Multi-Layer Convertible Top Element for Vehicle Noise Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible vehicle soft tops lack sufficient acoustic damping, leading to increased noise perception due to their low weight and compliance with air pressure, while hard tops offer better mechanical strength but limited noise absorption, resulting in lower acoustic comfort.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered convertible top element comprising an external water-repellent tier, a coupling layer for improved vibration and visual appearance, a planar bow for mechanical rigidity and damping, an absorbent layer for noise absorption, and an internal tier for sound transmission, optimizing aero-acoustics at reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If soft tops are used, then weight is reduced, but acoustic damping is insufficient leading to increased noise perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a multi-layer composite structure combining textile material with acoustic damping layers and planar bows. This composite construction integrates the lightweight advantage of fabric tops with the noise-damping properties of additional layers, achieving both weight reduction and improved acoustic performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces planar bows at specific locations within the convertible top structure to provide localized acoustic damping and structural rigidity. These planar elements are strategically positioned to address noise issues in critical areas without adding weight across the entire top structure.
2Strength
If hard tops are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but inherent weight increases and noise absorption is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses planar bows made of rigid material at specific locations to provide localized mechanical strength and structural support. This allows the majority of the convertible top to remain lightweight fabric, achieving sufficient strength without the need for a fully rigid hard top structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines rigid planar bow elements with flexible textile material to create a hybrid structure that exhibits both the mechanical strength of hard tops and the weight advantages of soft tops, while also improving noise absorption characteristics.
3Shape
If hard tops are used, then aerodynamic shape is optimized, but noise absorption capability remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aerodynamically optimized external shape of hard tops with internal acoustic damping layers and absorbent materials. This composite approach maintains the beneficial aerodynamic properties while adding noise absorption capability that pure hard tops lack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the convertible top into multiple functional layers: an external aerodynamic shell and internal acoustic damping layers. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function - the outer layer for aerodynamics and the inner layers for noise absorption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The multi-layered construction significantly enhances noise damping and absorption, achieving high acoustic comfort with reduced inherent weight compared to conventional hard tops, providing an optimal level of noise reduction and aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent layer (5), in particular a multi-layer absorbent, wherein the absorbent layer (5) in the installed state of the first convertible top element (1) in a convertible vehicle faces an interior of the convertible vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a coupling layer (3), in particular a damping layer, wherein the coupling layer (3) connects the external convertible top tier (2) and the planar bow (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible top element for a convertible vehicle has, in sequence: an outer cover layer, a coupling layer, a convertible top bow, an absorber layer and an inner cover layer.