Convertible Roof Tip Centering Pin With Elastic Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing centering arrangements in convertible vehicle tops can cause deformation of the roof tip and front cowl due to the forces exerted during the displacement process, leading to potential instability and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic element, such as an insert with a corrugated contact side or an elastic material on the centering pin, which absorbs forces and reduces deformation, while maintaining precise positioning through a double centering mechanism with a recess and protrusion, and using a retaining element to secure the insert in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the centering pin bears down on the ground of the centering recess to stabilize the roof tip, then the roof tip is kept under tension on the front cowl, but the front cowl and the roof tip can be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the centering pin and the centering recess ground. The insert has a contact side that receives the centering pin and a rear side with retaining elements that secure it to the front cowl. This intermediary absorbs the bearing forces through its elastic properties, preventing direct force transmission that causes deformation while maintaining the stabilizing tension on the roof tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the contact surface by replacing a rigid ground with an elastic insert. This insert can be made of elastic plastic material or rubber-elastic material, fundamentally changing how forces are distributed and absorbed at the centering interface, thereby reducing deformation while maintaining stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid centering arrangement is used to precisely position the roof tip, then positioning accuracy is improved, but noise and sticking issues occur during top displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface parameters are changed from rigid to elastic by introducing the insert made of elastic plastic material or rubber-elastic material. This elastic property allows the insert to deform during the centering process, absorbing impact forces and preventing sticking, while still achieving precise positioning through the geometric relationship between the centering pin and the insert's contact side.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite construction by combining the rigid centering pin with an elastic insert that has both retention function (through retaining elements) and centering function (through contact side). This composite approach integrates multiple functions into a single component that combines the benefits of rigid positioning with elastic shock absorption.
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 effectively minimizes deformation and noise, ensuring the roof tip is securely and accurately positioned on the front cowl, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of sticking or scratching, while maintaining quiet operation during top displacement.
Implementation Method 1
an insert can be disposed in the centering recess, the insert having a contact side with which a front end of the centering pin is in contact when in the centering position and which is formed by an elastic element, or wherein the centering pin can have an elastic element at its front end, the elastic element being in contact with a ground of the centering recess when the centering pin is in the centering position
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible top, having a top linkage, and a roof tip which is fixed to a front cowl of the vehicle in the closed position, and a centering arrangement which defines the position of the roof tip in relation to the cowl in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in the vertical direction of the vehicle in the closed position and which comprises a centering pin which engages into a centering recess of a centering seat. An insert can be disposed in the centering recess having a contact side with which a front end of the centering pin is in contact when in the centering position and formed by an elastic element. Alternatively, an elastic element can be disposed on the front end of the centering pin, and in contact with a ground of the centering recess when the centering pin is in the centering position.