Folding Windshield Hinge Stiffening Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Folding windshields in utility vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and golf carts often bow inward due to insufficient strength from PVC hinges, causing issues under wind pressure and vibration when the vehicle is moving.

Innovation Solution

An elongated hinge assembly with an integral stiffening member or brace is used to connect the upper and lower panes of the windshield, preventing bowing by distributing stress and maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a PVC hinge is used to connect the upper and lower panes, then the windshield can be lightweight and easy to manufacture, but the hinge lacks sufficient strength causing the windshield to bow inward under wind pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge strengthVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is divided into distinct functional components: hinge leaves for connection, a web for structural support, and a brace element for stiffening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing windshield bowing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly combines multiple material properties and structural elements to achieve both strength and lightweight characteristics. The composite structure of hinge leaves, web, and brace creates a unified assembly that provides enhanced structural support compared to solid PVC while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a PVC hinge is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but wind pressure causes the windshield to bow inward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to wind pressureVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is divided into distinct functional components: hinge leaves for connection, a web for structural support, and a brace element for stiffening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing windshield bowing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly combines multiple material properties and structural elements to achieve both strength and lightweight characteristics. The composite structure of hinge leaves, web, and brace creates a unified assembly that provides enhanced structural support compared to solid PVC while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the hinge structure is simplified using PVC, then ease of operation is maintained, but the windshield bows inward due to insufficient structural support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield stabilityVSAvoidhinge structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is divided into distinct functional components: hinge leaves for connection, a web for structural support, and a brace element for stiffening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing windshield bowing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brace element acts as an intermediary structural component that transfers and distributes wind pressure loads across the hinge assembly. This intermediate element prevents direct transmission of bowing forces to the hinge leaves, maintaining both stability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10947760B2Hinge for a folding windshield

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 NIVEL PARTS & MANUFACTURING CO LLC

AI summary

A hinge for a folding windshield is provided for vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) utility vehicles (UTVs), golf carts, and other vehicles. The hinge includes an integral stiffening member or brace to prevent the windshield from bowing due to wind pressure and vibration.