Automobile Rain Gutter Debris Tray with Segmented Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile rain gutters continue to accumulate debris despite advances in design, posing a challenge in maintaining their cleanliness and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular assembly with reinforced edges, suction cups, and adjustable straps is designed to cover the rain gutter area, securing to the windshield and hood, and optionally attaching to rear view mirrors for stability and debris protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rain gutter region is provided to collect and disperse water, then water drainage function is improved, but debris accumulation occurs in the same region
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the rain gutter system into two separate functional components: an open rain gutter for water drainage and a covered debris tray for debris collection. The debris tray is positioned below the rain gutter and separated by a firewall, allowing water to flow through the gutter while debris falls into the tray below. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the water collection function from the debris accumulation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The firewall acts as an intermediary element between the rain gutter and the debris tray. It directs water flow through the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter region, and simultaneously allows debris to fall into the tray below. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for water drainage and debris prevention.
2Productivity
If the rain gutter is left open for water collection, then water drainage is effective, but debris continuously accumulates requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gutter system into an open water collection channel and a separate covered debris collection tray, the invention maintains efficient water drainage in the gutter while directing debris into the removable tray. This allows debris to be collected and removed periodically without affecting the continuous water drainage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The debris tray is designed to be removable and detachable, allowing accumulated debris to be easily discarded by simply removing the tray. This reduces maintenance time and effort compared to cleaning a traditional open gutter, as the entire debris collection area can be removed and emptied as a single unit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to prevent debris accumulation, then debris protection is improved, but water drainage capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the coverage function from the drainage function by using a separate debris tray with a cover that sits below the rain gutter. The rain gutter remains completely open and unobstructed for water flow, while the covered tray below captures debris that falls through or is blown into the area below the gutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the debris collection function to a different spatial dimension by positioning the covered tray below the rain gutter rather than covering the gutter itself. This vertical arrangement allows the gutter to maintain its open drainage function at the upper level while the covered tray provides debris protection at the lower level.
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
Effectively prevents debris accumulation in the rain gutter area by securely covering it, ensuring the rain gutter remains clear and functional.
Implementation Method 1
suction cups along the horizontal edge away from the driver
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for protecting the rain gutter of an automobile having a main assembly body a first securing means, and a second securing means whereby said assembly is constructed and arranged to cover the rain gutter of an automobile.