Modular Golf Car Canopy Water Channels for Extended Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightweight vehicle canopies are often of lesser quality, prone to deformation, and have poor water management and installation issues, leading to inadequate protection and fitment problems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle canopy system featuring a main panel with longitudinal water channels and an extension panel that directs water away from the passenger compartment, along with a dovetail accessory attachment channel for secure mounting of accessories, improving both water management and installation quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a longer canopy is used to cover the passenger compartment and rearward vehicle structure, then coverage area is improved, but manufacturing quality and structural strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into a main panel and an extension panel that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. The extension panel connects to the main panel through attachment features such as channels and fasteners, allowing each section to be produced with standard quality control while achieving extended total coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If a longer canopy is used to cover the passenger compartment and rearward vehicle structure, then coverage area is improved, but canopy strength and resistance to deformation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the canopy into separate main and extension panels reduces the span of each individual panel, improving their inherent stiffness and resistance to deformation. The connection between panels is reinforced with attachment features including channels and fasteners that maintain structural integrity while allowing modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy panels utilize composite construction with reinforcement elements and integrated support structures that enhance strength-to-weight ratio, allowing extended coverage without proportionally increasing panel thickness or weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard canopy design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but water management performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Water channels are extracted as separate integrated features within the canopy panel structure, forming dedicated pathways that guide water away from the passenger compartment. These channels are molded into the panel design, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while eliminating water accumulation problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The water channels act as intermediary structures between the canopy surface and the exterior environment, providing a controlled pathway for water drainage that prevents direct contact with occupants while maintaining a simple integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted to canopy struts using conventional methods, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation quality and fit finish deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Accessory mounting channels and attachment features are pre-formed as integral parts of the canopy strut structure during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for field drilling and complex installation procedures, ensuring consistent quality and proper fit finish while maintaining accessory mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy struts incorporate universal mounting channels that can accommodate various accessory types (mirrors, speakers, windshields, etc.) through a standardized attachment system, providing design flexibility without compromising installation quality.
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 canopy system effectively channels water away from occupants, enhances durability, and simplifies accessory installation, providing better protection and fitment compared to standard canopies.
Implementation Method 1
a first extension longitudinal water channel extending along a first longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension panel and fluidly connectable to a first main longitudinal water channel main panel
Data Source
AI summary
A golf car canopy extension panel that is connectable to a canopy main panel, wherein the extension panel comprises a first extension longitudinal water channel that is fluidly connectable to a first main longitudinal water channel main panel, and a second extension longitudinal water channel that is fluidly connectable to a second main longitudinal water channel of the main panel, wherein the first and second extension longitudinal water channels each comprise a termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit the respective extension longitudinal water channel at an end of a sidewall of the respective extension longitudinal water channel.