Magnetic Header Design for Vehicle Sunshade Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Jeep-type and SUV-type vehicles with removable tops face excessive sunlight exposure when the top is open, and existing solutions like bungee cords for securing bikini tops are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A sunshade or sun bikini top apparatus with a flexible fabric cover attached to the vehicle frame using a magnetic member that connects to the windshield header, leveraging existing attachment hardware and providing secure, releasable attachment without bungee cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bungee cords are used to secure the bikini top, then the top can be attached to the vehicle, but the attachment is inadequate and not secure enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bungee cord system with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic portion attached to the fabric cover interacts with the ferromagnetic windshield header to provide secure attachment through magnetic force, eliminating the need for elastic bungee cords and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from elastic mechanical tension (bungee cords) to magnetic attraction force. This parameter change allows for a more secure and reliable attachment while simplifying the overall device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent hard top is used, then protection from sunlight is provided, but air flow is blocked and openness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric cover that can be attached and removed as needed. This flexible membrane provides sunlight protection when attached but allows complete openness and air flow when removed, resolving the contradiction between protection and openness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the fabric cover can be easily attached and detached. This dynamic capability allows the user to switch between protected and open states, providing both sunlight protection and air flow depending on conditions.
3Reliability
If a magnetic attachment system is used, then secure and releasable attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a ferromagnetic portion into the windshield header that serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement for the windshield area and simultaneously serves as the magnetic attachment point for the fabric cover. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the attachment hardware with the existing windshield header structure. The ferromagnetic portion is integrated into the header itself, combining the structural support function with the magnetic attachment function, thereby avoiding additional separate components.
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 magnetic attachment system effectively secures the sunshade, offering protection from sunlight while allowing airflow, and integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's existing hardware for easy installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic portion is provided at the fore end of the fabric cover portion to allow secure releasable attachment of the sunshade to the windshield header of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle arrangement is provided including a vehicle body having at least a partially open top and transverse window with a ferromagnetic frame, a flexible membrane sunscreen cover for at least a portion of the vehicle. A magnetic member connected with the sunscreen cover holds an end of the cover with the window frame.