Convertible Top Drive Wheel Arrangement Actuating Pivot Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current convertible vehicle top systems require separate drive motors and hydraulic cylinders for each pivot component, leading to inefficiencies and the inability to push the top against the front apron during closure due to decoupling issues.

Innovation Solution

A drive arrangement that uses a single drive wheel to actuate both pivot components, with a control element determining whether to drive one or both components, eliminating the need for additional drive motors and hydraulic cylinders, and allowing for simplified force transmission through a reduction gearing system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate drive motors and hydraulic cylinders are used for each pivot component, then each component can be independently actuated, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent actuation of pivot componentsVSAvoidnumber of drive motors and hydraulic cylinders

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single drive motor. The drive wheel arrangement with its control structure integrates the actuation of both the main link and tensioning bracket into one unified mechanical system, eliminating the need for separate drive motors and hydraulic cylinders for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive motor performs multiple functions through the drive wheel arrangement. By utilizing relative movement of the main link with respect to the main bearing, the same drive system can actuate different pivot components at different times, making the drive system universal rather than dedicated to a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single drive wheel acts on both pivot components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and reliability of actuation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of drive systemsVSAvoidcontrolled actuation of pivot components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drive wheel arrangement incorporates a dynamic control structure with a control element that can selectively engage with different portions of the control track. This dynamic mechanism allows the single drive system to reliably control which pivot component is actuated at any given time, maintaining actuation reliability despite using fewer drive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control structure acts as an intermediary between the single drive motor and the multiple pivot components. The control element moving along the control track mediates the force transmission, ensuring that the drive motor's output is reliably and selectively transmitted to the appropriate pivot component based on the desired operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the drive wheel arrangement utilizes relative movement of the main link for coupling, then the structure is simplified, but the top cannot be pushed against the front apron in the closed position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling mechanismVSAvoidfinal positioning of the top

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control structure is designed to maintain engagement of the control element with the control track throughout the entire motion sequence. This preliminary and continuous engagement ensures that the coupling remains active until the very end of the closing operation, allowing the top to be pushed against the front apron with precise final positioning rather than requiring early decoupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If additional control elements and Bowden cables are added to control the second pivot component, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol position detectionVSAvoidcontrol structure components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control element serves multiple functions within the single drive system. It not only detects the position of the main link but also controls the actuation of both the main link and tensioning bracket through its movement along the control track. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control elements and Bowden cables for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9895962B2Drive wheel arrangement for two pivot components of a top of a convertible vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 WEBASTO EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH

AI summary

A top of a convertible motor vehicle includes a linkage movable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position uncovering the vehicle interior to the top A linkage arrangement having first and second pivot components is on opposing sides of the linkage and pivotably mounted at a rear main bearing. A rotatable drive wheel is coupled to the two pivot components. When the drive wheel is rotated, the first pivot component is always subjected to a drive torque, whereas the second pivot component, as a function of the position of a control element guided by structure fixed relative to the main bearing, is either held in place or is subjected to a drive torque.