Retractable Hard Top with Split Segments and Trunk Lid Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable hard top systems for convertible vehicles face issues with complex mechanical and electronic systems, leading to increased production and maintenance costs, reduced reliability, and limited luggage space due to inefficient storage and access.
Innovation Solution
A retractable hard top design that splits into two horizontal segments connected to the front and rear pillars, with a rear window frame placed on the trunk lid, allowing for easier access and storage by folding components into lateral areas of the trunk, reducing the complexity of the articulating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hard top is divided into three segments with concave-convex stacking, then storage efficiency is improved, but the mechanical system becomes very complex and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hard top is divided into two main segments (first hard top segment and second hard top segment) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the roof to be stored in a compact configuration within the trunk while using a simpler mechanical articulation system compared to three-segment designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the rear window and its frame on the trunk lid (vertical dimension) rather than stacking segments horizontally. The first and second hard top segments are folded into the lateral parts of the trunk, utilizing vertical and lateral space more efficiently. This dimensional reorganization achieves compact storage without requiring complex concave-convex articulation mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the hard top uses a complex articulating mechanism for stacking, then storage efficiency is improved, but production and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hard top is divided into two main segments (first hard top segment and second hard top segment) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the roof to be stored in a compact configuration within the trunk while using a simpler mechanical articulation system compared to three-segment designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the rear window and its frame on the trunk lid (vertical dimension) rather than stacking segments horizontally. The first and second hard top segments are folded into the lateral parts of the trunk, utilizing vertical and lateral space more efficiently. This dimensional reorganization achieves compact storage without requiring complex concave-convex articulation mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the hard top components are stored in the luggage compartment, then storage efficiency is improved, but access to luggage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the rear window and its frame on the trunk lid (vertical dimension) rather than stacking segments horizontally. The first and second hard top segments are folded into the lateral parts of the trunk, utilizing vertical and lateral space more efficiently. This dimensional reorganization achieves compact storage without requiring complex concave-convex articulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear window and its frame are extracted from the main hard top structure and positioned separately on the trunk lid. This allows the trunk lid to remain accessible for luggage while the roof components are stored in the lateral parts of the trunk, separating the storage function from the access path.
4Strength
If the rear window is integrated with the hard top segments, then structural integrity is improved, but storage space and access are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hard top is divided into two main segments (first hard top segment and second hard top segment) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the roof to be stored in a compact configuration within the trunk while using a simpler mechanical articulation system compared to three-segment designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear window and its frame are extracted from the main hard top structure and positioned separately on the trunk lid. This allows the trunk lid to remain accessible for luggage while the roof components are stored in the lateral parts of the trunk, separating the storage function from the access path.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of functioning the retractable hard top system for convertible vehicles which implies splitting the ceiling in the middle (throught the longitudinal axis of the vehicle), mooving the rearwindow with the frame-like area arrount it on top of the trunk lid, opening the upper areas of the rear wings and folding compactly the remaining components of the roof inside the lateral areas of the trunk. This method significantly increases the usable volume of the luggage compartment and offers an easier access to the items carried in the trunk. Also, this method requires a less complex operation system which leads to less expensive manufactoring and maintenance costs.