Three-Piece Windshield Frame for Tool-Free UTV ROPS Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield mounting systems for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) face challenges in securely attaching windshields to roll-over protection frames without additional hardware, while accommodating tolerance variations and absorbing stress from rugged terrain.
Innovation Solution
A three-piece frame assembly comprising a top frame member and two side frame members, each with channels to receive the windshield's edges, and featuring adjustable connections and trim pieces to absorb tolerance variations and reduce stress, allowing for secure mounting without additional tools or hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing windshield mounting systems use additional hardware for secure attachment, then the reliability of windshield mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting function directly into the frame structure itself. The frame members are designed with channels and engagement features that directly secure the windshield without requiring separate mounting hardware. This merging of the mounting function into the frame structure reduces device complexity while maintaining secure attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to be self-mounting through its inherent geometric features. The channels and engagement profiles are built into the frame members, allowing the windshield to be secured through the frame's own structure without external hardware. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional mounting components.
2Strength
If rigid frame connections are used to ensure structural strength, then the strength of the mounting system is improved, but the ability to absorb tolerance variations and stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible foam trim pieces that line the channels of the frame members. These foam elements provide flexibility and compliance, allowing the rigid frame structure to accommodate tolerance variations and absorb stress from rugged terrain while maintaining overall structural strength. The foam acts as a compliant interface between the rigid frame and windshield.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam trim pieces are pre-installed within the frame channels to provide cushioning and stress absorption before operational loads are applied. This beforehand cushioning allows the mounting system to tolerate variations in manufacturing tolerances and absorb impacts from rough terrain, protecting both the windshield and frame from stress concentrations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to accommodate tolerance variations, then the adaptability of the mounting system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tolerance accommodation function into the existing frame structure and foam trim pieces, rather than adding separate adjustment mechanisms. The foam-lined channels provide both structural support and tolerance compensation within a single integrated system, avoiding the need for multiple separate components and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield mounting assembly for mounting a windshield on a roll-over protection system (ROPS) of a utility terrain vehicle consists of a three-piece frame for holding the windshield. A top frame member attaches to a top portion of the ROPS and two side frame members attach to respective side portions of the ROPS. A lift-off hinge is formed between a top end of each side frame member and a respective end of the top frame member to allow assembly of the windshield mounting assembly without any tools. A channel formed in the top and side frame members receives respective top and side edges of the windshield. A bottom end of each side frame member includes a lateral channel to support a corner of a lower edge of the windshield.