Detachable Convertible Roof System with Segmented Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle roof systems face challenges with leakage, weight, and complexity, particularly in lightweight sports cars, where they compromise performance and aesthetics due to heavy mechanical parts and complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A detachable roof system with a front frame and a separate rear frame, featuring a clamping mechanism and seal arrangement, allowing the roof to be completely removed and stored compactly, using lightweight materials like carbon fibre and polycarbonate for reduced weight and improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated roof retraction systems are used, then leakage protection and ease of operation are improved, but vehicle weight and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The roof system is divided into separate front and rear frame sections that can be independently removed and stored. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex automated retraction mechanisms while maintaining leakage protection through proper sealing at the frame-vehicle interface and between frame sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy automated retraction mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead, a simplified manual removal and storage approach is used, extracting only the essential framing and sealing components needed to prevent leakage without the burden of complex mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If sophisticated roof retraction mechanisms are installed, then automated operation and leakage prevention are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roof system is divided into separate front and rear frame sections that can be independently removed and stored. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex automated retraction mechanisms while maintaining leakage protection through proper sealing at the frame-vehicle interface and between frame sections.
3Reliability
If heavy mechanical parts are used for roof retraction, then structural strength and leakage protection are improved, but vehicle performance is adversely affected due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The frame sections are constructed from lightweight composite materials such as carbon fibre and polycarbonate. These materials provide the necessary structural strength and leakage protection while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional heavy mechanical systems, thereby preserving vehicle performance.
4Shape
If a complete roof system is removed for storage, then vehicle aesthetics and performance are improved, but the need for secure mounting and dismounting procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roof system is divided into separate front and rear frame sections that can be independently removed and stored. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex automated retraction mechanisms while maintaining leakage protection through proper sealing at the frame-vehicle interface and between frame sections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A detachable roof system for a convertible vehicle (10) having an open state in which a vehicle cabin is open and a closed state in which the vehicle cabin is closed includes a front frame (30) which is removably mountable to the vehicle at the front of the vehicle cabin and a rear frame (60), separate from the front frame (30), which is removably mountable to the vehicle at the rear of the vehicle cabin. The rear frame includes an integral panel (76) which forms a rear window of the vehicle when the rear frame is mounted on the vehicle. The roof system includes a hood (34) for covering the cabin in the closed state; wherein the rear frame (60) provides a support for the hood (34) which spans the rear frame (60) when the hood (34) covers the cabin.