Research and Concepts

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Trunk

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title Different concepts and Research for the Trunk Props
2 BAR LINKAGE SYSTEM Link to a gif showing a similar system: https://gifs.com/gif/r83AgW Pros: Relatively simple mechanism Two rods connected by an internal pin. At the end points are mounted to external pins To lock the two linkages a variety of systems may be used: Name Image/GIF/Link to Video Description / Notes “Bird’s mouth” Lock https://youtu.be/NPNMDxLSKo8?t=37 When opening, will have to raise the roof then slightly lower it to engage the “Bird’s mouth” lock When closing will have to raise the roof slightly to disengage the lock before being able to close it Machining the linkages to have the flanges needed for the lock may be difficult Welding on flanges may be a possibility But must consider strength of weld Spring Loaded Latch In some versions of this type of mechanism it is quite difficult to get the pin past the spring loaded latch Integrating the pin may be difficult Will have to correctly spec out / design spring loaded latch Note: A video of a similar mechanism is linked to in the “Sliding Bar Mechanism” section Physical Latch Integrating pin/dowel may be difficult Will need to design / spec out a latch that can withstand necessary force ARCHIVE - Intermediate brace To lock it in place an intermediate brace piece can sit under the internal pin connection (as shown in sketch below) Less mounting space required compared to other concepts Only need two mounting areas for the external pin connection (one on the trunk, the other on the side panel) Cons: Can only lock at one height Will need additional components to have a supported closing of the trunk i.e. in its current form you must manually close the trunk to prevent it from slamming SINGLE SLIDING BAR MECHANISM A single bar is mounted to two external mounting pins One is on the trunk The other is mounted to a shaft that it can slide along or may be a pin restricted in its motion by a slide opening If a pin and slide opening is used, the following mechanism could be used to lock the mechanism Link: https://youtu.be/5JQkzjj_cxs?t=65 (watch until 1:34) Notes: In some versions of this type of mechanism it is quite difficult to get the pin past the spring loaded latch This mechanism will require additional mounting space and hardware Integrating the pin may be difficult Will have to correctly spec out / design spring loaded latch Pros: Relatively simple in nature Only requires shaft, single linkage and external pin mounts Allows for locking at variable heights Could (relatively) easily integrate a supported closing mechanism At the very end of the shaft would need something to slow the velocity of the bottom mount Adaptable Allows for the ability to become a motorized system Can just as easily work as a manual system Cons: Will need lots of horizontal longitudinal room for the shaft May weigh more than other designs due to the shaft COMPRESSED AIR SUPPORT STRUT Similar mechanism to conventional cars Will work in a similar manner Two attachment points, one on the trunk another on the side When opening the piston will extend At apex the compressed air supports the piston, preventing it from contracting and the trunk closing When closing, the force you exert will be greater than what the compressed air within can resist Causing the piston to contract and the trunk to close Pros: Allows for supported closing of the trunk May be more lightweight compared to other solutions Cons: Probably will need to purchase this May be hard to find one that has the exact specifications we need If we get ones that are too highly overspecced, it will take a higher than normal amount of force to close the trunk May be hard to integrate these factory components (which are designed for specific makes and models of production cars) into our custom car Mounting may be an issue ARCHIVE - SCISSOR JACK MECHANISM Top of scissor jack will mount to roof, bottom of scissor jack will mount to side panel Will work as conventional scissor jacks do Threaded bar is spun Clockwise or counterclockwise spin will cause jack to raise or lower Pros: Can have automatic opening and closing of trunk (if a motor is used) Users do not need to physically open the trunk Can support the roof at a variable angle Cons: If a motor is used, this is another element that will draw power from the battery box Also will add additional weight (on top of the scissor jack itself) Will require power and control wire connections Would be hard to integrate a manual operation of the scissor jack Physically moving the motor’s axle may cause grinding of internal motor gears If no motor is used (manual operation only) this would be physically strenuous Will need horizontal longitudinal space for the threaded bar to extend into

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Roof

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title Different concepts and Research for the Trunk Props
SINGLE SLIDING BAR MECHANISM Similar to the one described for the Trunk However could use the existing chassis tubes as the shaft University of Michigan’s roof tilting mechanism is similar to this Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/umsolar/36503620964/ 2 BAR LINKAGE SYSTEM Similar to one described for the Trunk Could have second mounting point on the existing chassis tubes

Further Research and Development

Trunk

Roof