Vehicle Roof Modules for Individual Light and Air Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle designs do not effectively allow for individual control of light and air penetration through the roof, leading to discomfort for occupants as what may be comfortable for one person may be unpleasant for another.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vehicle roof module system with motorized window and shade mechanisms, along with an operator-adjustable locking mechanism, allows for independent control of light exposure and air intake through four roof openings, enabling each occupant to customize their environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single roof opening is provided for all occupants, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but all occupants must share the same light and air conditions which reduces individual comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is divided into multiple independent roof modules, each corresponding to a specific occupant position. Each module can be independently controlled to provide personalized light and air conditions, resolving the contradiction between individual comfort and system simplicity by segmenting the roof into manageable, independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each roof module incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including motorized window panels and adjustable shades that can be independently positioned. This dynamic capability allows each occupant to customize their environment in real-time, achieving adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If motorized window and shade mechanisms are added to each roof module, then individual control of light and air penetration is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex motorized control system is segmented into identical, standardized roof modules. Each module contains its own window motor, shade motor, and control mechanisms as independent units. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual modules, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality of each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each roof module is designed as a universal unit that can be installed at any occupant position and performs multiple functions (light control, air penetration, shading). This multi-functionality in a standardized module design simplifies manufacturing by using common components and assembly procedures across all modules, rather than customizing each position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each occupant has independent control over their roof module, then personalized environment is achieved, but the number of control mechanisms and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented and distributed to each individual roof module rather than centralized. Each module has its own control mechanisms for window and shade adjustment, allowing independent operation. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by localizing control functions to manageable, independent units that can be controlled separately.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a plurality of individually controllable vehicle roof modules. Each of these modules includes: a frame, an adjustable wind deflector carried at a fore end portion of the frame, a window panel carried on the frame, and a first motor structured to selectively open the window panel by moving the window panel away from the fore end portion and over its aft end portion when electrically energized. Each module also includes a shade and a second motor structured to selectively adjust the shade over a range from an undeployed state to a deployed state when electrically energized. The modules each carry a locking mechanism with a locked state to fix the frame in a respective roof opening and establish an electrical power circuit to energize the motors; and an unlocked state to remove the frame from the roof opening, and open the electrical power circuit.