Dual-Part Vehicle Windshield With Independent Motorized Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windshield systems for motor vehicles, particularly in open types like convertibles, are limited to serving only the driver and have complex, cumbersome actuation systems that do not effectively address the needs of passengers.

Innovation Solution

A windshield system for motor vehicles comprising two independent, angularly displaceable parts with a motor-driven actuation mechanism, including an electric jack and articulated linkage, allowing for selective and independent positioning between raised and lowered positions for both the driver and passenger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single windshield is used for the driver only, then the actuation system is simpler, but the passenger lacks protection and the windshield does not serve both occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield coverage for driver and passengerVSAvoidactuation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield is divided into two independent parts: a first windshield part for the driver and a second windshield part for the passenger. Each part can be independently actuated and positioned, allowing selective deployment based on occupancy and weather conditions. This segmentation enables the system to provide protection to both occupants while maintaining operational simplicity through independent control of each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex actuation system is used to serve both driver and passenger, then both occupants can be protected, but the system becomes cumbersome and less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield positioning flexibilityVSAvoidactuation system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield parts are designed to be angularly displaceable between raised and lowered positions through motor-driven actuation mechanisms. This dynamic positioning capability allows the windshield to adapt to different driving conditions, occupancy scenarios, and weather conditions. The motor-driven actuation provides reliable automated control while maintaining the ability to respond to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with motor-driven actuation mechanisms for displacing the windshield parts. This substitution provides more reliable and consistent actuation force, enables automated control through sensors and control units, and reduces the physical effort required to operate the windshield system while improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual actuation is used for each windshield part, then the system is simpler, but the operation becomes tedious and less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield actuation convenienceVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual actuation mechanisms are replaced with motor-driven actuation systems that automatically displace the windshield parts between raised and lowered positions. This substitution significantly improves ease of operation as the system can be controlled through simple inputs or automated sensor-based decisions, eliminating the need for manual cranking or complex mechanical manipulation while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized motor components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables a functional windshield that provides protection and convenience for both the driver and passenger, with simplified and efficient actuation, enhancing passenger safety and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an actuation mechanism which conveniently includes a horizontal actuator. The horizontal actuator preferably consists of an electric jack arranged beneath the windshield part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric motor actuation: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

The articulated linkage comprises a generally triangular-shaped rotary cam having a first vertex articulated to the electric jack, a second vertex with which there is articulated the lower end of a substantially vertical connecting rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational to translational motion conversion: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP4484187A1Motor vehicle windshield and motor vehicle provided with such windshield

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA GMBH

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AI summary

Windshield for motor vehicles having a driving station and a passenger station arranged side by side to the driving station, comprising two windshield parts (4, 5) separated from each other and angularly displaceable in a motor-driven manner and independently between a lowered position and a raised position around a lower transversal axis (7).