Articulated Soft Top Frame for Compact Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable soft top systems for SUVs are difficult to install and detach due to complex assembly requirements and ineffective fastening systems, and they often fail to store compactly and neatly in the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A soft top system with a support frame comprising a transversely extending removable rear bow, pivotally connected side rails, and intermediate bows that allow for easy attachment and detachment, along with a method for folding and storing the top, utilizing articulated pivots and connectors to secure the fabric cover and facilitate compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex assembly requirements and multiple similar parts are used in removable soft top systems, then the structural integrity and support function are improved, but the ease of installation and detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into distinct segments (side rails, rear supports, intermediate bows) that are designed to connect through simple pivot joints rather than complex assemblies. Each segment maintains its structural function while enabling straightforward attachment and detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pivot joints that allow dynamic movement between connected components during installation and storage. The rear supports can pivot between an extended position (providing structural support when installed) and a retracted position (facilitating compact storage), making the structure adaptable to different operational states.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening locations are used to secure the fabric cover, then the reliability of the fastening system is improved, but the number of potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are combined into integrated connection points where the fabric cover attaches to the support frame. Rather than separate fasteners at numerous locations, the design consolidates attachment mechanisms at key structural joints, reducing the total number of fastening locations while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If removable soft top systems are designed without articulated pivots, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the compact storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Articulated pivot joints are incorporated at key connection points (rear supports to side rails, intermediate bows to side rails) enabling the support frame to collapse into a compact configuration for storage. The pivots allow components to rotate and nest together, dramatically reducing storage volume while requiring only simple pivot mechanisms that are easy to manufacture.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the rear supports are rigidly connected to the rear bow, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to reduce tension during attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear supports are connected to the rear bow through pivot joints rather than rigid connections. During attachment, the pivots allow the rear supports to rotate and align properly, reducing tension on the fabric cover. Once installed, the structure provides adequate stability for its intended function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints enable preliminary alignment and positioning actions before final securing. The rear supports can be preliminarily positioned at an angle to facilitate attachment, then adjusted to their final position, allowing tension-free installation of the fabric cover.
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 system enables easy installation and removal of the soft top, reduces tension on the cover during attachment, and allows for neat and compact storage in the vehicle, addressing the complexity and storage issues of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
each end of the rear supports has an upper link and a lower link that are connected to each other by pivot joint. The upper and lower links are aligned when the top cover assembly is attached to the vehicle. The upper and lower links are selectively pivoted to an angular orientation relative to each other to reduce the tension applied to the top cover assembly by the rear supports.
Implementation Method 2
An upper end of each of the rear supports is pivotally connected to the rear bow and the side rails are pivotally connected to the rear bow. The rear supports are secured to the rear bow by a pivot connection so that the rear supports may pivot inwardly to a position parallel to the rear bow. Similarly, the side rails are secured to the rear bow by a pivot connection so that the side rails may pivot inwardly to a position that is also parallel to the rear bow.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable top assembly for a vehicle and method of providing a removable top cover for a vehicle is provided. The removable top assembly includes a fabric cover over a frame. The frame includes a rear bow that is pivotally connected on opposite sides to side rails and a C-pillar. A one bow is latched to a fixed transverse beam. A two bow is detachably secured to right and left side rails that are in turn attached to right and left fixed side beams of the vehicle.