Convertible Roof Roll Bar Covering for Aesthetic Offset Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roof constructions of motor vehicles with fixed roll bars have unesthetic lateral offsets that are exposed when the roof element is in the open position, as the opening and closing mechanism opens up these offsets, leading to an unsightly appearance.
Innovation Solution
A roof construction with a fixed roll bar featuring inwardly directed offsets, where coverings are assigned to each offset on the front side, which open to allow the mechanism's passage in the closed position and cover the offsets in the open position, using a spring-loaded mechanism to ensure reliable operation and a consistent aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening and closing mechanism opens up the lateral offsets of the roll bar to allow passage, then the mechanism can operate smoothly, but the lateral offsets become exposed and create an unesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is divided into multiple segments corresponding to each lateral offset of the roll bar. Each covering segment can independently open and close to accommodate the opening and closing mechanism while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The segmentation allows the covering to adapt to the mechanical requirements without compromising the overall visual integrity of the roll bar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering is designed as a dynamic element that can change its state between open and closed positions. In the closed position, it provides aesthetic coverage of the lateral offsets. In the open position, it allows passage of the opening and closing mechanism. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the covering adaptive to different operational states rather than being static.
2Shape
If coverings are added to conceal the lateral offsets, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is merged with the existing roll bar structure and the opening and closing mechanism. The covering segments are integrated into the overall roof construction system, sharing space and functional requirements with other components. This merging approach minimizes the addition of separate complex systems while achieving the aesthetic coverage goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage of the lateral offsets, allows passage of the opening and closing mechanism, and integrates with the existing roof construction. By designing the covering to fulfill multiple roles, the patent avoids adding unnecessary complexity while achieving the desired aesthetic improvement.
3Shape
If the covering remains closed to maintain aesthetic appearance, then visual quality is improved, but the opening and closing mechanism cannot pass through the offsets
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is designed as a dynamic element that can change its state between open and closed positions. In the closed position, it provides aesthetic coverage of the lateral offsets. In the open position, it allows passage of the opening and closing mechanism. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the covering adaptive to different operational states rather than being static.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering opens and closes periodically in synchronization with the operation of the opening and closing mechanism. During the brief period when the mechanism needs to pass through the offsets, the covering is open. During the remaining time, the covering is closed to maintain aesthetic appearance. This periodic action allows both aesthetic requirements and operational requirements to be satisfied at different times in the operational cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof construction of a motor vehicle has a fixed roll bar, and a roof element which, in the closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in the open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar in a convertible-top compartment. The roof element can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. With the roof element in the closed position, the mechanism penetrates lateral offsets of the roll bar and, in the open position, opens up the lateral offsets. The lateral offsets of the roll bar are each assigned, on the front side of the roll bar, a covering which, in the closed position of the roof element, opens up the lateral offset for the passage of the mechanism and which, in the open position, covers the lateral offsets.