Double-Hinged Hardtop Roof Panels With Alignment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hardtop hinge systems for SUVs are inefficient and lack structural soundness, making it difficult to open and close removable rooftop panels without fully removing them, and they do not provide secure alignment or locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A double-hinged system with alignment brackets and locking mechanisms that allow panels to be securely attached to the roof, featuring a larger rear panel for better alignment and a locking mechanism that prevents panels from falling or slamming shut, utilizing a combination of hinges, alignment brackets, and latching mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hinge system is used to attach panels to the hardtop roof, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into multiple separate hinges (front hinge and rear hinge) that work together to provide precise alignment and stable support. The rear hinge connects the rear panel to the roof while the front hinge connects the front panel, creating a segmented system that improves alignment precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment brackets are introduced as intermediary components between the hinges and panels. These brackets feature puzzle-tab interfaces that facilitate precise alignment during assembly and provide additional structural support, resolving the contradiction between simple hinge design and alignment precision.
2Weight of moving object
If panels are made smaller to reduce weight, then the weight of moving object is reduced, but the structural strength and alignment capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly is segmented into front and rear panels of different sizes, with the rear panel being larger to provide structural strength and the front panel being smaller to reduce weight. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel assembly have different sizes and properties - the rear panel is larger and provides the primary structural support, while the front panel is smaller and optimized for weight reduction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between weight reduction and structural strength.
3Device complexity
If no locking mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of panel positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system incorporates self-latching features that automatically engage when the panels are positioned correctly. The alignment brackets with puzzle-tabs provide self-aligning and self-latching functionality, ensuring reliable panel positioning without requiring complex external locking mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If alignment brackets with puzzle tabs are used, then the ease of operation during assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment brackets serve as intermediary components that simplify the assembly process through their puzzle-tab interfaces. These brackets mediate between the hinges and panels, providing intuitive alignment and connection without requiring complex adjustment procedures, thus improving ease of operation with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention is a set of improved hinges and setup to attach a panel to the hardtop roof of a vehicle. A device that can lock the removable roof or hardtop in an open position. In the preferred embodiment the hinges are comprised of two or more separate hinges with each hinge connected to each panel by one or more flaps. The flaps may be aligned using an alignment bracket. After opening the panels, the panels are folded back on the hinges and can be locked to the roof of the vehicles with one or more locks located on the sides of the roof. The current invention is more flexible and has a better alignment system the back panel being larger than the front panel. The current system has a double hinged system which is an improvement.