Detachable Convertible Top with Hinged Arch and Centering Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable convertible tops for vehicles, particularly roadsters, are complex and time-consuming to connect, especially for a single user, especially in rainy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A detachable convertible top design featuring a supporting frame with hinged arches and centering means that allows easy connection to the vehicle's coachwork, including a rear window and covering cloth, facilitating quick and solo operation by a passenger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detachable convertible top uses a traditional connection mechanism, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: centering means with positioning protrusions on the convertible top, and corresponding positioning recesses on the coachwork. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The centering means act as an intermediary element between the convertible top and the coachwork. These centering means include positioning protrusions that engage with positioning recesses in the coachwork, facilitating automatic alignment and simplifying the connection operation for a single user
2Reliability
If the detachable convertible top uses a traditional connection mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the connection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The centering means are pre-configured on the convertible top frame, with positioning protrusions already in place. When the convertible top is lifted into position, the centering means automatically engage with the coachwork, performing the alignment action in advance and eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be self-aligning through the centering means. The positioning protrusions and recesses automatically guide the convertible top into the correct position when lifted, allowing a single user to complete the connection without external assistance or complex manual alignment procedures
3Volume of moving object
If the detachable convertible top is made compact for storage, then the storage space is reduced, but the connection operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The convertible top frame incorporates hinged arches that can dynamically change their configuration. During storage, the arches can be folded or collapsed to reduce volume. During connection, the arches are unfolded to their operational position, providing the necessary structural support and facilitating easy connection through the centering means
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle provided with a coachwork; an interior compartment surrounded by the coachwork and frontally delimited by a windscreen surrounded by an U-shaped molding; and a detachable convertible top, which can be connected to the coachwork in order to close the interior compartment on the top and comprises, in turn, a covering cloth and a frame which is mechanically connectable to the coachwork and supports the covering cloth; the frame comprises a rear cross member, which can be coupled to a rear portion of the coachwork arranged immediately behind the interior compartment; and an arch, which is hinged to the rear cross member in order to rotate around a first axis, can be frontally coupled to the molding of the windscreen, and determines the locking of the rear cross member to the rear portion of the coachwork due to its rotation around the first axis.