Golf Car Windshield With Foldable Lower Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low speed vehicle windshields, such as those for golf cars, often expose operators to harmful UV radiation, debris, and weather elements when folded down, as they rely on gravity for the folded position, offering inadequate protection and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A windshield design with a fixed upper portion and a lower portion that folds up, secured by clamps or clips, incorporating color-changing properties for UV protection and improved airflow, which can be adapted to ambient light conditions, providing enhanced safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the windshield is folded down to allow airflow and cooling, then the occupants can get wind through the car to stay cooler, but the occupants are exposed to harmful UV rays, wind, and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is divided into two separate portions: a fixed upper portion that remains in place to block UV rays and debris, and a movable lower portion that can be folded down to allow airflow. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between cooling and protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the windshield is fixed in the up position to provide continuous protection, then the occupants are protected from UV rays and debris, but the interior of the car becomes hotter due to reduced airflow
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the windshield into fixed and movable portions, the system allows selective protection and ventilation. The fixed upper portion maintains protection while the movable lower portion enables controlled airflow to reduce interior temperature when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower portion of the windshield is made dynamic and movable, allowing occupants to adjust it between folded-up (protected) and folded-down (ventilated) positions. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to changing environmental conditions and occupancy needs.
3Device complexity
If the windshield relies on gravity to hold the folded down position, then the structure is simple, but the windshield offers inadequate protection and the folded down position is not secure during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
A hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the upper and lower portions of the windshield, providing a secure connection that allows controlled movement while maintaining stability. This hinge enables the lower portion to be reliably positioned in either folded-up or folded-down state, overcoming the insufficiency of gravity-only support.
4Ease of manufacture
If the entire windshield is removed for maintenance or storage, then access is improved, but the vehicle lacks protection during operation and requires reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the windshield into fixed and movable portions allows the movable lower portion to be independently removed or adjusted for maintenance access without requiring removal of the entire windshield structure. The fixed upper portion remains in place to maintain protection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed upper portion serves multiple functions: it provides continuous protection from UV and debris, serves as a mounting structure for the movable portion, and can function independently if the movable portion is removed for maintenance or storage.
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 design ensures continuous protection from UV radiation, debris, and weather, while maintaining airflow for cooling, and reduces drag, offering improved safety and comfort for operators, especially during sunny or night-time operations.
Implementation Method 1
The color change property may comprise a photochromic substance part of a single or dual coating system, which combines quick color changing properties, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a windshield for a low speed vehicle such as a golf car. The windshield comprises a hinge and a top mount allowing the windshield to fold up for improved upper body safety and improved air circulation.