Foldable Motorcycle Windshield Hinge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle windshields are rigid and can cause head injuries during accidents due to their solid structure, and previous attempts at foldable designs are either obstructive, expensive, or aesthetically unpleasing, adding weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A forward foldable curved motorcycle windshield assembly using a pair of curved hinges with a translucent upper and lower section, where the upper section folds outward when force is applied, with minimal hardware and no additional weight or expense, and a trim piece covers the hinges for aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid windshield structure is used, then the windshield provides structural strength and stability, but it causes head injuries during accidents due to its solid structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield structural strengthVSAvoidhead injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield is divided into two main segments: a fixed base section attached to the motorcycle frame and a movable upper section that can fold forward. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength when needed while enabling movement to reduce injury risk during accidents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper windshield section is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of folding forward upon impact or upon rider command. This dynamic behavior transforms the windshield from a potentially harmful rigid barrier into a safety feature that can move away from the rider's head during accidents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a foldable windshield design is implemented, then head injury risk is reduced, but the device becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead injury riskVSAvoidwindshield mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is segmented into simple hinge joints connecting the base section and upper section, avoiding complex continuous hinge contraptions. This segmentation simplifies the mechanism while maintaining the foldable functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex continuous hinge system that requires multiple moving parts, the invention inverts the approach by using discrete hinge joints at specific locations, reducing overall mechanism complexity while achieving the same safety effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a foldable windshield mechanism is added, then safety is improved, but the weight of the motorcycle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead injury riskVSAvoidmotorcycle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield system is segmented into a lightweight movable upper section and a fixed base section, allowing the use of lighter materials in the moving part while maintaining overall structural integrity without excessive weight addition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper windshield section utilizes thin, lightweight transparent or translucent materials that provide the necessary visibility and structural function while minimizing weight, allowing the folding mechanism to add minimal weight to the motorcycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a foldable windshield is installed, then safety is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible hinges and hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead injury riskVSAvoidwindshield aesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Cosmetic covers or trim pieces are introduced as intermediary elements that conceal the functional hinges and hardware from view while allowing the folding mechanism to function. These covers maintain the aesthetic appearance of the windshield assembly while enabling the safety feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cosmetic covers are designed to match the color and finish of the surrounding windshield and fairing components, making the hinge mechanism visually blend in or disappear, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling the foldable function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10232901B1Windshield impact reduction system suitable for motorcycles

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 KALMUS JOHN W

AI summary

Replaceable forward foldable curved motorcycle windshield assemblies, systems, devices and methods with a base separated from an upper curved main section attached together with a pair of hinges which allows the main section to fold outward away in a vertical to horizontal direction forward of the motorcycle when force is applied to the main section of windshield. An elongated trim covers the upper leafs of the hinges between of the windshield. The base of the windshield is hidden beneath the existing mounting frame on the motorcycle.