Vehicle Soft Top Bracket Securing Collapsed Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible soft top systems for vehicles can cause unnecessary wear and noise when the retracted top contacts vehicle surfaces during driving, as linkages may contact show surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket assembly is designed to couple to the vehicle body, featuring a slot and receiving portion to secure the collapsed articulating frame with a strap, preventing relative movement and minimizing contact with vehicle surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the soft top is retracted to a stored position, then open air driving is enabled and protection is provided, but the linkages may contact show surfaces causing wear and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the articulating frame from the main soft top assembly and places it in a separate collapsed storage position within the vehicle body cavity. By removing the frame from its traditional position and storing it separately, the design prevents the linkages from contacting show surfaces during vehicle operation, thereby eliminating wear and noise while maintaining the soft top's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support bracket assembly as an intermediary component between the collapsed articulating frame and the vehicle body. This bracket securely holds the frame in place during storage, preventing any movement that could cause linkages to contact show surfaces. The intermediary bracket acts as a buffer that isolates the moving parts from potential contact with vehicle surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the articulating frame is allowed to move freely in collapsed position, then easy access is provided, but relative movement causes contact with vehicle surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a support bracket assembly that is pre-configured to receive and secure the collapsed articulating frame in a predetermined position within the vehicle body cavity. This pre-positioned bracket ensures that when the frame is collapsed, it is immediately held in place, preventing any subsequent movement that could cause contact with vehicle surfaces. The bracket is designed with receiving portions and securing mechanisms that automatically engage with the frame components.
Data Source
AI summary
A support bracket assembly configured to couple to a vehicle body and support a collapsed articulating frame of a vehicle soft top assembly is provided. The support bracket assembly includes a support bracket having a main body portion having a slot formed therein and configured to couple to the vehicle body, and a receiving portion coupled to the main body portion and configured to receive at least a portion of the collapsed articulating frame therein. A strap is configured to be inserted through the slot and wrapped around the collapsed articulating frame to facilitate securing the collapsed articulating frame within the receiving portion and preventing relative movement of the collapsed articulating frame when the vehicle is in motion.