Convertible Top Cover with Stretchable Fabric Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding tops in convertible vehicles face limitations in terms of weather resistance and longevity due to the need for materials with low stretchability, which restricts their design variability and adaptability to different configurations and driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stretchable portion made of elastically stretchable material between two fabric cuts of the top cover, allowing for relative movement and increased variability in shape, including the ability to change from a flat to a wider configuration and adapt to aerodynamic conditions, while maintaining weather resistance through appropriate placement and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If materials with low stretchability are used for the fabric cuts, then weather resistance and longevity are improved, but design variability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover is segmented into multiple fabric cuts (first fabric cut, second fabric cut, third fabric cut) that are connected via stretchable portions. This segmentation allows each fabric cut to maintain its weather-resistant properties while the stretchable portions provide the necessary adaptability and design variability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the top cover have different material properties: the fabric cuts are made of weather-resistant materials with low stretchability, while the connecting portions are made of stretchable materials. This local differentiation allows the top cover to simultaneously achieve weather resistance in the fabric areas and adaptability in the connecting areas.
2Reliability
If narrow production tolerances are maintained for the top cover, then weather resistance is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and adaptability to different configurations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover is divided into separate fabric cuts that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, then connected via stretchable portions. This segmentation relaxes the need for narrow production tolerances across the entire top cover, improving manufacturing flexibility while maintaining weather resistance through the properly constructed fabric cuts.
3Ease of manufacture
If the top cover is made with fixed shape and size, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different occupancy and driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover incorporates stretchable portions that allow it to dynamically change its shape and size. The top linkage can adjust the position of bows and links, causing the top cover to stretch or relax accordingly. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different occupancy and driving conditions while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing of the individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The top cover's physical parameters (shape, size, tension) can be changed through the action of the top linkage and stretchable portions. The stretchable materials allow the top cover to transition between different configurations (flat shape when back seat is empty, stretched wide when occupied) without requiring multiple fixed-size covers, thus providing adaptability with manufacturing simplicity.
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 solution enhances the folding top's adaptability and design flexibility, enabling it to adjust to varying occupancy and driving conditions while ensuring weather resistance and UV protection, and allows for features like power domes and adjustable headroom.
Implementation Method 1
the two fabric cuts are connected via a stretchable portion which is made of an elastically stretchable material whose stretchability is greater than that of the two fabric cuts
Data Source
AI summary
A folding top for a convertible vehicle, is provided having a top linkage and a top cover which may have a first fabric cut and a second fabric cut connected to the first fabric cut. The two fabric cuts may be connected via a stretchable portion which is made of an elastically stretchable fabric whose stretchability is greater than that of the two fabric cuts.