Zipper-less Removable Windows for Folding SUV Soft Tops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional zipper systems for foldable and removable windows in vehicles are difficult to align and operate, leading to high stress and misalignment issues, which result in installation difficulties and gaps that allow water and air to enter the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A zipper-less removable window assembly with attachment devices that connect the foldable roof to removable windows using C-shaped and U-shaped channels and 'P' welt retainers, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment without zippers, reducing stress and improving installation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional zipper systems are used to attach removable windows to foldable roofs, then the windows can be connected and disconnected, but the zipper alignment is difficult and misalignment results in high zipper effort and operational difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of window attachmentVSAvoidzipper alignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A channel structure acts as an intermediary component between the window and roof assemblies. The channel includes a first portion that receives the window and a second portion that receives the roof, with the window and roof positioned in different planes. This intermediary channel structure facilitates easy attachment and detachment while eliminating the need for complex zipper alignment, as the channel's geometry guides proper positioning automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention positions the window and roof in different planes relative to the channel structure, rather than in the same plane as conventional zipper systems. This dimensional arrangement allows the channel to bridge the gap between components, simplifying alignment and attachment operations while reducing the effort required to operate the window system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional zippers are used around curved portions of windows, then the window can be sealed, but the radius difference between window and roof creates imbalanced stress on the zipper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidzipper stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The channel structure is designed with curved portions that specifically accommodate the curved geometry of windows. The channel's curvature is engineered to match the window's radius, allowing the channel to distribute stress evenly around curved portions. This eliminates the imbalanced stress that occurs in conventional zipper systems when connecting windows with different radii to the roof, maintaining seal integrity while reducing operational force requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If foldable window sections are used instead of removable windows, then the roof remains intact, but the window sections take up space within the vehicle and create noise from vibrating in the wind

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroof integrityVSAvoidwind vibration noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the window function from the roof structure by using removable windows that attach to the roof via the channel system. When windows are not needed, they can be completely removed from the vehicle, eliminating wind vibration noise and freeing up interior space. This segmentation allows the roof to maintain its structural integrity while the windows become independent, removable components that do not interfere with roof stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If zippers are used to attach windows to the soft top, then the window can be connected, but manufacturing tolerances and alignment issues during sewing cause zipper teeth to skip and increase zipper effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow installationVSAvoidzipper alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The channel structure serves as a manufacturing-tolerant intermediary that eliminates the need for precise zipper alignment. The channel's geometry provides built-in alignment features that guide the window and roof into proper positions, making the attachment process insensitive to variations in sewing tolerances. This intermediary approach replaces the precision-critical zipper system with a more forgiving mechanical connection that is easier to manufacture and install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11338652B2Zipper less removable windows for a folding SUV soft top

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 BESTOP INC

AI summary

A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.