Sliding Flexible Windshield Assembly for Off-Road Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield assemblies for off-road vehicles, such as UTVs and SSVs, are often mechanically complex and difficult to remove or adjust during vehicle operation, failing to meet the growing need for flexible and user-friendly windshield solutions in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A windshield assembly featuring flexible polymeric panels slidingly mounted to guide rails with curved sections, allowing easy transition between operative and inoperative positions, and equipped with transverse support members, cushioning bands, and locking mechanisms for enhanced stability and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a removable and adjustable windshield is provided for off-road vehicles, then protection and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield panel is made dynamically adjustable through a sliding mechanism along guide rails, allowing it to move between operative and inoperative positions. This dynamic design enables the windshield to adapt to different operational needs while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to prior art
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield assembly is segmented into a flexible panel component and a guide rail system, allowing independent optimization of each part. The panel can be made from flexible polymeric material while the guide rails provide structural support, reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable and adjustable windshield is provided for off-road vehicles, then protection and adaptability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield sliding mechanism is designed to be operated by the vehicle occupants themselves without requiring external assistance or complex tools. The flexible panel slides along the guide rails in a straightforward manner, enabling easy self-service adjustment between operative and inoperative positions
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield uses a flexible polymeric panel instead of rigid glass, which can be easily manipulated and slid along the guide rails. This flexibility greatly improves ease of operation while maintaining adequate protection
3Ease of operation
If a flexible polymeric windshield panel is used, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but strength and impact resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible windshield panel is constructed from composite polymeric materials that combine flexibility with adequate strength and impact resistance. This allows the panel to be easily operated while still providing necessary protection
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield assembly generally configured to be used on off-road vehicles such as utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) comprises a flexible and slidable windshield panel. The windshield assembly generally comprises at least two guide rails configured to be mounted to the vehicle and more particularly to the front and top portions of the cabin structure, and a flexible windshield panel which side edges are slidably mounted to the guide rails. By virtue of its sliding engagement with the guide rails, the windshield panel can be slid between an operative position, i.e. in front of the driver, and an inoperative position, i.e. into the top of the vehicle.