Convertible Roll-Over Safety Device Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for convertibles with roll bars face challenges in optimizing installation space, particularly in reducing the height of the means for influencing the rear window to allow for a lower storage height of the convertible top when folded.
Innovation Solution
The impulse drive and piston are arranged parallel to each other, with a deflection lever connecting them, allowing for a reduced overall height of the means for influencing the rear window, and the piston is designed to prevent uncontrolled movement, enabling a lower overall height and improved packing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the impulse drive and piston are arranged one behind the other, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the height of the means for influencing the rear window increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement (one behind the other) to a lateral arrangement (next to each other) of the impulse drive and piston within the housing. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the height of the means for influencing the rear window while maintaining structural coherence through the connecting rod mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the top is designed as a folding top, then the storage flexibility is improved, but the packing height increases due to the height of the means for influencing the rear window
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the impulse drive and piston laterally next to each other rather than longitudinally, the patent reduces the height dimension of the means for influencing the rear window. This enables the folding top to achieve a lower packing height when stored, improving storage efficiency without sacrificing folding functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the piston is allowed to move freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting rod as an intermediary element between the impulse drive and the piston. This mediator transmits the impulse in a controlled manner, ensuring the piston moves reliably to influence the rear window while maintaining ease of operation through the mechanical linkage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows the convertible top to be packed down to a low height when stored, enhancing storage efficiency and preventing the piston from becoming detached, thus ensuring effective deployment of the roll bar without increasing the device's height.
Implementation Method 1
The means for influencing the rear window has a pyrotechnic charge as an impulse drive
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A roll-over protective system (10) can move from a reeled-in inactive position into a reeled-out protective position (ST). An affective device (11) affects a cabriolet's folding-top (1) rear window (6) in such a way that, after activating this device, the roll-over protective system can smash a window's surface (8). This affective device has a pulsed drive (14) and a piston (15) that is moved by the pulsed drive and works together with a rear window so as to affect the rear window. An independent claim is also included for a folding-top for a cabriolet.