Convertible Top Locking Mechanism with Integrated Link Counterelement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle tops require a high number of vehicle-attached interfaces for locking devices, leading to increased constructive work and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A convertible vehicle top design with a reduced number of vehicle-attached interfaces for locking devices, where the lock counterelements are integrated into the link assembly, allowing for a simpler and more cost-effective securing mechanism with fewer components, utilizing a locking device that secures the top linkage in multiple positions without additional components in the storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking devices each comprise a lock element and two vehicle-attached lock counterelements, then the top linkage can be secured in multiple positions, but the number of vehicle-attached interfaces increases leading to high constructive work and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The first lock counterelement is extracted from the vehicle structure and integrated into the link assembly itself. This removes the need for a vehicle-attached interface at that location, reducing the number of vehicle-attached interfaces from two to one per locking device, while maintaining the securing capability through the combination of the remaining vehicle-attached lock counterelement and the integrated first lock counterelement
Solution Approach 2:
The first lock counterelement is merged with the link assembly, combining two previously separate components (the lock counterelement and the link assembly) into a single integrated structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate vehicle-attached mounting points while preserving the locking function
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a top cover and a top linkage which is displaceable between a covering position, in which a vehicle interior is covered, and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is uncovered, and which comprises a link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle, each link assembly being pivotably mounted on a vehicle-attached main bearing and securable in at least two positions of the top linkage by means of a locking device comprising a lock element disposed on a first link of the link assembly, a first lock counterelement, and a second vehicle-attached lock counterelement. The first lock counterelement of each locking device is disposed on a second link of the respective link assembly.