Model of a convertible softtop roof mechanism

[daanh]

Hi, does anyone have a model of a convertible softtop roof mechanism? Just the bars of course.

I'm trying to model one, but it's tough...

Thanks, Daan

 

[MikeHalloran]

Time for a trip to a junkyard. ...


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Jboggs]

The original designers did it with slide rules, pencils, T-squares, erasers, and drafting boards! (And probably a high number of cardboard cutouts!)

 

[MadMango]

Search online, like at GrabCad.com, they have a model.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[daanh]

I searched grabcad and thingyverse, without luck...

 

[drawoh]

daanh,

Model a bunch of pins. You don't even need an assembly model. You can do this at the sketch level.

--
JHG

 

[daanh]

I know, I tried using sketch blocks. But even the schematic mechanism is difficult.

 

[drawoh]

daanh,

Are you designing something, or modeling an existing system?

If designing, break your task down into steps. Sketch a bunch of straight lines and apply some constraints. Move the movable stuff and see what moves. Fiddle dimensions around until you get he behavior you want. Now, you can model real parts!

If you are modeling an existing linkage, model the pieces and assemble them. IF it does not work, you have modeled something wrong. Maybe you don't understand the linkage.

--
JHG