Hinged Segmented Curing Lamp for Windshield Crack Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curing lamps for windshield cracks are inefficient due to size limitations, difficulty in following crack paths, and challenges in transporting and positioning them effectively for proper curing of repair materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular curing lamp apparatus with hingedly mounted lamp segments and a suction cup base, allowing for adjustable positioning and extension to follow the shape of cracks, and a method for using these segments to ensure comprehensive UV light coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large curing lamp is used to cover the entire crack area, then the curing coverage is improved, but the lamp becomes difficult to transport and position
Solution Approach 1:
The curing lamp is divided into multiple hinged segments that can be folded together for compact transport and then extended to cover the entire crack area during operation. Each segment contains UV LEDs and can be independently positioned along the crack path.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid curing lamp is used for stable positioning, then the positioning stability is improved, but the lamp cannot follow irregular crack paths
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp structure incorporates hinged joints that allow dynamic adjustment of segment angles, enabling the lamp to adapt to irregular crack paths while maintaining stable positioning through gravity and optional weighting mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If the lamp is moved along the crack for curing, then the crack coverage is improved, but the curing efficiency and time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented lamp design allows the entire lamp structure to be extended along the crack path, providing full crack coverage in a single stationary position rather than requiring sequential movement along the crack.
4Ease of operation
If a compact curing lamp is used for easy transport, then the portability is improved, but the curing coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hinged segments can be folded into a compact configuration for transport and then extended into a long linear arrangement to cover extensive crack areas during operation.
5Strength
If the lamp segments are rigidly connected for structural stability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to follow crack pathways is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Hinged joints with adjustable locking mechanisms provide structural stability when locked in position while allowing reconfiguration to match irregular crack geometries. The segments can be rigidly secured during curing to maintain positioning.
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
Enables efficient curing of repair materials by allowing precise alignment and extension of UV light coverage along the crack, improving repair efficiency and reducing waste, while being easier to transport and position.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup engageable with the work surface, and a base mounted to the suction cup
Implementation Method 2
Often the repair material needs to be cured with an ultraviolet light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A curing lamp apparatus mounts to a work surface with a suction cup. A base is mounted to the suction cup and defines a hinge point for a first bar. At a distal end of the first bar, a second bar is hingedly mounted to the first bar. A first lamp element is hingedly mounted to one end of the second bar. A second lamp element is hingedly mounted to a second end of the second bar. The first and second lamp elements are positionable in a variety of positions to follow the path of a crack in a surface to be repaired. The lamp elements are also foldable into a storage position.