Linkage-Free Soft Top Bow Assembly With Over-Center Pivot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable soft tops for sport utility vehicles require complex manipulation and inefficient fabric management, making them difficult to open and close efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A linkage-free soft top assembly with a combination of pivots, including biasing pivots, and a four-bar link system that allows for easy opening and stowing without the need for links between bows, using clock spring pivots to assist in movement and maintain fabric tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional linkage systems with multiple links between bows are used, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional linkage system connecting the bows entirely. Instead of using multiple links between bows, the invention uses individual bows that are independently mounted to the vehicle body, eliminating the complex linkage mechanism while maintaining structural integrity through direct mounting and fabric tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The top assembly is divided into separate, independent components including individual bows, panels, and fabric sections. Each bow operates independently without mechanical linkages to others, allowing simplified assembly and maintenance while maintaining overall structural strength through coordinated fabric tensioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional linkage systems with multiple links between bows are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the linkage system entirely, the patent eliminates the complex manipulation required to operate traditional soft tops. The independent bow design with direct body mounting allows the fabric to be tensioned and secured through simple panel attachment rather than complex linkage manipulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fabric management systems with multiple links and catches are used, then the fabric stability is improved, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates catches and complex fabric management linkages by using independent bows with direct mounting. Fabric stability is maintained through the tensioning system and panel attachment mechanisms rather than through linkage connections, dramatically simplifying the opening and closing operation.
4Ease of operation
If linkage-free bow system with pivots is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clock spring pivots provide a mechanical advantage system that counterbalances the weight and force requirements for moving the fabric panels. This allows easy manual operation while maintaining structural strength through the pivot mounting system and fabric tensioning rather than through linkage connections.
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
Enables efficient and easy opening and closing of the soft top, maintaining fabric management and stability, even without catches, while simplifying the process of transitioning between closed, open sunroof, and stowed positions.
Implementation Method 1
a clock spring pivot biases the soft top frame back
Implementation Method 2
at least one biasing pivot, dampens the movement of the soft top and provides an assist when moving between closed and at least one predetermined open position
Data Source
AI summary
Soft top assembly which is linkage free between fabric management bows. A combination of a predetermined plurality of pivots, including at least one predetermined cooperative biasing pivot, dampens the movement of the soft top and provides an assist when moving between closed and predetermined open positions. Safety catches can be used if desired. An arm goes over center to lock the soft top assembly open even if there is no catch to hold the soft top in a sunroof open position. Front arm members can have an over-center position that substantially locks down the soft top in the open sunroof position from going backward until upward pressure is placed on the frame and then the soft top pivots back with an assist. A four-bar link system more easily moves the soft top to a stowed position with another push upward where a clock spring pivot biases the parallelogram frame back.