Rear Mounted Foldable Top for Partial Vehicle Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle tops either remain fully enclosed or completely fold away, offering no intermediate option for drivers to enjoy a partially open environment while maintaining safety and security.
Innovation Solution
A folding top assembly comprising a frame support, rear and front links, and a center link assembly that moves between closed and open positions, allowing the top to be partially folded over itself, exposing an opening while keeping the rear covered, providing a semi-open environment similar to a sunroof or moonroof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the convertible top is completely folded away to expose the entire vehicle top, then the open-top driving experience is improved, but the safety and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The convertible top is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. The folding frame assembly includes a first portion that can be moved relative to a second portion, allowing the top to be partially folded rather than completely opened or closed. This segmentation enables drivers to achieve an intermediate open-top experience while maintaining some coverage for safety and security.
2Reliability
If the convertible top remains fully enclosed, then the safety and security are maintained, but the open-top driving experience is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The convertible top system transitions from a static fully enclosed state to a dynamic system with multiple possible positions. The folding frame assembly can be moved between a first position (fully enclosed) and a second position (partially folded), and potentially intermediate positions, allowing the top to adapt between providing maximum safety/security and maximum open-top experience based on driver preference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the convertible top is folded to provide an intermediate position, then both open-top experience and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding frame assembly is designed to nest within or alongside the vehicle structure when folded. The first portion of the folding frame can be positioned within the confines of the vehicle body or integrated with the second portion, reducing the overall space required and simplifying the mechanical arrangement. This nesting approach allows for the intermediate positioning capability without requiring excessively complex external mechanisms.
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
Enables drivers to experience an open-top driving environment while maintaining safety and security, offering an intermediate position between fully enclosed and fully open configurations, enhancing user convenience and vehicle usability.
Implementation Method 1
a rear link rotatably coupled to the frame support, a front link rotatably coupled to the frame support proximal of the rear link, and a center link assembly rotatably coupled to both the rear link and the front link
Implementation Method 2
The center link assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position, the opening is exposed and the cover folds upon itself; in the closed position, the opening is covered
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a rear mounted folding top assembly for use with a vehicle. The folding top assembly can create an opening on the top of the vehicle by rotating a plurality of arms and folding over a cover. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving and prevent the buildup of water on the soft cover.