Hardtop Removal Bracket With Adjustable Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing and storing hardtops from vehicles are not flexible enough to accommodate various models and require additional modifications or holes, lacking in versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A hardtop removal bracket system with a base and arm that attaches to the rear window hinge support, featuring adjustable slots and a central void, allowing for easy installation and use without additional modifications, providing equal weight distribution and compatibility with multiple models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hardtop removal methods are used, then hardtops can be removed and stored, but additional modifications or holes are required in the vehicle, reducing versatility and causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket serves as an intermediary device that connects to existing hinge supports without requiring modifications to the vehicle body. It attaches to the hardtop through the hinge support area and provides a connection point for the hoist, eliminating the need to drill holes or modify the vehicle structure while enabling hardtop removal
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates adjustable slots that allow it to accommodate various hinge support configurations across different vehicle models. This universal design enables the same bracket to be used with multiple Jeep models (Wrangler, Cherokee, Comanche) without requiring model-specific modifications, thereby improving versatility while maintaining compatibility with existing vehicle structures
2Ease of operation
If traditional hardtop removal methods are used, then hardtops can be removed, but the process requires multiple people or complex equipment, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The removal system is segmented into three simple components: the bracket (which attaches to the hinge support), the eye (which provides the hoist connection point), and the hoist itself. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and easy to install, while together they provide an effective hardtop removal system that can be operated by a single person
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket and eye are pre-assembled as a unit that attaches to the hinge support before the hardtop removal process begins. This preliminary assembly simplifies the operation during actual use, as the user only needs to attach the hoist to the pre-positioned eye, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly or multiple people to manage the equipment
3Productivity
If hardtops are removed using conventional methods, then storage is possible, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to be easily installed and removed by the user without requiring specialized tools or assistance. The simple attachment mechanism to the hinge support and the direct connection to the hoist enable a single person to efficiently remove and store the hardtop, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to conventional methods
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket is provided having a base and an arm. The base can be connected to a rear window hinge support of a hardtop with the hinge bolts used to secure a rear window hinge. The base has slots that provide for an increased flexibility of bolt patterns or widths. The top of the slots are open with necks to allow for easy insertion and removal of the brackets without removal of the rear window and allows the brackets to be used with multiple models. The base has a central void. An arm having an eye upstands from the base. A relief is provided at the area where the arm is connected to the base. Two brackets (a left and a right bracket) are secured to a hardtop before use. A hoist or lift can connect to the eyes to facilitate removal and storage of the hardtop.