Hardtop Roof Panel Hinges for Fold-Back Opening and Weather Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing removable rooftop panels for vehicles, such as Jeeps and SUVs, require full removal and storage, which is difficult, especially for users of smaller stature, and leaves the vehicle interior vulnerable to weather.

Innovation Solution

A set of hinges that allow removable rooftop panels to be folded up and back over a fixed base unit, with locking capabilities to prevent accidental closure, enabling partial opening and secure locking for driving, and adaptable to curved or offset edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If removable roof panels are fully removed and stored, then the vehicle interior is exposed to weather elements, but the panels can be completely taken off for storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidpanel removal and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roof panel system is divided into removable panels and a fixed base unit with hinges, allowing the panels to be segmented between removed and attached states. The hinges enable the panels to be divided into positions that can be locked at various angles, providing partial coverage without complete removal or installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinges introduce dynamic positioning capability, allowing the roof panels to be held at multiple angles and positions rather than being fixed in only two states (fully attached or fully removed). This enables the panels to adapt to different weather conditions and user needs while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If removable roof panels are fully removed, then the panels can be stored, but users of smaller stature find this task difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel positioning optionsVSAvoidpanel removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring complete removal of the roof panels, the hinge system allows for partial action where panels can be opened to various degrees. Users can achieve sufficient ventilation or access by opening panels to intermediate positions rather than requiring full removal and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional hardtops are used, then full coverage is provided, but the tops must be fully removed and are not transportable when removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidhardtop structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hardtop is segmented into a fixed base unit and removable panels connected by hinges. This segmentation allows the removable panels to be detached and transported separately while the base unit remains on the vehicle, providing flexibility without requiring complete removal of the entire hardtop structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11926204B2Hinges for hardtop vehicle covers

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 EZ 4X4 LLC

AI summary

A set of hinges (1) that allow a user to open and close a set of removable rigid rooftop panels (5, 6) for a vehicle having a hardtop cover, such as a Jeep or sport utility vehicle, without being required to fully remove and store the rigid roof panels. The hinges may be locked in an open position using one or more hasps (24) integrated into the hinges.