Convertible Top Fabric Deflection Levers for Precise Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing convertible vehicle top systems suffer from imprecise control and storage behavior of the top cover, leading to crumpling and unsatisfactory folding, especially during displacement and motion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of fabric deflection levers on each link assembly, connected via a rope or strap, which guide the top cover during displacement, preventing crumpling and ensuring precise positioning and aesthetic folding in the storage position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control strings and control straps are used to fold the top cover, then the top cover can be moved into storage position, but the control is imprecise and not all parts of the top cover can be folded as desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fabric deflection levers as intermediary elements between the top cover and the linkage system. These levers act as mediators that precisely guide and control the folding motion of the top cover, transforming the imprecise control from control strings into accurate positioning through the mechanical advantage and geometric constraints of the lever system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control mechanism from flexible control strings to rigid fabric deflection levers with specific geometric parameters. The levers have defined lengths, pivot points, and attachment locations that precisely control the folding trajectory, transforming the system from soft, imprecise control to rigid, parameter-defined control.
2Productivity
If the top cover is folded using conventional linkages, then the top can be stored, but the top cover becomes crumpled in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing fabric deflection levers at specific locations where the top cover tends to crumple. These levers are strategically positioned to provide localized guidance and support precisely where needed, allowing other areas of the top cover to fold naturally without interference, thus maintaining overall cover integrity while enabling efficient storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric deflection levers perform preliminary action by pre-defining the folding path and preventing crumpling before it occurs. The levers are positioned and dimensioned in advance to guide the top cover through a predetermined folding trajectory that avoids creasing and damage, ensuring the cover maintains its shape throughout the storage process.
3Manufacturing precision
If fabric deflection levers are used to guide the top cover, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric deflection levers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the folding motion, prevent crumpling, define the storage position, and maintain top cover tension. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving precise positioning through a single integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric deflection levers are designed as dynamic elements that adapt their position and orientation during the folding process. Rather than rigid fixed-position guides, the levers move and rotate with the linkage system, automatically adjusting to maintain optimal guidance throughout the range of motion, which simplifies the overall mechanism compared to multiple fixed-position control elements.
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 fabric deflection levers enable precise and controlled folding of the top cover, preventing crumpling and ensuring an aesthetically pleasing storage position, even during vehicle motion, by guiding the top cover and determining its folding behavior.
Implementation Method 1
a fabric deflection lever (60) on each of the bilaterally disposed link assemblies (18) of the top linkage (16), the deflection levers guiding the top cover (14) in a specific area during displacement of the top (10) from the closed position into the storage position because the top cover (14) is deflected around the free ends of the fabric deflection levers (60), whose other ends are pivotably mounted
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible vehicle top, having a top cover and a top linkage displaceable between a closed position, and a storage position, the top linkage having a link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each link assembly having two main links pivotably mounted on a main bearing attachable to a vehicle body and which form a multi-bar linkage together with a roof middle link, and the top linkage having transverse bows via which the two link assemblies are connected. The link assemblies may each have a fabric deflection lever which is pivoted into a straightened position by the top cover when the top is in the closed position and which is pivoted into a bent position in such a manner that the top cover is deflected around the free end of the deflection lever when the top is in the storage position.