Convertible Locking Hook Slide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking device for convertible vehicles has a complex and weighty driving mechanism, lacks a defined position for the locking hook, and can only generate a pulling force, limiting its effectiveness in securing the rigid roof element.
Innovation Solution
A pull-link arrangement connects the locking hook to a slide with a guiding track on an insert, allowing torque to be applied for a defined movement, preventing lateral movement, and using a retaining spring and modular inserts to adjust the path for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elaborate driving mechanism with a crosshead and link arrangement is used, then the locking hook can be displaced between release and locked positions, but the device height and weight increase and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into functional modules: a locking support, a locking hook with integrated bearing journal, and a simplified driving mechanism. This segmentation allows removal of the elaborate crosshead and link arrangement, reducing weight while maintaining the core locking function through essential components only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary crosshead and complex link arrangement from the driving mechanism. Only the essential elements (locking support, locking hook, bearing journal) are retained, eliminating redundant components that increased weight and production costs while preserving the locking hook's displacement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking hook is allowed to pivot about a crosshead axis, then the locking mechanism is flexible, but the position of the locking hook with respect to the locking support becomes ambiguous and lateral movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing free pivoting about a crosshead axis and then constraining it, the invention inverts the approach by integrating the bearing journal directly into the locking hook and guiding it through a defined path in the locking support. This ensures the locking hook follows a precise, unambiguous trajectory while maintaining necessary movement freedom for locking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing journal acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the locking hook and the locking support. It is movably guided in the locking support, providing a defined movement path that constrains lateral movement while allowing the locking hook to pivot and displace between release and locked positions.
3Reliability
If a magnet is used to retain the locking hook against a sliding surface, then the locking hook is held in position, but only a pulling force can be generated and perpendicular force components cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnet-based retention system with a mechanical guiding and retention system. The bearing journal is movably guided in the locking support, providing defined movement paths that enable generation of force components in multiple directions, including perpendicular forces, while maintaining reliable retention of the locking hook in both release and locked positions.
4Ease of operation
If the driving mechanism uses a crosshead connected to link arrangements at top and bottom, then the locking hook can be actuated, but the mechanism becomes complex and height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is segmented into essential functional elements only: the locking support, locking hook, and bearing journal. Complex crosshead and link arrangements are divided out and removed, leaving a simplified system that maintains actuation capability while reducing overall device complexity and height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the crosshead and elaborate link arrangements from the driving mechanism. Only the minimal necessary components are retained to achieve locking hook actuation, significantly simplifying the driving mechanism and reducing device height while preserving the core actuation function.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a top of a convertible vehicle is proposed, comprising a locking support (22), a locking hook (28), which can be shifted in a translational and rotational manner so as to be displaced between a release position and a locked position, and a driving mechanism for the locking hook (28), said driving mechanism comprising a driving motor (64) and driving a slide (36) movable on the locking support (22). The slide (36) is connected to a driving section of the locking hook (28) via a pull-link arrangement (46) in such a manner that the locking hook (28) undergoes a pivoting movement when the slide (36) is moved. The locking support (22) has an insert having a guiding track for a guiding element which is arranged on the pull-link arrangement (46) or on the locking hook (28), and the guiding track defines a pivot position of the locking hook (28) with respect to the locking support (22).