Rear Window Control via 3-Point Link Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for activating rear windows in vehicles are bulky and complex, often requiring significant construction space and separate mechanisms for ventilation, which limits their application in various vehicle designs, especially in cabriolets.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a 3-point link mechanism with pin-jointed articulation points, where the control lever is coupled to a driving link and a coupling link, allowing for vertical shifting of the rear window without needing extensive modifications to the vehicle body, enabling ventilation while maintaining a compact and space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate link kinematics are used to activate the rear window, then ventilation is enabled, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rear window activation function with the existing cabriolet top kinematics system. The control lever is integrated into the top structure and utilizes the same articulation points and linkage elements already present for top operation, thereby enabling rear window ventilation without adding separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever serves multiple functions: it controls both the cabriolet top movement and the rear window activation. By making the rear window control part of the universal top kinematics system, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ventilation capability.
2Ease of operation
If separate link kinematics are used to activate the rear window, then ventilation is enabled, but construction space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rear window control mechanism with the existing cabriolet top structure. The control lever shares articulation points and linkage elements with the top kinematics system, thereby utilizing already allocated construction space rather than requiring additional separate space for rear window activation components.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the control lever to perform both top control and rear window activation functions, the patent maximizes the utility of existing structural space. The same mechanical elements serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for additional construction space that would be required for separate dedicated rear window mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rear window is made of glass and embedded in the pivoting top, then sealing is improved, but the top sags due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the top structure into distinct functional elements: the pivoting top shell and the rear window assembly. The rear window is mounted in a separate frame that is integrally formed with the top shell, allowing the window to be independently supported. This segmentation distributes the weight load and prevents sagging while maintaining the sealing stability provided by the glass window in its dedicated frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for activating a rear window of a motor vehicle is provided that includes a control lever designed as a 3-point link, which is pin-jointed at one end with the rear window. The device further includes a driving link, which can be driven rotatably about a first fixed bearing, and a coupling link, which is guided pivotably about a second fixed bearing. At least the first fixed bearing is arranged on a roof element of the motor vehicle, while the control lever is coupled to the driving link and the coupling link in a restricted guidance, such that a rotation of the driving link about the first fixed bearing shifts the linking point of the control lever to the rear window substantially vertically.