Kristian Franz

Title: The Innovative Mind of Kristian Franz

Introduction

Kristian Franz is a notable inventor based in Stuttgart, Germany. He has made significant contributions to the automotive industry, particularly in the development of advanced roof systems for vehicles. With a total of four patents to his name, Franz has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and engineering excellence.

Latest Patents

Franz's latest patents include a drive system for a movable roof part of a roof module of a motor vehicle. This drive system features a support bar to which the roof part is fastened. During operation, the support bar is displaced between a closed position and an open position. The system incorporates a front guide carriage, a rear tilting mechanism, and a control carriage that mechanically controls both the guide carriage and the tilting mechanism. The design allows for the guide carriage and control carriage to be positioned and displaced inside the guide rail in parallel, overlapping one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Another notable patent is for a convertible design that features a top which can be opened and stored away. This design includes a rear window frame and at least one surface bow situated in front of the rear window frame when the top is closed. A coupling linkage facilitates a relative movement of the surface bow with respect to the rear window frame. The invention is characterized by having at least two surface bows that, when the top is closed, form a continuous roof contour together with the rear window frame. The coupling linkage is designed to allow the second surface bow to move downward relative to the first surface bow and the rear window frame at the beginning of the top's opening.

Career Highlights

Franz has worked with prestigious companies in the automotive sector, including Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft and Magna Car Top Systems GmbH. His experience in these organizations has allowed him to refine his skills and contribute to groundbreaking automotive technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Franz has collaborated with talented individuals such as Dominik Beierl and Lars Schulz. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to innovative solutions in vehicle design.

Conclusion

Kristian Franz is a distinguished inventor whose work in automotive roof systems showcases his innovative spirit and engineering prowess. His patents reflect a deep understanding of vehicle mechanics and design, contributing to advancements in the automotive industry.