A design carbon fiber roof Will accommodate a metal roof or sunroof. It depends on you. When you buy a new car you have access to different options if you order a new (BMW 3) series for example you can have a standard metal roof or you can choose a sunroof. In Germany you can also get a car with a carbon fiber roof panel, such as the range-topping M3. That’s part of why a sunroof costs so much more than a regular roof But what if there was a way to simplify the manufacturing process and thus reduce the cost of the charged roof option, the German automaker suggests just that and more in a patent filing uncovered by Car Buzz. What is it
Your typical construction process involves structural bracing at different points depending on each roof application. The roof structure is cast in specific molds and you need a new casting for each new roof design eg. Typically, a glass sunroof adds weight and requires beefier supports to maintain structural integrity, whereas a carbon fiber roof does not.
Additionally, a sliding sunroof requires additional channels to slide cabling and other roof-mounted items (BMW) suggesting it boils down to playing with Lego. The patent refers to a single modular roof design. Regardless of the final type of roof panel, it will be mounted on a type of reinforcement frame with transverse frame sections running across the top of the windshield area. The same supports run across the entire area above the rear window. But unlike traditional frames, this one longitudinally below the center will include the web that will act as a supporting structural member between the front and rear transverse windshield braces This longitudinal bar will connect two transverse (side-to-side) supporting mounts down the middle, but what if you opt for a sunroof?
Extending vertical arms extending outwards attached to additional longitudinal supports on either side of the sunroof running from the front Windshield transverse bars under the sides of the sunroof and behind the opening Standard for a full glass roof The modular roof design will continue That is, the structural bar would appear. From the inside, it would probably look like a T-top roof with glass portals. The location of the longitudinal support will remain the same regardless of the type of roof panel unless you have a sunroof, in which case the center bar will be the part that connects to the bars on either side of the opening. will be replaced by Each roof panel fitted will have the same mounting points and slots which means the factory will be able to assemble each type of panel on an assembly line as the body of the car is assembled before the roof panel is installed.
The structure will remain the same. Applications (BMW) notes that this would be an ideal design for a vehicle with at least two rows of seats, so it is not intended for coupes and convertibles, for example for vehicles such as the X7. The modular design will support any feature that will be installed on the roof This could include a sunroof, ambient lighting, touch-screen air conditioning and more (BMW) says the idea could improve installation space utilization, simplify the assembly process and reduce costs. What’s more, although not specifically referenced, the design could potentially accommodate unique roof designs such as the open-top falcon wing roof that BMW patented last year that makes it easier to access the interior of the Concept ( With more extreme design ideas offered by XM) it’s only a matter of time before BMW starts experimenting with the roof of your next car.
0 Comments