Flexible SUV Enclosure Using Ottertex Canvas for Easy Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hardtops for sport utility vehicles are cumbersome, heavy, and difficult for one person to remove, requiring mechanical devices and significant storage space, while soft tops lack durability and protection.

Innovation Solution

A flexible sheet material enclosure with a rectangular top section, zipper access, and adjustable straps for easy installation and secure attachment to the vehicle, using Ottertex canvas for durability and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hardtop is used, then protection and durability are improved, but weight and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible shell (enclosure made from flexible sheet material) that provides protection while being lightweight and easy to manipulate. The flexible nature allows one person to easily install and remove the enclosure, unlike rigid hardtops that require mechanical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a hardtop is used, then protection is improved, but storage space requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible enclosure can be folded and stored within the vehicle when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure where one object contains another. This eliminates the need for separate external storage space that rigid hardtops require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a soft top is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and protection worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidprotection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials (flexible sheet material with internal frame structure) that combine the ease of operation of soft tops with the protective qualities of hardtops. The composite construction provides both flexibility for easy handling and structural integrity for protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If a flexible sheet material enclosure is used, then ease of operation and storage are improved, but durability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is segmented into multiple components (flexible sheet material, internal frame, zipper access panels, strap systems) that work together. This segmentation allows the flexible material to be supported by the frame structure, enhancing durability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11554649B2Sport utility vehicle enclosure

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 CORSAIR DESIGNS LLC

AI summary

The apparatus cooperates with a vehicle having a chassis, and engine compartment and a passenger compartment and a framework extending above the passenger compartment and a windshield assembly which is disposed in front of the passenger compartment which includes a single flexible sheet material formed into a generally rectangular top section. The top section has first and second opposed edges as well as the front edge and a back edge. The front edge includes a lip dimensioned and configured for engagement with a header bar that is part of the sport utility vehicle and disposed proximate to the top of the windshield assembly.