Rack-Mounted Weather Shield with Folding Fans

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a solution that provides weather protection for vehicle occupants when entering or exiting a vehicle in inclement weather, particularly for vehicles with non-fixed roofs, as existing solutions do not effectively create a protected space along the sides of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A rack-mounted weather shield system comprising a plurality of semicircular folding fans, control circuits, and a remote control, which attaches to cargo racks on the vehicle's roof and can be extended for use and retracted for storage, using a radio frequency device to control the operation of the fans to create a weather-protected space on either side of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed roof structure is used to provide weather protection, then weather protection is effective, but the vehicle loses adaptability and cargo space flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidcargo space flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic, movable roof structure that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The weather shield is mounted on a rack system that allows it to be deployed when weather protection is needed and retracted when cargo space or adaptability is required, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed protection and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The weather shield structure is designed to nest within or along the vehicle's existing rack system when not in use. The folding mechanism allows the shield to compact into a space-efficient configuration that doesn't permanently occupy cargo space, enabling both weather protection and cargo flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a movable weather shield is used to maintain adaptability, then cargo space flexibility is maintained, but weather protection effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo space flexibilityVSAvoidweather protection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable weather shield is designed with a rack-mounted folding mechanism that enables it to achieve a stable, extended position when deployed. In this position, it provides effective weather protection comparable to fixed structures, while maintaining the ability to be retracted for cargo flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a permanent weather shield structure is installed, then weather protection is reliable, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weather shield is divided into multiple folding sections that can be independently assembled and attached to the vehicle's existing rack system. This segmentation allows for simpler installation compared to a permanent fixed structure, while the interlocking sections provide reliable weather protection when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a retractable weather shield is used to maintain cargo space, then cargo flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo flexibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an electric motor or actuator system to automate the deployment and retraction of the weather shield. This mechanical substitution replaces manual operation with automated control, maintaining cargo flexibility while improving ease of operation through simple button or switch activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively protects passengers from the weather by forming a horizontal surface above the vehicle sides when in use, while being compactly stored when not in use, ensuring functionality and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of fans creates the weather protected space on a side of the automobile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11458821B1Rack mounted weather shield

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 MURPHY DAVID

AI summary

The rack mounted weather shield is an awning. The rack mounted weather shield is configured for use with an automobile. The rack mounted weather shield attaches to a cargo rack. The rack mounted weather shield creates a weather protected space along a side of the automobile. The rack mounted weather shield is used for entering and exiting the automobile in inclement weather. The rack mounted weather shield extends and retracts. The rack mounted weather shield comprises a plurality of fans, a plurality of control circuits, and a remote control. Each of the plurality of fans creates the weather protected space on a side of the automobile. Each of the plurality of control circuits extends and retracts an individual fan selected from the plurality of fans. The remote control is a radio frequency device that controls the operation of the plurality of control circuits.