Convertible Top Locking Hook Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tops with folding mechanisms have elaborate, cost-intensive, and heavy locking designs that lack a simple and effective way to secure the top in both operating and storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle top with a lightweight, cost-effective locking mechanism featuring height-adjustable locking hook arrangements on both sides of the vertical center plane, which secure the top element to various vehicle components, including pins on the body and rear window, and can synchronize the locking positions using coupling rods, eliminating the need for separate drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elaborate locking means is used to secure the top in the operating position, then the top can be securely locked, but the locking means becomes heavy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is divided into multiple independent locking hooks (front locking hook, middle locking hook, rear locking hook) that can be distributed at different heights. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable locking through multiple simple hooks rather than one complex heavy locking mechanism, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hooks are designed to be height-adjustable and can engage with different pins positioned at various heights on the vehicle body. This multi-functionality allows a single locking hook design to serve multiple locking positions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms for different heights, thus reducing weight and cost while maintaining reliable locking.
2Weight of moving object
If a simple locking means is used, then the design is lightweight and cost-effective, but the top cannot be locked in the storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hooks are made height-adjustable along guide rails, allowing them to dynamically change their engagement height. This dynamic capability enables the same simple locking hook to lock the top element in multiple positions including both the operating position and the storage position, providing versatility without adding complexity or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is designed to universally secure the top element in any vertical position by engaging with pins at different heights. The same locking hook structure can lock the top in the operating position, storage position, or any intermediate position, making the simple locking means versatile enough to cover all locking needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking hooks are used at different heights, then the top can be securely locked in various positions, but the locking means becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is segmented into independent locking hooks that can be individually positioned at different heights. Each hook is a simple, standardized component that can be independently adjusted and engaged. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity compared to a single complex multi-position locking mechanism, as each segment remains simple while collectively providing versatile locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hooks incorporate height-adjustable mechanisms with guide rails and positioning features that allow simple manual or automated adjustment to different heights. This dynamic adjustability enables multiple locking positions to be achieved using identical simple hook designs, reducing the complexity that would arise from designing different locking mechanisms for different positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A top for a convertible vehicle, displaceable between a closed position to cover a vehicle interior, and an open storage position, the top having a top linkage, which has a link arrangement on both sides with respect to the top vertical longitudinal center plane, each link arrangement pivotably mounted on a main bearing, which is fixed to the vehicle, a top element, which can be displaced between a lifted operating position and a lowered storage position by means of the top linkage, and a locking means on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each locking means being height-adjustable together with the top element and comprising a locking hook arrangement, which is displaceable between a locked position and a release position and which secures the top element, both in the operating and storage position, to at least one component fixed to the vehicle body.