Quick-Release Windshield Mounting System for ATVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release windshield mounting systems for small vehicles often rely on busy handlebars for attachment points, making it difficult to install and remove windshields without tools, and require tools for installation and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release windshield mounting system featuring receiving members on the vehicle's lighting pod and resilient locking arms on the windshield panel, allowing for tool-free installation and removal by manually actuating the locking projection to engage and disengage from a locking opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting systems are used, then the windshield can be securely mounted, but tools are required for installation and removal, making the process time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a receiving member fixed to the vehicle and a mounting member attached to the windshield. This segmentation allows the windshield to be quickly attached and detached without tools, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting member includes a resilient locking arm that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism enables tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure mounting during operation, addressing both ease of operation and time efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If quick-release systems using handlebars are used, then tool-free installation is achieved, but the handlebar becomes cluttered with accessories and space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system extracts the attachment points from the handlebar area and relocates them to the vehicle's front structure (lighting pod or fender). This extraction frees up the handlebar space for other accessories while maintaining quick-release functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system moves the attachment mechanism from the horizontal handlebar dimension to the vertical front structure dimension. This dimensional change provides adequate space for both the mounting system and other handlebar accessories, addressing the space limitation issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are mounted on the handlebar, then vehicle functionality is enhanced, but the handlebar becomes overcrowded and windshield mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield mounting function is extracted from the handlebar area and relocated to the vehicle's front structure. This extraction eliminates the conflict between multiple accessories and windshield mounting, allowing both to coexist without interfering with each other's ease of operation.
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 quick and easy installation and removal of windshields without tools, while freeing up space on the handlebar for other accessories and simplifying the process by using the lighting pod as attachment points.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient locking arm comprising a locking projection or tab protruding therefrom... The resilient locking arm is configured to releasably engage the locking opening via the locking projection
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 comprising a pair of receiving members configured to be mounted to, or integrated with, the vehicle and a corresponding pair of mounting members mounted to, or integrated with, the windshield panel or panel assembly. The receiving member may be integrated to the lighting pod of the vehicle. The mounting members of the system are configured to be respectively releasably received into the receiving members. Each receiving member comprises a receiving cavity and at least one locking opening, and each mounting member comprises at least one resilient locking arm configured to releasably engage the at least one locking opening such that the mounting members can respectively engage the receiving members in a releasable locking engagement.