Handlebar-Independent Windshield Assembly for Storage and Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield assemblies for recreational vehicles, such as PWCs and ATVs, are often fixed to the handlebar, reducing storage space and accessory options.
Innovation Solution
A windshield assembly for vehicles that is independent of the handlebar, featuring a support structure mounted forward of the handlebar and rearward of the storage rack, allowing the windshield to rotate relative to the handlebar, with adjustable height and aperture configurations for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the windshield is fixed to the handlebar, then the windshield is securely positioned, but storage space and accessory functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield support is extracted from the handlebar structure and mounted independently to the vehicle frame. This separation allows the handlebar to remain unobstructed for storage rack installation while the windshield maintains its own secure mounting position on the frame, resolving the conflict between windshield stability and storage space availability
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle frame serves as an intermediary mounting structure between the windshield and the handlebar. By mounting the windshield support to the frame rather than directly to the handlebar, the system achieves both secure windshield positioning and preserved handlebar functionality for storage purposes
2Reliability
If the windshield is fixed to the vehicle body, then the windshield is stable, but storage space is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the windshield support structure is divided from the storage rack system. The windshield support mounts to the frame at specific locations, while the storage rack can be independently positioned on the handlebar, allowing both functions to coexist without interfering with each other's space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield support utilizes vertical space by extending upward from the frame, positioning the windshield above the handlebar level. This vertical arrangement allows the storage rack to occupy the horizontal space on the handlebar without conflicting with the windshield's mounting requirements, effectively using different spatial dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the windshield support structure is added forward of the handlebar, then the windshield can be positioned independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mounting for the windshield, serves as a structural element of the vehicle frame, and creates the necessary spatial relationship between the windshield and handlebar. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising: a frame; a driver seat connected to the frame; a handlebar disposed forward of the driver seat, the handlebar rotatable about a steering column axis; a storage rack connected to the frame, the storage rack being disposed forward of the handlebar; a windshield support connected to the frame, the windshield support being disposed forward of the handlebar and rearward of the rack; and a windshield connected to the windshield support, the handlebar rotating relative to the windshield. A method of mounting the windshield to the vehicle, the method comprising: selecting the windshield support from first and second windshield supports, the second windshield support being taller than the first windshield support; connecting the selected windshield support to the frame of the vehicle forward of the driver seat and between the handlebar and the front storage rack; and connecting the windshield to the selected windshield support.