Vehicle Wind Deflector Fastening System for Compact Roof Cutouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflectors for openable vehicle roofs require significant installation space, reducing the maximum size of the roof cutout and view area, and their production is complex due to the need for expensive injection molding tools with slides.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system using a fixing rib and latching/support brackets that engage alternately from opposite sides, minimizing space requirements while maintaining stability, allowing for a larger transparent roof section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastening system with piping channels and rear hooks is used, then the deflector element can be securely connected, but the installation space requirement increases and the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into a fixing rib with multiple receptacles and corresponding tabs on the edge strip, allowing distributed secure connection points along the longitudinal direction while maintaining a compact transverse profile
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a three-dimensional piping channel structure to a two-dimensional tab-and-receptacle arrangement on a narrow fixing rib, reducing the space requirement in the transverse direction while maintaining connection security through alternating tab engagement
2Reliability
If a conventional fastening system with piping channels is used, then the deflector element can be connected, but the production cost increases due to complex injection molding tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into a fixing rib with multiple receptacles and corresponding tabs on the edge strip, allowing distributed secure connection points along the longitudinal direction while maintaining a compact transverse profile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex injection molding tools with slides with a simpler fixing rib design featuring recesses and tabs that can be manufactured with standard, less expensive molding tools, reducing tooling costs while maintaining fastening effectiveness
3Area of stationary object
If a narrow fixing rib is used, then the installation space is reduced and roof view area is increased, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The edge strip is pre-formed with tabs that correspond to receptacles on the fixing rib, ensuring proper alignment and engagement before final assembly, which maintains stability during the assembly process despite the narrow profile
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into a fixing rib with multiple receptacles and corresponding tabs on the edge strip, allowing distributed secure connection points along the longitudinal direction while maintaining a compact transverse profile
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wind deflector for a vehicle roof which can be opened, having a displaceable cover element, comprising a stretchable deflector element (26) which is made from a flat, flexible material and which, on its lower end region, is fastened via a lower edge strip to a vehicle-mounted base and, on its upper edge region, is fastened via an upper edge strip to a pivotable extending clip, wherein the lower edge strip and the vehicle-mounted base and/or the upper edge strip and the extending clip form a respective fastening system. The fastening system firstly comprises a fixing rib (34) and secondly a tab arrangement which is secured on the fixing rib (34) and is formed along the fixing rib from latching tabs (36) and supporting tabs in an alternating manner, wherein the latching tabs (36) and the supporting tabs lie against the fixing rib (34) from sides facing away from one another.