Boat Windshield Pass-Thru Section Rotating Top Axis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Boat windshields with large pass-thru sections can be heavy and difficult to handle, and when opened, they often obstruct the view of occupants located behind by laying over fixed portions of the windshield.
Innovation Solution
A windshield system where the pass-thru section rotates about an axis located proximate its top end, allowing it to open above the line of sight of occupants, and can be automated using driven actuators or assisted by mechanisms like gas-powered struts, ensuring easy operation and reduced obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pass-thru section is made large to provide adequate opening area, then accessibility to the bow area is improved, but the weight and difficulty of handling the section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is divided into multiple sections including a fixed portion and a movable pass-thru section. This segmentation allows the large opening area to be achieved while the movable section can be managed through rotational movement about a top-end axis, reducing the effective weight handling requirement compared to traditional lateral hinging.
Solution Approach 2:
The pass-thru section rotates about an axis located at its top end, moving the section vertically upward when opened rather than sideways. This dimensional change in movement direction allows the large section to be opened without requiring lateral space and reduces the effective moment arm, making handling easier despite the large size.
2Ease of operation
If the pass-thru section is hinged or slid to open, then accessibility is provided, but the section obstructs the view of occupants by laying over the fixed windshield portion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening laterally or sliding horizontally which would place the panel in front of occupants' eyes, the pass-thru section rotates upward about a top-end axis. This vertical movement dimension ensures the opened section moves above the line of sight of occupants in the cockpit area, eliminating visibility obstruction while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of visual obstruction is eliminated by extracting the opened panel from the line of sight path. The rotational mechanism about the top end axis specifically positions the opened section in a location that does not interfere with occupant visibility, separating the functional requirement of access from the harmful effect of obstruction.
3Strength
If the pass-thru section is made heavy for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the effort required to open and close the section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational axis positioned at the top end of the pass-thru section creates a mechanical advantage by minimizing the moment arm for the applied force. This dimensional positioning allows the heavy section to be opened and closed with reduced effort compared to traditional hinging, as the force is applied perpendicular to the shortest possible lever arm.
Solution Approach 2:
Driven actuators and assist mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the operator and the heavy pass-thru section. These mechanisms mediate the force application, enabling a heavy structurally-integral section to be moved with minimal human effort while maintaining its structural strength and integrity.
4Ease of repair
If components for rotating the pass-thru section are positioned below the section, then ease of access for maintenance is improved, but the components obstruct the view of occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational components are positioned in the vertical dimension above the pass-thru section when opened, rather than below it. This vertical placement in the third dimension allows components to be out of the horizontal line of sight path of occupants while remaining accessible for maintenance through access panels or service hatches in the roof structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Windshield systems for boats and methods of using the same are described herein. The windshield systems described herein include a pass-thru section that rotates between open and closed positions about an axis located proximate the top end of the pass-thru section.