Cabriolet Hood Coupling Rods for Synchronized Flap and Lock Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabriolet vehicles require separate drives for flap arrangements and locking arrangements, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a coupling rod arrangement allows the flap and locking arrangements to be actuated by a single drive, using a cable pull or coupling rods, eliminating the need for separate drives and enabling synchronized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate drives are provided for flap arrangements and locking arrangement, then each component can be actuated independently, but the device complexity and number of drive means increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation of flap arrangements and locking arrangement into a single integrated drive system. The coupling rod arrangement mechanically links the flap actuator to the locking mechanism, allowing one drive means to simultaneously control both components through coordinated motion transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive means is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates the flap arrangements to open/close frame openings and simultaneously activates the locking arrangement to secure or release the hood. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated drives for each component.
2Device complexity
If a common drive is used for flap arrangements and locking arrangement, then the number of drive means is reduced, but the synchronization and coordination between components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod arrangement serves as a mechanical intermediary between the single drive means and the two different components (flap arrangements and locking arrangement). It translates and transmits the drive motion appropriately to each component, ensuring proper synchronization without requiring complex electronic control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate drives are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system efficiency and space utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the drive functions into a single integrated system, the patent improves space utilization within the vehicle and reduces overall system weight. The coupled actuation mechanism allows efficient use of available space while maintaining the ability to manufacture and optimize individual components through modular design of the coupling arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cabriolet vehicle having an opening hood which is displaceable between a closed position spanning the interior of the vehicle, and a stowage position which opens up the top of the vehicle interior and which comprises a hood frame which comprises a frame arrangement on each side in relation to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane wherein the frame arrangement is mounted pivotally on a main bearing fixed on the vehicle at the rear end and in the closed position of the hood engages through a frame opening arranged in a vehicle edge area wherein the opening can be covered by means of a flap arrangement when the hood is in the stowage position, as well as a locking arrangement which secures the hood in its stowage position.