Vehicle Top Cover Lid Element for Acoustic and Aesthetic Improvement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding top arrangements for motor vehicles do not provide a harmonious aesthetic in the closed position and often compromise on acoustics within the vehicle interior.
Innovation Solution
A top arrangement featuring a displaceable lid element that can be shifted over a hard-top or folding-top section, which is fixed across its width, allowing for improved sound absorption and potentially omitting or integrating an inner headlining, with the lid element forming a composite component such as a glass-fiber-reinforced polyurethane structure, and utilizing a multi-joint mechanism for displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a folding top with tubular bows is used, then the top cover can be folded and opened, but the aesthetic appearance in closed position is compromised due to visible outlines of the bows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional tubular bow structure with a top cover made of flexible weatherproof textile material that is tensioned over a bowless frame. This flexible film approach eliminates the visible tubular outlines while maintaining the structural function of the bows, achieving a harmonious aesthetic appearance in closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the top arrangement. The top cover uses flexible textile material for aesthetic purposes, while the frame provides rigid structural support. This local differentiation allows the elimination of visible bows while maintaining functional integrity.
2Ease of operation
If a folding top with textile top cover is used, then the top can be folded, but the acoustic performance in the vehicle interior is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the top cover assembly, combining weatherproof textile material with additional acoustic insulation layers. This multi-material approach maintains the folding functionality while improving acoustic performance by reducing sound transmission into the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the top cover is tensioned over the frame, and additional acoustic insulation layers are integrated within the top cover assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions (weather protection, folding, acoustic insulation) to be combined in a compact configuration.
3Ease of operation
If traditional folding top components are used, then the top can be opened and closed, but the storage space requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the top arrangement into segmented components: a frame with lateral guide tracks, a bowless top cover assembly, and integrated storage compartments. This segmentation allows the top cover to be stored in a compact folded state within dedicated storage areas, reducing the overall storage space requirements compared to traditional bow-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension by implementing guide tracks that allow the top cover to be folded and stored horizontally within the vehicle's lateral storage areas, rather than requiring vertical storage space. This dimensional change optimizes the use of available storage volume.
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
Enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle in the closed position while improving interior acoustics through sound-absorbing materials and maintaining functionality for opening and closing the top section.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustics in the interior of the respective vehicle can be improved via the displaceable lid element as certain sound-absorbing materials can be used for the lid element
Data Source
AI summary
A top arrangement of a motor vehicle having a hard-top or folding-top section and a top cutout which borders the hard-top or folding-top section and which can be either closed or at least partially opened by means of a top opening system comprising at least one displaceable lid element, which can be shifted over the hard-top or folding-top section, and a top cover, which spans at least the hard-top or folding-top section in a closed position of the top opening system and is fixed to the lid element across its entire width.