Jeep might have just solved one of the biggest problems with the Wrangler and Gladiator. No, it's not the wobble you get when the front suspension wears out. This is, shall we say, a more sunny solution. If you've ever been off-roading solo and wanted to open up the roof, you'll know the struggle for fresh air can be quite real.Now, the CarBuzz research team has found a Jeep patent that proposes a removable roof that could be handled easily by just one person without the need for inhuman abilities. Here's how it works. Removable Top Weighs Heavy On Owners And CAFE Jeep If you told Jeep Wrangler customers they could only choose a removable top or 4x4 drive, we're willing to bet that more of them would opt for the roof. The ability to toss aside the roof and doors for a sunny day's drive is a serious perk of the off-roader. But even though Jeep has made progress over the years, taking off the hard top is still a two-person job. Even the small front panels can be tough for one person.There are limits to what Jeep can do with the sheet molding compound that it uses for its hardtops today. The SMC panels – essentially layers of fiberglass and resin that are compression molded – need reinforcement and extra thickness in places. This adds even more weight.FCA The Stellantis engineers working on this project have proposed a new top that uses a honeycomb layer sandwiched between inner and outer skins. The patent proposes using a lightweight aluminum or polypropylene to create the honeycomb, with a thin fiberglass polypropylene composite skin.A top made this way would be much lighter than the current top. It would also be stronger, Jeep says in the patent, with better longevity. The patent proposes adding insulation inside the honeycomb, which could help reduce wind noise in the cabin and even help the heat and air conditioning systems. It's A Bronco-Like Design, But Could Fix That Roof's Woes Jeep A three-layer top might sound familiar if you're the owner of a Ford Bronco. The Wrangler competitor uses a similar design, but it has been problematic since launch. Ford's tops have had recalls and repairs, and owner groups have dozens of images of cracked roofs.Some of those owner photos show the differences between Jeep's idea and Ford's production part. The honeycomb inside the Bronco's top appears to be made from cardboard. The material probably works well in many situations, but Jeep's use of aluminum or plastic would be much more reassuring. And much less of a problem if there is a crack and water gets inside.Jeep's engineers didn't describe how much lighter a top made this way might be, so it might still not be possible for one person to remove the entire rear roof section. But the difference in weight will be significant.Patent drawings also show a top with more sections than current models. Removing more sections means there's a greater chance that one person can take them all off. Jeep also shows it on a more conventional SUV, not a Wrangler, so there's potential for more open-air fun in a Compass or Grand Cherokee.In addition to convenience, the patent description also cites future fuel economy ratings and lower emissions requirements as reasons for Jeep's idea. Cutting 10 pounds from the 120-pound roof isn't going to make a difference on the window sticker, though. How much will it take to make a difference? We'll have to wait and see if the new top makes production.Patent filings do not guarantee the use of such technology in future vehicles and are often used exclusively as a means of protecting intellectual property. Such a filing cannot be construed as confirmation of production intent.Source: US Patent & Trademark Office
+23 others
