Boat Windshield Hidden Frame for Secure Cover Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boat windshields without apparent structures on the top and bottom limit the ability to attach devices such as boat coverings, mirrors, and speakers, as they lack the necessary framework for secure mounting.
Innovation Solution
A hidden frame structure with upper and lower frame members and channels that house the windshield edges, allowing for the secure attachment of boat covering devices through parallel edges and channels, along with attachment devices like snap fasteners and adhesive materials for mounting on the boat deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a visible frame structure is used to attach boat covering devices, then the ability to secure equipment is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible frames
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to a hidden position behind the windshield. The channels are formed within the windshield thickness, allowing attachment devices to be mounted on the rear surface of the windshield rather than the front, thus preserving aesthetic appearance while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment functionality is moved from the traditional front-facing frame to the rear dimension of the windshield. By utilizing the thickness of the windshield and forming channels on the rear surface, the solution transitions the attachment interface to another spatial dimension, eliminating visible frames while preserving attachment capability.
2Shape
If no apparent frame structure is used on the windshield, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ability to attach equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield itself acts as a thin film or shell that integrates both aesthetic and functional roles. By forming channels within the windshield thickness and mounting attachment devices on its rear surface, the windshield shell provides both the clean front appearance and the structural capability for equipment attachment.
3Shape
If a hidden frame structure with channels is used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is merged with the windshield body, forming an integrated unit rather than separate components. The channels are formed within the windshield thickness, combining the aesthetic shell and the attachment framework into a single integrated structure, thus reducing overall device complexity while achieving both aesthetic and functional goals.
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a boat windshield assembly for installation on a boat deck, the boat windshield assembly comprising a hidden frame structure having an upper frame member; and a windshield comprising a lower edge and an upper edge opposite the lower edge, the lower edge running near the boat deck and the upper edge running near the upper frame member, the windshield substantially hiding the upper frame member; wherein the upper edge of the windshield and the upper frame member together define an upper channel for use in securing a boat covering device to the boat windshield assembly.