Retractable Windshield Film with Spring-Loaded Spool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield films do not effectively address glare reduction while maintaining ease of use and aesthetic appeal, particularly in automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A retractable tinted film system comprising a film housing with a spool and spring mechanism, allowing the film to be wound and extended, secured by a lead bar and engagement mechanism, which attaches to a car's windshield for adjustable glare protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable film mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tinted film is wound around a spool that is nested within the film housing. The spool rotates within the housing, allowing the film to be compactly stored when not in use while maintaining a sleek exterior appearance. This nesting approach enables the retractable functionality without adding significant external complexity to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The film transitions from a static applied state to a dynamic retractable state. The spool mechanism allows the film to be extended and retracted dynamically, providing ease of operation. The spring-loaded spool enables automatic retraction, reducing the manual effort required while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the film is made retractable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable mechanism allows the film to transition between extended and retracted states, providing adaptability to different driving conditions. The film can be extended when glare protection is needed and retracted when not needed, allowing the same device to adapt to varying environmental conditions without requiring multiple separate products.
3Reliability
If a secure engagement mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded spool mechanism provides self-service by automatically retracting the film when not in use. The spring maintains constant tension on the spool, ensuring the film remains securely wound without requiring additional locking mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the addition of complex 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
Provides effective glare reduction for drivers by allowing the tinted film to be easily extended and retracted, enhancing visibility and comfort while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coupled to the axle. A spool is coupled to the spring and coaxially extends from proximal the top end of the film housing to proximal the bottom end. The spool is rotatable around the axle to compress the spring.
Implementation Method 2
The top side of the lead bar is slidably engageable within the track from adjacent the housing end to the distal end.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable windshield film apparatus for reducing glare includes a film housing having a slot extending therethrough. An axle coaxially extends within the film housing. A spring is coupled to the axle. A spool is coupled to the spring coaxially to the axle. A tinted film has a fixed end coupled to the spool and a free end extending through the slot. A lead bar is coupled to the free end of the tinted film. A track is coupled to the film housing. The track has a housing end coupled to the film housing and a distal end. The lead bar is slidably engageable within the track. An engagement mechanism is coupled to the distal end of the track to secure the tinted film in the alternate extended position. Each of the film housing and the track are configured to attach to a windshield of a car.