Convertible Top Panel Bow Linkage for Rear Window and Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding the top cover of a convertible vehicle into a rear-side top storage box is complicated, and the rear window has limited size due to the design of panel-bow tops, which also restricts the size of rear-side windows.
Innovation Solution
The top features bilaterally arranged rear link arrangements driven by a drive lever that lifts the rear bow first when transitioning from the closed to the storage position, allowing the front-side top portions to pivot under it, optimizing storage space and eliminating the need for seams in the C-pillar portion, enabling larger rear windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the top is folded into a rear-side top storage box, then the top can be stored, but the folding process is complicated and requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The top linkage is segmented into multiple independent bow elements (front bow, rear bow, and intermediate bows) that can be folded sequentially. The drive lever is divided into multiple arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that act on different bows at different stages of the folding process, allowing complex motion to be broken down into simpler sequential actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive lever is designed to lift the rear bow and intermediate bows before the main top portions are pivoted forward. This preliminary action of elevating the rear bow creates the necessary space and clearance for the subsequent folding motion, simplifying the overall folding sequence by preparing the path in advance.
2Area of stationary object
If the rear bow is designed to accommodate a rear window, then the rear window size is limited by the front-side top portions
Solution Approach 1:
The rear bow is elevated to a higher dimension (vertically lifted) before the top portions are folded forward. This vertical dimension change allows the rear bow to clear the horizontal path of the folding top portions, enabling the rear window to extend further backward without being constrained by the front-side top portions.
3Area of stationary object
If a large fabric portion extends between the main pillar and the rear window, then the rear-side side windows size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rear bow is lifted in advance before the top folding begins, which immediately reduces the required fabric length between the main pillar and rear window. By performing this preliminary elevation action, the fabric portion required is minimized, allowing larger rear-side side windows to be installed.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible top having a top cover and a cover linkage adjustable between a closed position and a storage position and which has a linkage arrangement on each of its two sides linkage arrangement pivotably mounted on a respective main bearing, which is fixed to the vehicle, via a main multi-joint arrangement comprising two main links, a rear bow realized as a panel bow mounted on each of the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements via a rear link arrangement. The two bilaterally arranged rear link arrangements can each be actuated by a drive lever, which drives the respective rear link arrangement starting from the closed position in a first opening phase while the main multi-joint arrangement is static and drives the respective rear link arrangement in the opposite direction of the respective main multi-joint arrangement in a second opening phase.