Convertible Top Flap Sealing Surface Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing convertible top arrangements for motor vehicles require complex sealing mechanisms, including a decorative strip that serves as both a sealing surface and a visual transition, necessitating additional manufacturing steps and materials.
Innovation Solution
A convertible top arrangement where the sealing surface is formed directly on the surface of the top compartment flap, eliminating the need for a separate decorative strip, and utilizing a plastic surface with a grain or no grain, integrated into the top compartment flap's production, which simplifies the clamp seal arrangement and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate decorative strip is used to form the sealing surface, then the visual transition and sealing function are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surface is integrated directly into the top compartment flap's plastic surface, eliminating the separate decorative strip. The clamp seal contacts the plastic surface of the top compartment flap directly, merging the sealing function with the existing structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic surface of the top compartment flap serves multiple functions: it provides the structural surface of the flap, maintains aesthetic appearance through grain treatment, and directly provides the sealing surface for the clamp seal, eliminating the need for a separate decorative strip component.
2Reliability
If a decorative strip is used as sealing surface, then sealing is achieved, but additional assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surface is formed as an integral part of the top compartment flap during its manufacturing process. The clamp seal is directly mounted to contact the plastic surface of the top compartment flap, eliminating the separate assembly step of attaching a decorative strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surface is prepared in advance as part of the top compartment flap's plastic surface during its manufacturing process. The grain structure and surface properties are established beforehand, so no additional surface treatment or assembly steps are needed later.
3Reliability
If a separate decorative strip is used, then sealing function is achieved, but material cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is achieved using the existing plastic surface material of the top compartment flap. No additional decorative strip material is required, as the clamp seal contacts the plastic surface directly, reducing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic surface material of the top compartment flap performs multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, aesthetic appearance through grain treatment, and sealing surface for the clamp seal. This eliminates the need for separate decorative strip materials.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A covering assembly according to the invention for a motor vehicle has a cover (1) and a cover box lid (3, 4, 5) for closing a cover box (7). The cover (1) has a clamping bracket (9) which is pretensioned in the direction of the cover box lid in the closed state of the cover. A clamping bracket seal (11) is arranged on the cover in the region of the clamping bracket (9) in order to seal a gap between the cover and the cover box lid. A sealing surface (13) is formed directly by the surface of the cover box lid (3, 4, 5).