Towable Vehicle Windshield Cover with Bifurcated Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towable vehicles, such as boats and heavy equipment, are prone to windshield damage from road debris and rocks kicked up by the towing vehicle's wheels during transportation, as existing solutions fail to effectively protect the windshield from such impacts.
Innovation Solution
A removable windshield cover designed to match the size and shape of the windshield, featuring a flexible, waterproof, and oil-resistant material with a cushioned layer to absorb impacts, and a bifurcated panel system that accommodates hinged passthroughs, allowing for secure installation and operation while protecting the windshield from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid protective cover is used to protect the windshield from debris impact, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the cover cannot conform to the windshield curvature and may cause damage to hinged passthrough features
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield cover is made from a flexible material that can conform to the curvature of the windshield and accommodate hinged passthrough features while still providing protection from road debris and rocks during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover material properties are optimized to balance protection and flexibility - using a material with appropriate thickness, density, and elasticity to absorb impact from debris while maintaining flexibility to conform to the windshield shape and hinged features
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a custom-fitted cover is designed to match the windshield size and shape, then the protection effectiveness and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a modular assembly including the main cover body, hinged passthrough section, and fastening components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining custom fit
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design incorporates universal features such as adjustable fastening systems and standardized hinged passthrough mechanisms that can accommodate various windshield sizes and shapes, reducing the need for completely custom manufacturing for each application
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
The windshield cover effectively prevents damage from road debris and rocks by providing a protective barrier that conforms to the windshield's curvature and maintains functionality of hinged features, ensuring the windshield remains intact during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a flexible, waterproof, and oil-resistant material with a cushioned layer to absorb impacts
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield cover and method for protecting a windshield of a towed vehicle, such as a boat, can be removably secured over the windshield when being pulled on a trailer. The cover matches the size and shape of the windshield and is flexible to conform to a curvature of the windshield. The cover has a soft, cushion layer and a waterproof and oil-resistant and non-absorbent material. The cover can have bifurcated panels with a partition corresponding to a passthrough of a boat windshield.