Convertible Top Pivot Joint with Offset Spring Lever
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle mechanisms face installation space challenges when arranging spring elements for pivoting components, particularly in achieving large pivoting angles and efficient mechanical guidance.
Innovation Solution
A joint device with a 6-joint or over-closed 4-joint parallelogram mechanism is used, where the spring device is offset from the pivot axis, utilizing levers and coupling rods to transfer rotary motion, allowing for large pivoting angles and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the spring device is arranged at the pivot axis of the displaceable element, then the pivoting mechanism is compact, but installation space is insufficient in constrained areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling rod as an intermediary element that connects the first lever (pivoted at the pivot axis) and the second lever (acted upon by the spring device). This allows the spring device to be arranged at a distance from the pivot axis while still achieving the desired pivoting motion through the mediating coupling rod, thus resolving the space constraint without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the mechanism into an additional spatial dimension by arranging the spring device and second lever in a different location than the pivot axis. The coupling rod transmits motion across this extended space, allowing the spring device to be positioned in an area with sufficient installation space while maintaining functional connection to the pivot axis through the lever-coupling-rod mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid direct connection is used between elements, then the structure is simple, but large pivoting angles greater than 150° cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic lever-coupling-rod mechanism that allows the configuration and geometry of the linkage to change continuously during operation. This dynamic adaptation enables the mechanism to achieve large pivoting angles greater than 150° by adjusting the relative positions and orientations of the levers and coupling rod throughout the motion range, whereas a rigid fixed-geometry connection would be limited
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical forced guidance is implemented for large pivoting angles, then position accuracy is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pivoting mechanism into distinct functional components: the first lever for pivot axis rotation, the second lever for spring actuation, and the coupling rod for motion transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide mechanical forced guidance, achieving position accuracy without requiring a single overly complex mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables mechanical forced guidance and position-accurate kinematics with favorable lever arms, allowing for pivoting angles greater than 150°, even in constrained spaces, and facilitates the opening and closing of convertible tops with a structurally simple and cost-effective mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device (20) being provided which keeps the element (12) relative to the further element (11) for pivoting about the pivot axis (18) is subjected to force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (10) of a convertible vehicle is described, comprising an element (12) that can be displaced during a convertible top movement. This element (12) is connected to another element (11) by means of a joint mechanism (14) and is pivotable relative to the other element (11) about a pivot axis (18). A spring assembly (20) is provided, which exerts a force on the displaceable element (12) relative to the other element (11) to pivot about the pivot axis (18). The axis of the spring assembly (20) is offset from the pivot axis (18) of the displaceable element (12).The joint assembly (14) has a first lever (16) and a second lever (17), wherein the displaceable element (12) is mounted in a first pivot point (18) of the first lever (16) forming the pivot axis relative to the further element (11), and the spring assembly (20) is arranged in the area of a second pivot point (19) of the second lever (17), wherein the first lever (16) and the second lever (17) are each pivotally connected to each other via a first coupling element (22) and a second coupling element (23).