Sliding Golf Cart Windshield Assembly With Motorized Vertical Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf cart windshields are cumbersome to operate, as they often require manual external adjustment and cannot be easily secured in open positions, with rubber clips deteriorating over time and PVC hinges obstructing views, and lack adjustable height and width configurations for various vertical supports.
Innovation Solution
A sliding golf cart windshield assembly featuring elongated rails, drive pulleys, and a drive belt system powered by a motor, allowing for easy adjustment and secure positioning of the windshield pane, with optional counterbalancing springs and adjustable clamps for infinite vertical adjustment, and the option for motorized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber clips are used to secure the windshield panels, then the panels can be easily secured in position, but the clips deteriorate over time and become inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but complex metal mechanisms with simple, replaceable rubber clips that are inexpensive and easy to replace when worn. The clips are designed to be easily substituted without requiring specialized tools or expertise, resolving the contradiction by accepting limited lifespan in exchange for operational simplicity and low replacement cost.
2Ease of operation
If PVC hinges are used to connect windshield panels, then the panels can be folded and positioned, but the hinges turn yellow and obstruct the view from the golf cart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the PVC hinge material that causes yellowing and replaces it with alternative connection methods such as rubber clips or metal hinges that do not discolor. This extracts the harmful visual obstruction while preserving the essential folding functionality through different mechanical means.
3Device complexity
If fixed windshield designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the windshield cannot be adjusted to accommodate various vertical supports or provide variable height openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed windshield into a dynamic system with movable panels that can slide vertically along rails and be positioned at different heights. The panels can be independently adjusted to accommodate various vertical support configurations and provide variable opening sizes, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability through controlled movement mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If manual external operation is required to open or close the windshield, then the mechanism is simple, but the operation is cumbersome and requires exiting the cart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates interior-mounted controls that allow the windshield panels to be opened and closed from inside the golf cart without requiring the operator to exit. The system provides self-service operation through internal switches or controls that automatically actuate the panel movement mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by adding automated control while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
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 convenient, secure, and adjustable windshield operation, providing complete weather protection with infinite vertical adjustment and improved visibility, while eliminating the need for manual external operation and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
The drive belt includes a plurality of drive belt teeth, and the lower drive pulley comprises a plurality of drive pulley teeth configured to engage the plurality of drive belt teeth
Implementation Method 2
a motor coupled to the lower drive pulley and configured to rotate the lower drive pulley to raise and lower the upper windshield pane
Implementation Method 3
an upper drive pulley positioned proximate the top end of the second rail, and a drive belt stretched between the lower drive pulley and the upper drive pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding golf cart windshield assembly includes a first elongated rail, a second elongated rail spaced apart from the first elongated rail, and an upper windshield pane having a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge. The upper windshield pane is slidably positioned between the first and second elongated rails. The assembly also includes a lower drive pulley, an upper drive pulley, and a drive belt stretched between the lower drive pulley and the upper drive pulley. In addition, the assembly includes a drive panel slidingly engaged with the second rail and secured to the upper window pane and the drive belt, and a motor coupled to the lower drive pulley and configured to rotate the lower drive pulley to raise and lower the upper windshield pane.