Convertible Soft Top Rod Tensioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft tops for convertible vehicles face challenges in achieving a fully open position due to unfavorable force introduction and potential catapult effects during the opening movement, limiting the extent and safety of the fabric retaining bracket's pivoted open position.
Innovation Solution
A soft top design featuring a tie rod device with a four-bar mechanism, where the second tie rod is connected to the top linkage via levers and a slot or link guide, allowing for forward displacement of the tie rod's front end, thereby increasing leverage and preventing catapult effects, allowing the fabric retaining bracket to be safely opened to a desired extent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a tensioning link connects the fabric retaining bracket to the top linkage with the connection point guided close to the pivot point, then the structure is compact, but the active lever becomes small resulting in unfavorable force introduction and the open position may not be achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second tension rod that moves in a different dimensional path than the first tension rod. The second rod's front end is displaced forward in the longitudinal direction and upward in the vertical direction, creating a multi-dimensional movement pattern that increases the effective lever arm length while maintaining structural compactness. This dimensional change allows the connection point to follow a trajectory that provides favorable force introduction throughout the opening movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanism where the second tension rod's connection point to the top linkage is not fixed but moves along a defined path guided by slot guides or link guides. This dynamic positioning allows the lever arm length to change optimally during the opening sequence, providing long leverage when needed (when the fabric bracket is near the closed position) while maintaining compact dimensions when the top is fully open.
2Productivity
If the fabric retaining bracket is opened quickly to reach the open position, then the operation is efficient, but catapult effects with strong acceleration occur causing safety issues and potential collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a periodic action pattern in the opening movement through the two-stage mechanism. The first tension rod opens quickly during the initial phase, then the second tension rod takes over to complete the opening sequence. This staged, periodic action allows the system to achieve high productivity during the first phase while controlling acceleration in the second phase to prevent catapult effects and ensure safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tension rod acts as an intermediary element between the top linkage and the fabric retaining bracket. It mediates the force transmission by following a controlled path through slot guides or link guides, which act as additional intermediaries. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve rapid opening while the guides constrain the movement path to prevent excessive acceleration and catapult effects.
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
The design enables the fabric retaining bracket to be moved to a fully open position with advantageous force introduction and prevents unwanted acceleration, ensuring safe and complete opening while preventing collisions with the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanism for displacing a front end of the second tension rod in the closed or lowered position of the cloth retaining bracket during an opening movement of the cloth retaining bracket, in particular when the top linkage is otherwise stationary, is designed forward in the longitudinal direction of the top and has at least one lever, by means of which the second tension rod is connected to the top linkage in a front area, and additionally has at least one slot guide or at least one link guide or a second lever for forming a four-bar mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a tie rod device having two tie rods, with a first tie rod of the tie rod device being articulated on the one hand to the cloth retaining bracket and on the other hand to a second tie rod of the tie rod device
Implementation Method 3
the first tie rod (16) is connected to the cloth holding bracket (8) in an end region facing away from the first hinge point (18) in a second hinge point (19), whereas the second tie rod (17) is connected to the top linkage (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A soft-top convertible top (2) for a convertible vehicle (1) is proposed, which can be moved between a closed position enclosing the passenger compartment (3) and an open position at least partially opening the passenger compartment (3) by means of a convertible top frame (5). The convertible top (2) is designed with a fabric retaining bar (8) that is movable independently of the convertible top frame (5), at least when the convertible top (2) is closed, and which can be moved between a substantially horizontal closed position and an open position by means of a tension rod assembly (15) comprising two tension rods (16, 17). A first tension rod (16) of the tension rod assembly (15) is pivotally connected on one side to the fabric retaining bar (8) and on the other side to a second tension rod (17) of the tension rod assembly (15).The second tension rod (17) is connected to the convertible top frame (5) by means of a mechanism (22), the mechanism (22) being designed to displace a front end (20) of the second tension rod (17) forward in the longitudinal direction of the convertible top when the fabric retaining bracket (8) is in the closed position.