Convertible Top Roof Linkage Synchronization via Coupling Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing retractable hard top mechanisms for vehicles require significant installation space and incur high costs due to the need for separate hydraulic drives for the forward and rear roof links, which also complicate the system with additional hydraulic lines and pumps.
Innovation Solution
The forward and rear roof links are driven via a coupling device using the main drive, eliminating the need for a separate drive in the middle roof link area and allowing for mechanical synchronization of the roof shells' movements, thus optimizing installation space and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate hydraulic drive is used for the forward and rear roof links, then the roof shells can be adjusted independently, but the installation space increases and costs increase due to additional hydraulic lines and pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drives for the forward and rear roof links into a single shared hydraulic drive unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate hydraulic lines and pumps for each roof link, thereby reducing installation space and costs while still enabling independent adjustment of the roof shells through a coupling device that translates the single drive's motion into coordinated movements of both links
Solution Approach 2:
The single shared hydraulic drive unit performs multiple functions: it drives both the forward roof link and the rear roof link independently through a coupling device. This multi-functional design allows one drive unit to replace what would traditionally require two separate drive units, reducing the overall system complexity and installation requirements
2Ease of operation
If a separate hydraulic drive is used for the forward and rear roof links, then each link can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases due to additional hydraulic lines and pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hydraulic drive functions into a single integrated drive unit with a coupling device. This reduces the number of separate components (pumps, hydraulic lines) while maintaining the capability for independent control of each roof link through the mechanical coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single hydraulic drive and the two roof links. It translates the motion from the single drive into coordinated, independent movements of the forward and rear roof links, eliminating the need for separate drives while preserving independent control capability
3Ease of operation
If a separate hydraulic drive is used in the middle roof link area, then the forward and rear roof links can be adjusted, but the installation space in the middle roof link area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic drive from the middle roof link area and relocates it to a different location where it can serve both the forward and rear roof links through a coupling device. This extraction eliminates the need for installation space in the middle roof link area while maintaining the adjustment capability of both links
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
This solution reduces installation space requirements and costs by using a shared drive mechanism for the forward and rear roof links, enabling precise adjustment and synchronization of the roof shells' movements, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the retractable hard top system.
Implementation Method 1
the forward roof link and the rear roof link of a linkage mechanism of the top linkage are driven by means of the main drive via a coupling device so as to pivot in relation to the middle roof link
Data Source
AI summary
A top of a convertible vehicle includes a top linkage. A linkage mechanism forming part of the top linkage is on each of two opposing sides of the top linkage with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. Each linkage mechanism includes a main multi joint mechanism pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed main bearing, a middle roof link, a forward roof link pivotably connected to the middle roof link, and a rear roof link pivotably connected to the middle roof link. The forward roof link and the rear roof link are pivotable together in relation to the middle roof link by a coupling rod, and the main multi joint mechanism is driven by a main drive. The forward roof link and the rear roof link are driven by the main drive via a coupling device so as to pivot in relation to the middle roof link.