Collapsible Vehicle Window Cover with Resilient Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window protection devices fail to effectively prevent snow and ice accumulation during winter conditions, requiring frequent scraping and brushing, and often lack secure mounting mechanisms to withstand wind and unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, water-resistant cover with a resilient frame supported by locking suction cups, which covers the entire window and is easily deployable and storable, featuring a frame with flexible rings and a locking mechanism to secure the device to the window, preventing snow and ice buildup and wind displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection device covers the entire window to prevent snow and ice accumulation, then the effectiveness of snow and ice prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for secure mounting mechanisms and resilient frame structure
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple resilient frame members (first frame member, second frame member, third frame member) that can independently flex and adapt to the window contour. This segmentation allows the complex structure to be managed through modular components, each performing a specific function in securing the cover and resisting environmental forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed with resilient properties that allow them to change their structural parameters (flexibility, rigidity) in response to external forces such as wind and snow load. This enables the device to maintain its protective function while adapting to varying environmental conditions without requiring overly complex reinforcement.
2Reliability
If locking suction cups are used to secure the device to the window, then the resistance to wind displacement and unauthorized removal is improved, but the ease of installation and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups are designed to automatically lock onto the window surface when the cover is placed, requiring no additional tools or complex procedures for installation. The locking mechanism engages passively through the suction force and frame pressure, allowing users to install and remove the device simply by placing and lifting the cover without manual intervention for securing or releasing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is made resiliently flexible to adapt to window contours, then the adaptability to different window shapes is improved, but the strength to withstand wind and snow loads may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are designed with dynamic resilience, allowing them to flex and adapt to various window contours while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The resilient properties enable the frame to absorb and dissipate wind and snow loads through controlled deformation, then return to its original shape, providing both adaptability and strength without contradiction.
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
The solution effectively prevents snow and ice from accumulating on vehicle windows, reduces the need for frequent cleaning, and securely mounts to the window to withstand environmental conditions, including wind, while being easy to install and remove.
Implementation Method 1
The frame is collapsible to reconfigure the protection device from a deployed state wherein the frame supports the cover in a generally flat state to a storage state wherein the cover is folded
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of fasteners are secured to the cover for mounting the protection device to the window
Data Source
AI summary
A device for protecting a window of a vehicle from environmental conditions includes a water resistant cover for covering the window. The cover has a first side portion positionable to cover a driver's side of the window, and an opposed second side portion positionable to cover a passenger's side of the window. A frame supports the cover and includes spaced apart and resiliently flexible first and second frame members. The first and second frame members each extend widthwise with respect to the cover across at least a portion of the first side portion and at least a portion of the second side portion. The frame is collapsible to reconfigure the device from a deployed state wherein the frame supports the cover in a generally flat state to a storage state wherein the cover is folded. Fasteners are secured to the cover for mounting the device to the window.