Research and Concepts
Trunk
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 | When opening, will have to raise the roof then slightly lower it to engage the “Bird’s mouth” lock Machining the linkages to have the flanges needed for the lock may be difficult
| |
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 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 longitudinal space for the threaded bar to extend into
Roof
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
2 BAR LINKAGE SYSTEM
Similar to one described for the Trunk
Could have second mounting point on the existing chassis tubes
