Convertible Cover Attachment via Stepped Rivet
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing structure for attaching a cover to a link pivotally coupled to a roof panel in convertibles faces instability and aesthetic issues due to space constraints and exposure of fasteners when the link approaches other components during opening or closing, impairing the appearance.
Innovation Solution
A cover is attached to the link at the joint between the link and the roof panel using a stepped rivet and screw configuration, allowing stable and secure attachment while minimizing exposed fasteners, with the cover being pivotally coupled to the stepped rivet via a threaded screw and through hole, and the link being supported by a large diameter portion of the rivet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cover is attached to the link at a position away from the joint between the link and the roof panel, then the attachment structure is simpler, but the attachment stability deteriorates when the link approaches other components during opening or closing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into multiple attachment points: one at the joint between the link and roof panel, and another at a position away from the joint. This segmentation allows the cover to be securely attached at critical locations while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is preliminarily attached at the joint between the link and roof panel, which is the critical location where stability is most needed during opening and closing operations. This preliminary attachment ensures stability is established before the link approaches other components.
2Device complexity
If the cover is attached to the link at a position away from the joint between the link and the roof panel, then fewer fasteners are needed, but the fasteners may be exposed inside the cabin and impair the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are extracted and concealed within the joint structure between the link and roof panel. By placing the attachment at the joint location, the fasteners are hidden from view inside the cabin, eliminating the appearance impairment while maintaining the necessary attachment function.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a structure of a cover which allows a first link 25 to be pivotally coupled to a front roof panel via a stepped rivet 27, and a cover 31 to be pivotally coupled to the stepped rivet 27 via a first stepped screw 33. An overhang portion 27e of the stepped rivet 27 is joined to the front roof panel with a periphery of a front attachment hole 23c of the front roof panel being sandwiched between the overhang portion 27e and a large diameter portion 27c inserted in an insertion hole 25a of the first link 25 to pivotally support the first link 25. The first stepped screw 33 has a threaded portion 33d fastened into a fastening hole 27f of the stepped rivet 27, and a base end 33c inserted in a first through hole 31b of the cover 31 to pivotally support the cover 31.