Zipper-less Removable Windows for Foldable SUV Soft Tops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zipper systems for foldable and removable windows on vehicles are difficult to align and operate, leading to high stress and misalignment issues, which result in gaps and noise, especially around curved areas, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A zipper-less removable window assembly using plastic attachment devices with C-shaped and U-shaped channels and retainers that connect the foldable roof to the removable windows, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment without zippers, reducing stress and improving operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a zipper system is used to attach removable windows to the foldable roof, then the window can be securely attached, but the alignment is difficult and misalignment results in higher stress and zipper effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment system consisting of channels and retainers that mediate between the window and the roof. The channel is attached to the roof and the retainer to the window, creating a guided connection that eliminates direct zipper-to-zipper alignment issues. The retainer engages with the channel through a controlled path, ensuring proper alignment while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate components: the channel attached to the roof and the retainer attached to the window. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the attachment process by breaking down the complex zipper alignment task into simpler engagement steps between the retainer and channel.
2Strength
If a zipper system is used to attach removable windows, then the window can be securely attached, but the zipper teeth skip and misalignment causes gaps where water and air can enter
Solution Approach 1:
The channel-retainer intermediary system provides a controlled engagement path that prevents zipper tooth skipping. The retainer engages with the channel through a guided motion, ensuring consistent alignment and preventing gaps. This intermediary mechanism maintains reliable sealing by eliminating the misalignment issues that cause zipper failures.
3Strength
If a continuous zipper surrounds all sides of the window, then the window can be attached to the roof, but the zipper is difficult to use around corners due to imbalanced stress
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous zipper is segmented into discrete attachment points along the window perimeter. Instead of one continuous zipper surrounding all sides, multiple separate retainers engage with corresponding channels at different locations. This segmentation eliminates the imbalanced stress distribution around corners, as each attachment point operates independently with balanced loading.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional zippers are used for removable windows, then the window can be attached and removed, but the operation is cumbersome and requires high zipper effort
Solution Approach 1:
The channel-retainer intermediary system replaces the direct zipper-to-zipper engagement with a guided engagement mechanism. The retainer slides or clips into the channel along a controlled path, requiring significantly less effort than traditional zippers. This intermediary mechanism maintains full removability while dramatically reducing operational effort and complexity.
Data Source
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.