Slide Lock Attachment System for Vehicle Windshields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle windshield attachment systems are difficult to install and remove, often requiring adhesives or hardware that necessitate tools and can be cumbersome, especially for solo operations, and may result in lost parts.
Innovation Solution
A slide lock attachment system using interlocking extrusions with tongues and grooves and a spring-loaded latch, allowing for quick and easy installation and removal by sliding the extrusions onto a vehicle pillar, with the latch automatically locking and unlocking to secure the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used for attachment, then the windshield is securely attached, but installation and removal become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: extrusions with tongues and grooves, and a spring-loaded latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the windshield to be securely attached through mechanical interlocking while enabling quick release by simply actuating the latch, eliminating the need to work with adhesive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch provides dynamic attachment capability, automatically engaging when the extrusions are assembled and disengaging when actuated. This dynamic mechanism replaces static adhesive bonds, allowing the same attachment system to provide both strong holding force and easy removal through a simple latching action.
2Ease of operation
If brackets and hardware are used for attachment, then the windshield can be removed, but hand tools are required and parts may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the extrusion assembly, combining the fastening function and the release mechanism into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate brackets, screws, and hand tools, reducing the number of parts that could be lost while maintaining easy removal capability through the built-in latch actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch is self-actuating through a simple mechanical action (pressing the release mechanism), eliminating the need for external hand tools. The system serves itself by incorporating the release function directly into the attachment hardware, reducing complexity and the risk of losing separate tool components.
3Strength
If traditional attachment methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but two people are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch provides dynamic attachment that secures the windshield firmly during normal operation but allows quick one-handed release when needed. This dynamic mechanism enables a single person to both securely attach and quickly remove the windshield without requiring a second person to assist with tool manipulation or force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is designed to be self-sufficient for single-person operation, with the latch mechanism automatically engaging and securing the windshield without assistance. The release function is also self-contained, allowing one person to quickly detach the windshield by simply actuating the integrated latch release.
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
Enables rapid and solo installation and removal of windshields without the need for adhesives or extensive tools, reducing the risk of lost parts and simplifying the process, while allowing for secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded latch is secured to the extrusion with grooves
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system connects an object such as a windshield to a vehicle pillar. The attachment system includes a front extrusion connectable to the vehicle pillar and including a connecting member, and a mating extrusion connectable to the vehicle pillar and including a coupling member cooperable with the connecting member. A pocket is machined into one of the front extrusion and the mating extrusion, and a latch is coupled with the other of the front extrusion and the mating extrusion. The front extrusion and the mating extrusion are connectable in an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein in the unlocked position, the connecting member is engaged with the coupling member with the latch displaced from the pocket, and in the locked position, the connecting member is engaged with the coupling member with the latch in alignment and engaged with the pocket.