Pivoting Windshield Assembly with Magnetic Panel Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield assemblies for recreational vehicles, such as golf cars, lack a seamless transition between closed and open positions, often requiring manual adjustment and providing inadequate protection from weather elements while not allowing for a fully open experience.
Innovation Solution
A windshield assembly with pivotally connected panels and magnetically engaged attachment members allows for smooth movement between closed and open positions, using magnets and ferromagnetic materials for secure engagement, enabling easy transition between protective and open configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the windshield assembly is completely closed to protect against adverse weather, then weather protection is improved, but the ability to feel wind breeze freely deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield assembly is divided into multiple panel sections that can be independently positioned. The first panel section can be selectively moved between closed and open positions relative to the second panel section, allowing partial opening while maintaining structural integrity and weather protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield assembly incorporates pivotal connections that enable dynamic reconfiguration between closed and open positions. The magnetic attachment members provide dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities, allowing the assembly to transition smoothly between different operational states based on user needs.
2Ease of operation
If the windshield assembly is moved to open position to allow wind breeze, then user comfort is improved, but weather protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented panel design allows users to open only the first panel section while keeping the second panel section closed, providing a balance between user comfort and weather protection. This selective opening capability addresses the contradiction by allowing wind breeze access while maintaining protective barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different panel sections can have different operational states - one open for comfort and another closed for protection. This local differentiation of functional states allows simultaneous achievement of user comfort and weather protection in different areas of the same assembly.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment members are used for engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical fasteners, latches, or clips are replaced with magnetic attachment members for engaging and disengaging panel sections. The magnetic field provides automatic attraction and holding forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical engagement mechanisms while improving ease of operation through simple proximity-based attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment members provide self-aligning and self-holding capabilities. When panel sections are brought into proximity, the magnetic force automatically guides and secures them in the correct position without requiring manual alignment or additional fastening actions, making the system self-servicing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If panels are pivotally connected for movement, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection provides dynamic adaptability allowing the first panel section to rotate between closed and open positions. This dynamic joint maintains structural stability in each positioned state while enabling flexible transitions between states, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment members act as intermediaries that stabilize the panel sections when engaged. During the pivotal movement, the magnetic force provides continuous guidance and stabilization, ensuring the panels maintain proper alignment and structural integrity throughout the transition and in final positions.
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 solution provides a secure, weather-protective closed position and a fully open experience, allowing wind to flow freely, enhancing user comfort and convenience by maintaining panel alignment during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first attachment member comprising at least one magnet positioned on the first panel section, and a second attachment member positioned at a complementary position whereby the first attachment member contacts the second attachment member when the windshield assembly is in the pivoted position, the second attachment member comprising a material that is magnetically attracted to the first attachment member magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield assembly includes a lower panel section pivotally connected to an upper panel section. The assembly is movable between an extended position, in which both sections are fully extended and substantially co-planar, and a pivoted position, in which the upper section is pivoted down to rest on top of the lower section. A pair of magnets are positioned on the upper section proximate the top edge of the upper section, and a second pair of complementary magnets or members made of a material that is magnetically attracted to the first pair of magnets are positioned on the lower section proximate the bottom edge of the lower section. When in the pivoted position, the magnets on the upper section engage the lower section magnets, thereby keeping the upper section secured on the lower section and preventing unwanted movement of the upper section as the golf car travels.