Convertible Separating Wall Kinematic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating devices for convertible vehicles require manual actuation and additional drives, limiting user comfort and efficiency in configuring the cargo space based on the top's position.
Innovation Solution
A separating device with a coupling mechanism that transmits the top's displacement movement to a pivotal movement of the separating wall around a single axis, eliminating the need for a separate drive and manual actuation, using a pull cable arrangement and spring pre-tensioning for automatic positioning, and optionally incorporating a tarp for protection and a collision sensor for obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate drive or manual actuation is used for the separating wall, then the separating wall can be positioned accurately, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The separating wall actuates itself automatically by utilizing the movement of the top element through the coupling device. The system serves itself by converting the top's displacement movement into the separating wall's pivotal movement without requiring external manual intervention or separate drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation of the separating wall is merged with the top's movement sequence. The coupling device integrates the top element's displacement with the separating wall's pivotal movement, combining two previously separate operations into one unified action that occurs automatically during the top's movement.
2Productivity
If manual actuation is required for the separating wall, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The separating wall actuates itself automatically by utilizing the movement of the top element through the coupling device. The system serves itself by converting the top's displacement movement into the separating wall's pivotal movement without requiring external manual intervention or separate drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is pre-configured to automatically initiate the separating wall's movement at the appropriate moment during the top's displacement. The system is designed in advance to perform the separating wall actuation as part of the top's movement sequence, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the separating wall is automatically driven by kinematics, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the coupling device
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the top element's linear displacement movement into the separating wall's rotational pivotal movement. This mediator component enables automatic actuation by mechanically coupling the two movements through a defined kinematic relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex separate drive systems or manual actuation mechanisms are replaced with a kinematic coupling system. The coupling device uses mechanical advantage and geometric relationships to automatically convert one type of movement into another, substituting simpler mechanical principles for more complex drive systems.
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
Enables automatic and efficient configuration of the cargo space without manual intervention, enhancing user comfort and safety by preventing damage from obstacles and maintaining a defined cargo space size.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which pre-tensions the separating wall towards the cargo space enlarging position or towards the storage space enlarging position
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device for a storage space (36) of a convertible vehicle having a top is proposed, which can be displaced between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position opening the vehicle interior upward, comprising a separating wall, which divides the storage space into a cargo space and a top receiving space and which can be pivoted around a pivotal axis (A), which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, between a horizontal cargo space enlarging position and a vertical receiving space enlarging position. The separating wall is connected to a coupling device, which transmits a displacement movement of a top element to a pivotal movement of the separating wall.