Fold-back Vehicle Soft Top with Nested Panel Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle tops offer limited folding positions, restricting the degree to which vehicles can be opened to the environment, and often lack features for secure storage and water resistance.
Innovation Solution
A folding top assembly for vehicles with a cover comprising front, middle, and rear panel segments that can be extended and folded in various positions, secured using straps and interengaging portions, allowing for multiple configurations and secure storage, while being water-resistant and aerodynamically designed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the convertible top is folded completely to expose the entire vehicle interior, then the vehicle opening degree is maximized, but the secure storage capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple panel segments (front panel, middle panel, rear panel) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the top to be folded to various degrees - partially folded for secure storage or fully folded for maximum opening - resolving the contradiction between storage capability and vehicle opening degree.
2Reliability
If the convertible top is folded to intermediate positions, then secure storage is enabled, but the vehicle opening degree is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The folding top assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with multiple stop positions and adjustable panel configurations. Users can dynamically adjust the folding degree based on their needs, enabling both secure storage at intermediate positions and full opening when required, thus resolving the contradiction between storage and opening degree.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple folding positions are provided, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel segments are designed to nest within each other when folded, with the front panel containing the middle panel and the rear panel. This nested configuration allows multiple folding positions to be achieved while maintaining a compact structure, reducing the overall complexity of the folding mechanism compared to traditional multi-position convertible tops.
4Reliability
If the cover is secured in folded positions using straps and interengaging portions, then secure storage is ensured, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The folding top assembly incorporates self-latching mechanisms and self-tensioning straps that automatically engage when the panels are folded to specific positions. This self-service design reduces the manual effort required to secure the folded top, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable secure storage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a folding top assembly for use with a vehicle and methods for using a folding top assembly on a vehicle. The folding top assembly can be used to create openings on the top of the vehicle by folding a rear panel segment of the folding top assembly forward to expose a space over a rear seating area of the vehicle and/or folding a front panel segment of the folding top assembly rearward to expose a space over a front seating area of the vehicle. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve the ability to store the folding top assembly on the vehicle and/or to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving.