Removable Rear Window Assembly With Rolling Locator Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible top systems for vehicles with removable rear windows are prone to breakage without a perimeter frame and require user assistance or access to the vehicle for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A removable rear window assembly with rolling locator assemblies that allow the window to be installed and removed from outside the vehicle, using a roller surface and guide arm to facilitate easy handling and secure attachment to the vehicle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rear window glass is removed without a perimeter frame, then the user can access the vehicle interior more easily, but the glass becomes exposed and prone to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The rear window assembly is divided into separate components: the glass pane, the perimeter frame, and the mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the glass to be protected by the frame during removal while still enabling access to the vehicle interior when the assembly is fully removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter frame acts as an intermediary between the glass and the user, providing structural support and protection during the removal process. The frame absorbs handling stresses that would otherwise be transmitted to the fragile glass.
2Area of stationary object
If the rear window assembly is heavy, then the glass can be made larger for better visibility, but it requires user assistance or access to the vehicle for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling locator assemblies translate the removal operation from a vertical lifting task to a horizontal rolling task along the roller surface. This dimensional change allows a single user to remove the heavy assembly by rolling it outward rather than lifting it upward.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling locator assemblies act as intermediaries between the heavy window assembly and the user, providing mechanical advantage through the roller mechanism. The locators engage with the roller surface to guide and support the assembly during removal without requiring the user to directly bear the full weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rear window assembly is made removable, then the convertible top functionality is improved, but the complexity of installation and removal procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling locator assemblies are pre-positioned on the roller surface before the window assembly is removed. This preliminary positioning creates a ready-made guidance path that simplifies the removal procedure and reduces the complexity of the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling locator assemblies and roller surface work together as a self-guiding mechanism that automatically directs the window assembly along the correct removal path. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex manual manipulation or multiple persons to coordinate the removal process.
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
Enhances user safety by protecting the glass window and allows single-person operation for converting the vehicle between enclosed and open-air configurations, reducing the risk of breakage and eliminating the need for assistance during installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a roller rotatably supported by the roller support
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body having a wall extending cross-vehicle and having an upper edge defining a roller surface with at least one locator aperture, a structural frame at least partially defining a rear window opening with the wall, and a removable rear window assembly configured for removable coupling with the vehicle. The removable rear window assembly includes at least one rolling locator assembly configured to roll across the roller surface to support at least a portion of a weight of the rear window assembly to facilitate assisting a user with installing and/or removing the rear window assembly into or out of the rear window opening.