Multi-Bar Convertible Top Linkage for Compact Upright Roof Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible tops require a large storage space in the longitudinal vehicle direction due to their design, which limits the use of this space for other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A convertible top design featuring two curved roof shells that pivot and adjust in an upright position, utilizing a multi-bar linkage system with height-adjustable main bearings and drive motors to minimize the required storage space, allowing the roof shells to be positioned vertically and overlap each other, thus reducing the need for longitudinal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the convertible top uses a conventional link arrangement with fixed main bearing height, then the structure is simple, but the storage space in the longitudinal vehicle direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The main bearing height is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the link arrangement to adapt its position dynamically. This enables the roof shells to be lowered further into the vehicle body during storage, reducing the longitudinal space required while maintaining structural integrity through controlled height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces height adjustment as an additional degree of freedom to the main bearing. By manipulating the vertical dimension (height) of the main bearing, the system achieves compact longitudinal storage positioning of the roof shells without compromising the fundamental link arrangement structure.
2Device complexity
If the roof shells are positioned in a conventional horizontal storage arrangement, then the structure is straightforward, but the longitudinal vehicle direction space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roof shells are repositioned from a horizontal storage arrangement to an upright vertical arrangement. This dimensional change in storage orientation allows the shells to stack more compactly in the vertical direction, significantly reducing the longitudinal space required while maintaining structural simplicity through the adjustable link arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The two roof shells are arranged in an upright nested configuration where one shell is positioned behind the other vertically. This nesting arrangement minimizes the longitudinal footprint by allowing the shells to occupy overlapping vertical space rather than extending horizontally, achieving compact storage without complex mechanisms.
3Length of moving object
If the main bearing height is made adjustable, then the storage space in longitudinal direction is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable main bearing mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables compact longitudinal storage positioning, maintains structural integrity during movement, and allows for height adaptation during the conversion process. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing several benefits from a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The main bearing height parameter is made variable rather than fixed, allowing optimization of the storage position. By changing the height parameter dynamically, the system achieves reduced longitudinal space consumption while the adjustment mechanism itself is designed to be integrated into the existing link arrangement, minimizing overall complexity increase.
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 design allows for a compact storage position that minimizes the space required, enabling efficient use of the vehicle's longitudinal space for other components and reduces the risk of header slamming during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The convertible top linkage comprises a link arrangement on each of two sides in relation to a vertical longitudinal center convertible-top plane, the link arrangements each comprising a first multi-bar arrangement, a second multi-bar arrangement, which is driven by the first multi-bar arrangement, and a main bearing, on which the first multi-bar arrangement is articulated and which is adjustable in height.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible top having a first and second curved roof shell, and a convertible top linkage, by which the two roof shells are displaceable between a cover position, which spans a vehicle interior and in which two roof shells are disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal roof direction, and a storage position, which opens the vehicle interior towards the top and in which the two roof shells are received by a convertible top storage space and disposed one behind the other in an upright position in the same curve direction. The convertible top a link arrangement on each side in relation to a vertical longitudinal center convertible-top plane, the link arrangements each having a first multi-bar arrangement, a second multi-bar arrangement, which is driven by the first multi-bar arrangement, and a main bearing, on which the first multi-bar arrangement is articulated and adjustable in height.