Convertible Top Tension Bow for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle tops with panel-bow designs have inefficiencies in storage position packaging, resulting in unused space due to the stacked arrangement of panel bows.
Innovation Solution
The top features a tension bow between linkage arrangements that limits the top cover at the rear, allowing for displacement between lowered and lifted positions via a tension rod arrangement connected to an actuating link, which drives the rear window bow into the storage position, optimizing the use of structural space by eliminating the need for gaps between panel bows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If panel bows are arranged in a stacked order in the storage position, then the top can be stored in a compact arrangement, but unused space remains below the rear window bow
Solution Approach 1:
The tension bow is made dynamically movable between a lowered position and a lifted position through the tension rod arrangement. This dynamic capability allows the tension bow to be repositioned during top actuation, enabling it to occupy the previously unused space in the storage position and achieve a more compact stacked arrangement of all panel bows.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension bow is preliminarily positioned in the lifted position before the top is fully stored. By预先 lifting the tension bow using the tension rod arrangement during the actuation sequence, space is prepared in advance for the panel bows to stack more compactly, eliminating gaps that would otherwise remain in the storage position.
2Ease of manufacture
If structural space is reserved for fabric folds between the rear window and center bows, then the top cover can be properly accommodated, but vehicle interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The need for reserved structural space for fabric folds is extracted and eliminated by redesigning the panel bow arrangement and tension bow positioning. The top cover is accommodated through the modified linkage geometry and panel bow stacking sequence rather than through预留 structural gaps, thereby removing the space reservation requirement and freeing up vehicle interior space.
3Productivity
If the top linkage is actuated quickly to reduce opening/closing time, then productivity is improved, but the sequence of panel bow displacement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The top actuation process is segmented into distinct phases through the multi-component linkage system. The tension rod arrangement acts as a separate actuating mechanism that can be controlled independently to first lift the tension bow, followed by the main top linkage actuating the other panel bows. This segmentation allows each component to move in its proper sequence while maintaining overall fast actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension rod arrangement serves as an intermediary mechanism between the drive means and the tension bow. This intermediary component enables controlled sequential displacement by mediating the force transmission, ensuring the tension bow is lifted in the correct phase before the main panel bows are actuated, thereby maintaining displacement sequence stability during quick operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A top of a convertible vehicle is provided having a displaceable top cover and a top linkage on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each linkage arrangement having two main links, pivotably mounted on a main bearing fixed to the vehicle and one of which is driven by means of a main drive, panel bows extending between the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements, a first one of said panel bows being a front bow, a second one being a front center bow, a third one being a rear center bow and a fourth one being a rear window bow, wherein a tension bow is arranged between the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements, which limits the top cover at the rear in the closed position and is displaceable between a lowered position and a lifted position by means of a tension rod arrangement.