Collapsible Hail Veil Vehicle Protection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current car covers are ineffective against extreme weather conditions such as hail, which can cause significant damage to a vehicle's glass and exterior surfaces, rendering them inadequate for protecting vehicles in areas prone to severe weather.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible protective vehicle covering system, known as the 'Hail Veil', featuring a mesh shroud with impact-resistant material and collapsible mount assemblies that attach to the vehicle frame via straps, creating an air-space above and around the vehicle to shield it from hail and inclement weather, and is portable and easy to install.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional car covers are used, then protection from moderate conditions (sun, wind) is provided, but protection against extreme weather (hail) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple components: a rigid frame structure segmented into vertical supports and horizontal bars, a separate shroud material, and mounting assemblies. This segmentation allows the frame to provide structural strength for hail protection while the shroud provides weather protection, resolving the contradiction between moderate condition protection and extreme weather resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different materials with complementary properties: a rigid frame material (such as aluminum or steel) for impact resistance, a mesh or fabric shroud material for weather protection, and mounting hardware. This composite approach enables simultaneous protection against both moderate conditions and extreme hail events.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid protective structure is implemented, then hail protection is improved, but portability and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates collapsible joints and telescopic elements that allow the rigid protective structure to transform between an extended protective state and a collapsed portable state. This dynamic design enables the structure to provide full hail protection when deployed while minimizing size for easy storage in a vehicle trunk or garage.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame components are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with vertical supports containing horizontal bars, which in turn contain smaller components. This nesting arrangement maximizes portability and storage efficiency while maintaining the structural integrity needed for hail protection when assembled.
3Ease of operation
If a collapsible mount assembly is used, then portability is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assemblies include pre-configured attachment mechanisms (such as clamps, magnets, or suction cups) that are prepared in advance for rapid deployment. When assembled, these pre-prepared connections provide immediate structural stability, ensuring that the collapsible nature of the frame does not compromise the rigidity and stability of the completed protective structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A Hail Veil is a hail protection device that attaches to the strongest areas of a vehicle frame to support four rods; one at the very front of the car, one at the back of the car and two on the roof. Mesh is then strategically attached to the front, top, back and sides of the vehicle and fastened to create a barrier to the hail. The Hail Veil is portable and fits into the trunk of the vehicle for quick access.