Quick-Release Windshield Mounting System for ATVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release windshield mounting systems for small vehicles, such as ATVs and UTVs, often require tools for installation and removal, which can be inconvenient and impractical, especially when tools are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release windshield mounting system featuring receiving elements fixedly mounted to the vehicle's steering assembly and mounting elements secured to the windshield panel, utilizing a rotatable latch with a cam mechanism to engage and disengage a groove on the mounting element's protrusion, allowing tool-free installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional windshield mounting systems are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but tool requirement and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs dynamic latches that can be quickly actuated by the rider to transition between locked and unlocked states. The latches move along curved paths during engagement and disengagement, enabling rapid tool-free installation and removal of the windshield panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be operated by the rider themselves without requiring external tools or assistance. The latches are positioned and sized to be manually actuated by the rider's fingers, and the entire mounting/dismounting process can be completed independently in seconds.
2Productivity
If quick-release mechanisms are implemented, then installation speed improves, but securing reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The latches follow curved engagement paths with specific radii of curvature. The cam surfaces and groove geometry are designed with optimized curvature to ensure smooth, reliable engagement that maintains secure fixation while enabling quick release when actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches are pre-positioned in a ready-to-engage state, and the mounting elements are pre-aligned with receiving elements. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the rider actuates the latches, engagement occurs immediately and reliably without requiring complex alignment or adjustment during the quick-release operation.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free operation is achieved, then ease of use improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional modules: receiving elements fixed to the vehicle, mounting elements attached to the windshield panel, and latches that connect them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex tool-free operation into manageable discrete elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and tool-free installation and removal of windshields, enhancing convenience and safety by eliminating the need for tools, while providing secure fixation during use.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable latch with a cam mechanism to engage and disengage a groove on the mounting element's protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting a windshield to a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”), a utility-terrain vehicle (“UTV”), or a snowmobile is disclosed. The system typically comprises a pair of receiving elements, each of them configured to be secured to the vehicle, typically the handlebar(s) thereof, and a corresponding pair of mounting elements secured to a windshield panel or panel assembly and configured to be respectively releasably received in the receiving elements. Each receiving element comprises a rotatable cam and each mounting element comprises a groove on an outwardly extending protrusion such that the cams can selectively engage the grooves in a locking engagement when the mounting elements are received in the receiving elements.