Roll Bar Concealment Insert System for Convertible Aesthetics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle convertible top systems expose portions of the roll bar assembly when the soft top is removed, compromising the aesthetic appearance and leaving unsightly gaps.
Innovation Solution
An insert system comprising a pre-insert and a filler insert is used to conceal the cutouts in the roll bar assembly, where the pre-insert is configured to fit into the receiving aperture and the filler insert has a shape complementary to the cutout, ensuring a flush surface when inserted, thus hiding the exposed areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the soft top is removed to provide open air driving, then the usability and open-air benefit are improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to exposed roll bar assembly portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic exposed portions (cutouts and apertures) of the roll bar assembly by removing them or covering them with filler inserts that match the surrounding surface, thereby eliminating the aesthetic defect while preserving the open-air driving benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces filler inserts as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between the exposed roll bar portions and the surrounding vehicle body surface, creating a visually continuous appearance that conceals the structural components
2Reliability
If the roll bar assembly is exposed for structural protection, then the safety function is maintained, but the visual appeal deteriorates due to unsightly gaps and cutouts
Solution Approach 1:
The filler inserts serve as visual intermediaries that conceal the structural roll bar components while allowing the structural protection function to remain intact, separating the aesthetic requirement from the structural requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing cosmetic covers only at specific locations where the roll bar assembly is exposed (cutouts and apertures), rather than covering the entire structure, thus maintaining structural integrity while improving local aesthetic appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A concealment system for a first vehicle component having a cutout and receiving aperture exposed by removal of a second component, includes a pre-insert configured to be inserted into the receiving aperture, and a filler insert having an outer surface and configured to be inserted into the cutout such that the outer surface of the filler insert is substantially flush with a visible outer surface of the vehicle component. The filler insert being inserted into and retained within the pre-insert.