Composite Backlite Bow Integrating Mounting and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mounting of the backlite in panel-bow tops is cumbersome due to the need for separate molding trims and holders, which complicates the process and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
The backlite bow is designed as a frame-like composite part with a core layer and plastic cover layers, allowing for integrated connecting means and simplified mounting, where the core layer can be a honeycomb structure or plastic foam, and the cover layers are reinforced with glass or carbon fibers, enabling direct integration of fixing means and seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate molding trims and holders are used to mount the backlite, then the backlite can be mounted to the backlite bow, but the mounting process becomes highly cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backlite mounting function directly into the backlite bow structure by integrating connecting means (such as nuts, bolts, or adhesive surfaces) into the composite part itself. This eliminates the need for separate molding trims and holders, reducing the number of components and simplifying the mounting process to a single integrated operation.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple separate components are used for backlite mounting, then mounting can be achieved, but the construction height increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the backlite bow, connecting means, and sealing elements into a single integrated composite part, the patent reduces the overall construction height. The multi-layer composite structure (core layer between cover layers) allows internal integration of mounting features without adding external height, as the connecting means are embedded within the composite part thickness rather than added as separate external components.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate molding trims and holders are used, then the backlite can be secured, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural support, backlite mounting, sealing) into a single backlite bow composite part. This integration reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the complexity of producing the multi-layer composite structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The backlite bow is constructed as a composite part with a core layer and cover layers, allowing integration of connecting means within the material structure. This composite approach enables embedding of mounting features during the composite formation process, reducing post-manufacturing assembly steps and simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A top of a convertible vehicle, having a foldable top covering and a top linkage, from which the top covering can be displaced between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position releasing the vehicle interior to the top and which comprises a linkage arrangement on each of the two sides of the top linkage relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, panel bows extending between the two linkage arrangements arranged on both sides of the top linkage, said panel bows being arranged flush behind each other in the longitudinal direction of the top when in the closed position and being arranged atop of each other when in the storage position and one of the panel bows forming a backlite bow which accommodates a backlite. The backlite bow is realized as a frame-like composite part which encloses the backlite.