Detachable Soft Top Frame for Weather Protection Without Hard Top Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible sports cars with removable hard tops face storage challenges due to the bulky size of the hard top, which limits storage space for luggage or other items during touring trips, and there is a need for a solution that preserves performance and design aesthetics while providing sun, wind, and weather protection without sacrificing storage space.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular detachable frame assembly with forward and rearward anchor portions, releasably attached sides, and a flexible stabilizing bar, which fits onto existing OEM attachment points, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and includes a protective storage bag for the soft top cover, providing UV protection and water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable fitted hard top is used to protect occupants from weather elements, then protection performance is improved, but storage space is significantly reduced due to the bulky size of the hard top
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid hard top with a flexible soft top cover made of weather-resistant material that can be folded and compressed. This flexible cover provides the necessary protection from environmental elements while occupying minimal storage space when disassembled, directly resolving the contradiction between protection performance and storage volume.
2Shape
If a removable fitted hard top is used to maintain design aesthetics and performance, then appearance quality is improved, but storage flexibility is worsened due to inability to compress the hard top
Solution Approach 1:
The soft top cover's flexible nature allows it to be folded, rolled, or compressed into a compact form that adapts to various storage configurations within the vehicle, maintaining design aesthetics when installed while providing superior storage flexibility compared to rigid hard tops.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft top cover transitions from a rigid, fixed-state structure to a dynamic, adaptable structure that can change its configuration between installed and stored states, enabling versatile storage options without compromising the aesthetic and functional performance when the cover is in use.
3Volume of stationary object
If an integral soft top conversion assembly is used to reduce storage footprint, then storage space is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple components requiring quick assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The soft top conversion assembly is divided into modular components including the soft top cover, frame structure, and attachment mechanisms that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation enables the complex assembly to be broken down into manageable parts that can be quickly connected using simple attachment points, reducing the practical complexity despite the multi-component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft top conversion assembly is designed to interface with existing OEM attachment points on the vehicle, making the assembly system universal and compatible without requiring custom complex mounting structures. This multi-functionality allows the same components to serve both protection and storage purposes while simplifying the assembly process through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved soft top assemblies, systems, and methods to cover an open space above the driver and passenger seats of an automobile provide or use precision molded frame elements with interconnecting fastening assemblies to support a soft top cover attached to forward and rearward frame elements. A centrally hinged and pivoting stabilizing bar fitted within frame side elements maintains support and stability to the soft top cover. Forward and rearward frame elements provide mating surfaces matching existing OEM attachment points for a removable fitted hard top for the automobile. Each frame side element underside includes a channel sized to receive a corresponding closed automobile door windshield.