Folding Top Linkage With Angled Extension For Convertible
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding tops for convertibles have complex linkage configurations, making them difficult to assemble and increasing production costs, while also complicating the movement sequence and force transmission between roof-frame portions.
Innovation Solution
A simplified folding top linkage with fewer links, where one roof-frame link has an angled extension that articulates with the drive link and coupling link, allowing for straightforward adjustment of link lengths to establish movement sequences and optimize drive efficiency, and incorporating a self-locking drive for passive stabilization in the stowage position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex folding-top linkage configuration is used, then the structural stability and movement control are improved, but the assembly complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connecting-joint mechanism and coupling linkage into an integrated structure where the coupling link is articulated directly on the main-joint mechanism, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining structural stability and movement control
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling link serves multiple functions: it connects the main-joint mechanism to the connecting-joint mechanism, transmits driving forces, and establishes the movement sequence between roof-frame portions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If more links are used in the folding-top linkage, then the movement sequence control and force transmission are improved, but the assembly difficulty and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate links into a fewer number of multi-functional links, where each link is designed to perform multiple operations in the movement sequence, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters (lengths, angles) of the remaining links to ensure proper movement sequence and force transmission, compensating for the reduced number of links through precise parameter optimization
3Volume of moving object
If the roof-frame link with angled extension is used, then the packing height in stowage position is reduced, but the linkage configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angled extension on the roof-frame link that utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement, allowing the linkage to achieve a compact packing height by folding along multiple angular planes rather than a single linear path
4Power
If the extension length is optimized, then the force-transmission ratio is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the extension length as a critical parameter to achieve the desired force-transmission ratio, using precise geometric calculations to determine the optimal length that balances force transmission efficiency with manufacturability
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified folding-top linkage is distinguished in that the two roof-frame links are articulated directly on the two roof-frame portions, in that one of the roof-frame links has an extension, which is angled in relation to said roof-frame link and extends beyond a point of articulation located on the second roof-frame portion, and in that the drive link is articulated on the extension and the coupling link.