Removable Vehicle Top Coupling Element for Flexible Rear Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle fabric tops require additional peripheral frames or concave shaping of the backrest to maintain a desired shape, limiting geometric flexibility and design freedom.
Innovation Solution
A removable top system with a fabric cover, chassis, and tensioning cable that allows the cover to assume a desired shape through tensioning, coupled with a coupling element and gasket system that accommodates various backrest shapes without additional frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a fabric top with tensioning cable is used, then the cover can assume desired shape through tensioning, but the rear edge must assume a concave shape requiring additional peripheral frame or concave backrest shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element integrates multiple functions: it connects the fabric top to the backrest, provides the necessary concave shaping for cable attachment, and seals the passenger compartment. By merging the support structure and sealing function into the coupling element itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate peripheral frames while maintaining the required geometric shape for tensioning cable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: structural support for the fabric top, geometric shaping for cable tensioning, fluid sealing for the passenger compartment, and attachment mechanism for removable installation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary concave shape without requiring additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If conventional fabric top design is used, then fluid-tight sealing is achieved with gasket, but geometric flexibility is limited due to required concave backrest shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed to work with backrests of various shapes and configurations while maintaining fluid-tight sealing. Its universal design allows adaptation to different vehicle types and backrest geometries without compromising the sealing function, thereby providing geometric flexibility while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element's geometry can be modified to accommodate different backrest shapes and sizes. By changing the parameters of the coupling element (such as its curvature, size, and attachment points), the system adapts to various geometric requirements while maintaining the essential function of sealing and support.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable top for a motor vehicle is described, comprising a fabric cover, which can be coupled to a body of the motor vehicle, a coupling element designed to be interposed between said cover and said body; the coupling element comprises, in turn: a support designed to engage a compartment defined by said body; and a first gasket defining a first peripheral edge of the coupling element, on which the cover can be arranged so as to abut against it, a second peripheral edge opposite said first edge;the first gasket delimiting a first convex region of the support; the second peripheral edge further comprises at least one first segment (47) delimiting at least one second convex region of said support.