Convertible SUV Hard Top Removal Device with Adjustable Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for removing and installing SUV hard tops are cumbersome, requiring multiple people due to their weight and bulk, and often necessitate specialized overhead lifts that are not portable or suitable for all vehicle owners, especially those without garages or who need to remove the top in different locations.

Innovation Solution

A freestanding device with a movable base unit, vertical support structure, and top platform assembly that allows for vertical lifting and controlled lowering of the hard top, featuring adjustable legs with bumpers for even force distribution and alignment markers, enabling single-user operation and compact storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If overhead lifts are used to remove and install hard tops, then the lifting capability is improved, but the portability and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidportability and accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a static overhead lift to a dynamic, movable system with wheeled base units that can be repositioned as needed. The vertical support structures can be adjusted in height and position, allowing the device to adapt to different vehicle locations and configurations, thereby achieving both lifting capability and portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate support elements including wheeled base units, adjustable vertical support structures, and platform assemblies that act as mediators between the hard top and the ground. These intermediary components enable lifting without requiring fixed overhead infrastructure, solving the contradiction between lifting force and portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If multiple people are used to handle the hard top, then the weight load is distributed, but the operational complexity and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight load distributionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to perform the lifting function automatically through its mechanical advantage system. The wheeled base units and vertical support structures work together to lift and position the hard top with minimal human intervention, allowing a single user to operate the system without requiring multiple people to manually handle the weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of multiple people lifting with a mechanical lifting system using wheeled base units, vertical supports, and platform assemblies. This substitution of human effort with a mechanical device reduces operational complexity while maintaining the force needed to handle the hard top

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed overhead lifts are installed, then the lifting stability is improved, but the installation flexibility and repositioning capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting stabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic elements including movable wheeled base units and adjustable vertical support structures that can be repositioned and reconfigured. This dynamic design maintains lifting stability during operation while enabling flexibility in installation locations and repositioning, contradicting the fixed nature of traditional overhead lifts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal applicability through its adjustable components and movable base units. The same device can be used for different vehicle types, different locations, and different hard top configurations, providing both stability and flexibility without requiring fixed installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, single-person removal and installation of SUV hard tops, providing better accessibility and convenience for vehicle owners without the need for fixed overhead lifts, allowing for use in various locations and easy reinstallation.

Implementation Method 1

a means for vertical lifting arranged at the vertical support structure that allows the apparatus to exert force vertically for removing the hard top from the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the top platform assembly comprises a plurality of adjustable legs, each with a distal end comprising a bumper for contacting the hardtop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce Distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11884345B2Device for removing, storing and installing convertible SUV hard tops

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 NORGE HLDG

AI summary

A device designed for the removal, storage, and installation of removable hardtops from convertible sport utility vehicles, comprising a wheeled base unit, a vertical support structure and a platform assembly, wherein the base unit is aligned directly below the platform unit and the vertical support structure connects them together, wherein the device can be disassembled for simple shipping, is adjustable for height and depth to accommodate different SUV models, and includes markers for easy assembly.