Convertible Headliner Sliding on Fabric Deflecting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting a headliner to a convertible vehicle's top linkage fail to allow controlled pivoting movements, leading to potential damage from wind impact and complex, error-prone installation processes, with limited control over intermediate positions and insufficient installation space.
Innovation Solution
Attaching fabric deflecting elements to the top linkage allows the headliner to slide across these elements, guiding its movement and preventing overstretching, with controlled sliding facilitated by pulling means like cables and guided by fabric deflecting elements that attach to the roof side rails, enabling defined positioning and reduced installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headliner is permanently mounted to the top linkage using rigid lining parts, then the headliner is securely positioned, but the top linkage cannot perform the required pivoting movements
Solution Approach 1:
The headliner is divided into multiple segments or panels that can move independently relative to each other and the top linkage. This segmentation allows the headliner to adapt to the pivoting movements of the top linkage while maintaining overall positioning stability through the coordinated movement of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The headliner mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic configuration where the headliner can adjust its position and orientation during top linkage movement. This dynamic capability enables the headliner to follow the pivoting motion of the top linkage while maintaining proper positioning throughout the range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reinforced headliner portions are positioned by means of cords or straps, then the headliner can move with the top linkage, but control over intermediate positions is limited and installation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
Guide elements are introduced as intermediary components between the headliner and the top linkage. These guide elements provide defined pathways that control the movement of the headliner during top linkage displacement, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex cord or strap systems. The guide elements simplify the connection mechanism while maintaining precise control over headliner position.
3Reliability
If panels or flaps are used to cover the linkage arrangements, then the headliner can be positioned, but sufficient installation space must be provided in the storage position which is often impossible due to vehicle geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The headliner panels are designed to nest within or alongside the top linkage structure during storage. This nesting arrangement allows the headliner to be positioned accurately when the top is in the closed position while minimizing the space required during storage, accommodating tight vehicle geometries without compromising positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The headliner positioning system utilizes movement in multiple dimensions, allowing the panels to follow the complex three-dimensional path of the top linkage during displacement. This multi-dimensional movement capability enables accurate headliner positioning without requiring excessive installation space in any single dimension, making the system adaptable to various vehicle geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
A top of a convertible vehicle having a top linkage displaceable between a closed position, in which the top covers a vehicle interior, and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is open toward the sky, and which has a linkage arrangement on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, the linkage arrangement being covered by a headliner when in the closed position. A fabric deflecting element for the headliner is attached to each of the linkage arrangements, the fabric deflecting element moving relative to a roof side rail when the top linkage is being displaced between the closed position and the storage position, an edge of the headliner being attached to the roof side rail. The headliner slides on a fabric contact surface of the fabric deflecting element when the top linkage is being displaced between the storage position and the closed position.