Convertible Top Locking Device with Vertical Pivot Crank Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for convertible vehicle tops require significant vertical installation space due to horizontal pivot axes of linkages, leading to a bulky design and increased complexity in sensor systems for position detection.
Innovation Solution
A compact closure device design utilizing a crank drive with a two-link mechanism and a sensor system integrated within the crank mechanism, featuring vertical pivot axes and a geometrically simple kinematics to reduce space requirements and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If horizontal pivot axes are used for the linkage mechanism, then the closure device can achieve the required kinematic motion, but the vertical installation space becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal pivot axes to vertical pivot axes for the linkage mechanism. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve the same kinematic motion capability while significantly reducing the vertical installation space requirement, as the motion now occurs in a horizontal plane rather than requiring vertical clearance
2Ease of operation
If a significant lever arm is used for driving the closure, then the locking hook can be actuated, but the overall structure becomes bulky and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is reoriented from a vertical arrangement with a significant lever arm to a horizontal arrangement utilizing vertical pivot axes. This allows the actuation force to be applied more efficiently in a compact configuration, reducing the overall volume of the closure device while maintaining the ability to actuate the locking hook
3Measurement precision
If the sensor system is separate from the drive mechanism, then position detection can be implemented, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated directly into the crank mechanism of the drive device. The sensor detects the position of the crank, which is directly coupled to the locking hook actuation, thereby combining the drive and detection functions into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures and reduces overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for a convertible top of a vehicle, - with a locking hook (2) which has a gripping end (3) at the front and a bearing end (4) at the rear, - with a housing (5) in which the bearing end (4) is mounted in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook (2) so as to be horizontally adjustable, - with a drive device (7) for adjusting the locking hook (2), - with a sensor system (37) for detecting a closed position and an open position of the locking hook (2).A compact design and reliable condition detection can be achieved by: - the drive unit (7) having a drive link (10) and a crank drive (19) for driving the drive link (10), - the crank drive (19) having a crank (20) that is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (21) and arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation (21), which is connected to the drive link (10) for drive, - the sensor system (37) cooperating with the crank drive (19).