Sliding Folding Soft Top Assembly Linkage Guide Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft top roof assemblies for vehicles are difficult to operate, particularly for one operator, due to excessive free play and binding issues with the top frame and sport/roll bars, which complicates cycling between retracted and deployed positions and can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A sliding/folding soft top assembly with a frame configuration that includes linkage assemblies, guide tracks, and pivot brackets, allowing the cover to be easily moved between stowed and deployed positions while clearing sport/roll bars and securing in place using a latch mechanism, enabling smoother operation and reduced risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional soft top frame assemblies are used with semi-rigid attachment fixtures and pivotable members, then the roof can be selectively retracted and deployed, but the assembly experiences excessive free play and binding with sport/roll bars making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple rigid linkage assemblies connected by pin joints, creating a segmented structure that reduces free play while maintaining mobility. Each linkage assembly acts as an independent rigid unit, eliminating the binding issues experienced with traditional semi-rigid fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide tracks are introduced as intermediary elements that constrain the motion of linkage assemblies during retraction and deployment. These tracks prevent binding with sport/roll bars by providing a defined path for movement, reducing excessive free play while guiding the assembly through its range of motion.
2Productivity
If traditional soft top assemblies are used, then the cover can be moved between positions, but the assembly requires multiple operators and is difficult to cycle due to binding and free play
Solution Approach 1:
The frame uses dynamic linkage assemblies with pin joints that allow controlled movement between deployed and retracted positions. The rigid linkages provide stable, predictable motion that can be easily cycled by a single operator, improving both productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide tracks serve as intermediaries that facilitate smooth cycling of the assembly by constraining motion paths. This prevents binding during cycling operations, allowing rapid transitions between positions with a single operator.
3Reliability
If traditional soft top frame members are used, then the header can be retracted to a lowered position, but the assembly is prone to damage from forced operation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into rigid linkage assemblies connected by pin joints, creating a structure that moves in a controlled manner. This segmentation prevents binding and reduces the risk of damage during operation, as each rigid unit follows a defined motion path.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide tracks act as intermediaries that protect the assembly from damage by constraining motion to safe paths. The tracks prevent forced operation by guiding the linkage assemblies through their intended range of motion, eliminating binding that could cause damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding/folding soft top assembly having opposing first and second linkage assemblies with a plurality of guide rollers located within a first and second guide track for selectively moving the soft top assembly between a deployed position to a first stowed position or a retracted stowed position. A first bow and second bow are coupled to each of the first and second linkage assemblies, which include a first pivot joint for rotating the first bow to the first stowed position. A rear pivot joint allows a rear link of the first and second linkage assemblies to rotate in an area where the first and second guide tracks curve. A third bow is rotatably connected to first and second pivot brackets, and a fourth bow is pivotably connected to the third bow, to allow rotation of the third and fourth bow between the deployed position and retracted stowed position.