Soft Top Rear Window Support Linkage for Hands-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of vehicles with soft tops, like Jeep models, face the challenge of having to manually hold the rear window open to access the back storage area, as existing mechanisms do not provide a reliable support system to maintain the window in an open position without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism comprising a first and second pivotably coupled support arm, connected to form an angle less than 180° in the open position and greater than 180° in the closed position, which allows the rear window to be securely held open and closed, with the second arm also retaining a clipping bar in place to prevent it from sliding during vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft top rear window is designed to be manually held open for accessing storage area, then the structure remains simple, but user convenience deteriorates as continuous manual holding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is designed to automatically maintain the rear window in an open position without requiring continuous user intervention. The system uses the window's own weight and the mechanical advantage of the linkage to provide self-sustaining support, freeing the user's hands for accessing the storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism employs movable linkage components that dynamically adjust as the window transitions between open and closed positions. The arms and connectors move relative to each other, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different window angles while maintaining support.
2Ease of operation
If a support mechanism with pivotable arms is implemented to hold the rear window open, then user convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: a first support arm connected to the vehicle body, a second support arm connected to the window, and connector elements joining these arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a single-plane hinge connection to a three-dimensional linkage system with multiple pivot points and connecting arms. This dimensional expansion allows the support to stabilize the window in various positions while distributing mechanical loads across multiple components.
3Reliability
If the support arms are designed to pivot relative to each other to form specific angles, then the window can be securely held in open and closed positions, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the support arms to pivot and adapt to slight variations in manufacturing tolerances. The mechanism finds its equilibrium position based on the forces applied, rather than requiring precise pre-set angles, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows for adjustment of geometric parameters such as arm lengths and connection point positions. This adjustability compensates for manufacturing variations and enables the system to achieve reliable positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on individual components.
4Reliability
If the second support arm is used to retain the clipping bar, then safety improves by preventing accidental sliding, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second support arm serves dual functions: supporting the rear window in the open position and retaining the clipping bar to prevent accidental sliding. By making this single component multi-functional, the design improves safety without proportionally increasing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipping bar retention function is merged with the window support function by integrating the bar into the second support arm assembly. This combination eliminates the need for a separate retention mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
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 hands-free access to the rear storage area by maintaining the rear window in an open position, ensuring secure closure and preventing accidental sliding of the clipping bar, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A first support arm may be pivotably coupled to a portion of a vehicle. A second support arm may be pivotably coupled to the first support arm, and may further be pivotably coupled to a rear window panel
Implementation Method 2
The first support arm and the second support arm are connected to pivot relative to each other to form an angle less than 180° in an open position, and an angle substantially greater than 180° in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Supports for rear windows and rear window panels of a soft top structure may include a first support arm pivotably coupled to a portion of a vehicle. A second support arm may be pivotably coupled to the first support arm, and may further be pivotably coupled to a rear window panel of the soft top structure. The first support arm and the second support arm can be connected to pivot relative to each other to form an angle less than 180° in an open position, and an angle substantially greater than 180° in a closed position. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.