim panel toward the open position by urging the cable in a downward direction.
Implementation Method 3
The trim panel system includes a hinge assembly pivotally couple between the vehicle trim panel and the vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim panel system includes a vehicle trim panel movably coupled to a vehicle body. The vehicle body defines a vehicle body opening. The vehicle trim panel is configured to move between an open position and a closed position wherein the vehicle trim panel covers the vehicle body opening. The trim panel system further includes an arm movably coupled to the vehicle body and a cable coupled between the vehicle trim panel and the arm. As such, the vehicle trim panel is configured to move from the closed position toward the open position in conjunction with a corresponding movement of the arm relative to the vehicle body and through the vehicle body opening.