Stiff Valance for Golf Car Enclosure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf car valances flap around when the vehicle is moving, causing annoying noise from snaps hitting the roof and failing to securely protect the enclosure and clear windows from elements.
Innovation Solution
A novel hard valance constructed from stiffer materials like polycarbonate or low-density polyurethane plastic, with snap connectors hidden behind adhered outer fabric, providing a secure and noise-reduced solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional flexible valance material is used, then the valance can be easily manufactured and installed, but the valance flaps around when the golf car is moving causing noise and poor protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a rigid inner valance member (made from materials like aluminum, fiberglass, wood, or hard plastic) with an outer fabric covering. This composite structure provides the necessary stiffness to prevent flapping while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly of the inner member and outer fabric portions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the valance is made stiffer to reduce flapping, then noise from snaps hitting the roof is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valance is segmented into distinct components: an inner valance member providing structural rigidity, outer fabric portions for aesthetic coverage, and snap connectors for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the noise reduction benefit of stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible outer fabric portions that cover the rigid inner valance member. These fabric shells provide the aesthetic appearance and weather protection while the rigid inner structure handles the mechanical function of preventing flapping, thus maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of flexible covering materials.
3Ease of operation
If snap connectors are exposed on the valance, then the valance can be easily secured to the enclosure, but the snaps are visible from outside ruining the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The snap connectors are nested within the structure by positioning them on the inner surface of the outer fabric portions or on the inner valance member itself. This nesting arrangement allows the snaps to perform their attachment function while being concealed behind the outer fabric covering, maintaining aesthetic appearance from the exterior view.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel valance for a golf car. The inner member of valance is preferably constructed from a stiffer material, as compared to current valances used with golf cars, in order to stiffen the valance. Preferably, the material can be a hard flexible material, such as, but not limited to, a soft plastic, polycarbonate or low density polyurethane plastic. The material can also be capable of permitting the fabric to be adhered to the outer and inside surfaces of the inner member such as through the use of spray glue. The outer decorative fabric is secured to the inner member such that the snap assemblies attached to the inner member are hidden from view. Preferably, the material selected, in addition to being solid also has some flexibility. The stiffer material helps to prevent or reducing flapping of the valance while the golf car is moving.