Convertible Wind Stop Device Multi-Part Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind stop devices for convertibles require additional connections to be released or made when folding up, making them inconvenient and less compact.
Innovation Solution
A wind stop device with a multi-part wind partition and cover partition system, featuring folding axes that allow the wind partition parts to pivot independently and fold together perpendicularly, enabling compact storage without the need for additional connection releases, using a combination of hinges and connecting elements for secure attachment to the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking devices are assigned to cover parts and wind partition frame parts to provide locking in the erected functional position, then the wind partition can be securely locked, but it becomes necessary to release at least one lock at the bottom side of the cover parts to fold the entire wind partition to half of its width
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from the cover parts and wind partition frame parts and relocates it to dedicated locking devices positioned at the upper side of the wind partition. This separation allows the locking mechanism to operate independently from the cover parts, enabling folding without releasing locks at the bottom side.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate locking devices that act as mediators between the wind partition frame parts and the cover parts. These locking devices are positioned at the upper side and can lock the wind partition in its erected position without interfering with the folding operation of the cover parts, thus resolving the contradiction between locking stability and folding ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wind partition is connected to the cover at least by a connection between one wind partition part with that cover part that is adjacent to the wind partition part, then the wind partition can be folded toward the cover, but it becomes necessary to release the releasable connection between at least one wind partition part with the adjacent cover part to fold up the released wind partition part and cover part
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection system into multiple independent releasable connections, each associated with specific wind partition parts and cover parts. This segmentation allows selective release of connections based on the folding requirements, enabling flexible folding operations without needing to release all connections simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic connection mechanisms that can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on the operational state. The releasable connections allow the wind partition to dynamically transition between connected and disconnected states, providing folding flexibility while maintaining structural integrity when connected.
3Reliability
If additional connections are made or released when mounting or dismounting the wind stop device, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process becomes inconvenient and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple connection functions into integrated connecting elements that combine attachment, locking, and folding capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of separate operations needed for mounting and dismounting, making the process more convenient while maintaining secure attachment through the combined functional elements.
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 convenient and compact folding of the wind stop device, ensuring stable coverage of the passenger compartment without the need for additional connection releases, providing a self-holding effect that maintains structural integrity and prevents sagging.
Implementation Method 1
the cover partition parts are connected to one another via hinge configurations (36, 38, 40) in such a way that the cover partition parts can be brought from a spread-out position into a folded-up position
Data Source
AI summary
A wind stop device, in particular for a convertible, includes a multi-part wind partition and a multi-part cover partition. A left and a right cover partition part can be folded about a cover partition folding axis and at the same time a left and a right wind partition part can be folded about a respective first and second wind partition folding axis from a non-use position into a cover position for covering a passenger compartment. The left and right wind partition parts and a middle wind partition part, which is provided between the first and second wind partition folding axes, can be folded about a connection folding axis, which extends perpendicular to a direction of travel, into a use position such that the wind partition parts are substantially perpendicular to the cover partition parts.