Contoured Boat Windshield with Concave Curvature for Slipstream Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boat windshields do not effectively protect passengers from wind and slipstream across the entire boat, particularly those seated at the bow, as they are either too large and unwieldy or not aerodynamic enough to provide comprehensive protection.
Innovation Solution
A contoured windshield with a concave section that bulges aft, featuring adjustable positions and materials like polycarbonate and acrylic, which redirects the slipstream upwards and backwards, providing increased protection laterally and vertically, and includes adjustment means for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large windshield is used to protect all passengers, then passenger protection is improved, but the windshield becomes unwieldy and non-aerodynamic
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield incorporates a concave section with curvature describing between 45 and 90 degrees of a circle, creating a contoured shape that redirects the slipstream. This curvature allows the windshield to maintain a compact, aerodynamic profile while still providing extensive protected space behind it, resolving the contradiction between size and aerodynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave section extends the protected space in three-dimensional space rather than simply increasing the two-dimensional area of the windshield. By creating a volumetric effect through the concave curvature, the design protects passengers laterally and vertically without requiring a larger planar surface area.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat windshield is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the slipstream flows straight back providing limited protection
Solution Approach 1:
The concave section with its specific curvature (45-90 degrees) redirects the slipstream upward and backward, creating a larger protected space. This curved design modifies the airflow pattern compared to a flat windshield, preventing the slipstream from flowing straight back while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.
3Ease of operation
If the windshield is positioned midship, then it is easier to install, but it provides no protection for passengers in the bow
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is divided into distinct functional sections: a contoured section with concave curvature for aerodynamic slipstream redirection, and flat sections for structural support and mounting. This segmentation allows the complex contoured portion to be optimized for airflow management while the flat portions facilitate easier installation and manufacturing.
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 contoured windshield effectively protects all passengers on a boat by redirecting the slipstream, offering a more comfortable ride and improved aerodynamics, while maintaining a compact and aerodynamic design.
Implementation Method 1
The slipstream created over a prior art flat or slightly convex windshield during boat motion goes straight back over the top edge of the windshield.
Implementation Method 2
When the windshield of the present invention is disposed on a boat such that its concavity bulges aft, the slipstream created over the windshield during forward motion of the boat is projected up and then back.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a contoured boat windshield with a top edge parallel to a bottom edge; a right and left side connecting the top and bottom edges; and at least one concave pane with a curvature that describes between 45 and 90 degrees of a circle and that is disposed between the top and bottom edges. The present invention is also a boat including a contoured boat windshield of the present invention and attachment means for attaching the windshield to the boat.