Golf Cart Windshield Support for Stable Tabletop Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf carts lack sufficient flat space for tabletop use, and propping up the pivotal windshield with loose sticks results in an unstable surface.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a lateral support member and upright support members that secure the pivotal windshield in a horizontal position, providing a stable tabletop surface, with options for compression or tension/suspension mounting and removable attachments for different golf cart models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If loose sticks are used to prop up the pivotal windshield, then the windshield can be positioned horizontally for tabletop use, but the resulting surface is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces upright support members as intermediary elements between the lateral support member and the golf cart frame. These upright members provide stable vertical support, transferring the load from the horizontal windshield surface to the cart's frame, thereby stabilizing the tabletop configuration without requiring the windshield itself to bear the full load
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into distinct functional segments: lateral support members that engage the windshield, upright support members that provide vertical support, and mounting attachments that secure the device to the cart. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the upright members specifically addressing the stability issue
2Area of stationary object
If the pivotal windshield is positioned horizontally for tabletop use, then additional flat space is available, but the windshield may inadvertently remain in the horizontal position when the cart is operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as flags or colored markers) that provide feedback about the windshield's position. When the windshield is in the horizontal tabletop position, the indicator is visible to alert users. This feedback mechanism prevents accidental operation with the windshield in the wrong position by making the state clearly observable
Solution Approach 2:
The support device includes built-in indicators that are automatically positioned based on the windshield's orientation. Before the cart is operated, the visual indicator is already in place to warn users of the horizontal position, allowing them to take preliminary action (repositioning the windshield) before starting the cart
Data Source
AI summary
One or more upright support members mount to a golf cart and support a lateral support member that in turn supports a pivotal windshield pane of the golf cart in a horizontal position for use as a tabletop. The lateral support member engages a top lip and/or a top portion of the pivotal windshield pane and is received in the notch space between them. The upright support members of some embodiments support the lateral support member from below in compression (e.g., the upright support members can include attachments that insert into retaining clips for the pivotal windshield) and in other embodiments they support the lateral support member from above in tension/suspension (e.g., the upright support members can include cables).