Dual-Axis Hardtop Connector for Compact Retractable Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable hardtops are bulky when retracted, lack resilience to external elements, and require inefficient space utilization in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A retractable hardtop system with a mechanical joint and actuator arrangement that allows the hardtop to rotate around two axes, including a first axis fixed to the automobile body and a second axis transverse to the first, enabling quick and space-efficient retraction with enhanced structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hardtop is retracted using conventional single-axis mechanisms, then the structure is simpler, but the retracted volume is larger and the retraction speed is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from conventional single-axis rotation to dual-axis rotation mechanisms. The first axis enables rotation of the hardtop relative to the automobile body, while the second axis enables rotation of the rearward portion relative to the forward portion. This two-dimensional rotational approach allows the hardtop to fold into a compact configuration occupying significantly less retracted volume compared to single-axis mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the hardtop uses a rigid single-axis rotation mechanism, then the structural strength is maintained, but the retraction time is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hardtop into distinct portions (forward portion and rearward portion) that can rotate independently around different axes. The mechanical joint arrangement is segmented into multiple rotational joints, allowing each segment to move independently. This segmentation enables parallel motion of different hardtop sections, significantly reducing the overall retraction time while maintaining structural integrity through rigid connections.
3Volume of moving object
If the hardtop connector uses articulated joint arrangement with two axes, then the space efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mechanical joint arrangement to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same joint structure enables both rotation around the first axis and rotation around the second axis, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple rotational functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the complex motion requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hardtop connector (16) for manipulating a retractable hardtop (14) relative to an automobile body (12) is proposed. The hardtop connector (16) comprises: a mechanical joint arrangement (18), and an actuator arrangement (20). The hardtop connector (16) is adapted to be connected to the hardtop (14) and the automobile body (12), the joint arrangement (18) and the actuator arrangement (20) are arranged to cooperate to rotate the hardtop (14) around a first axis (22) and around a second axis (24), and the second axis (24) is transverse to the first axis (22).