Vehicle Shielding Device with Pivoting Panel for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielding devices fail to effectively protect vehicle control assemblies from moisture damage, which can lead to malfunction and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A shielding device comprising a shell with a bottom penetration for inserting a control assembly, a coupler for attaching to a vehicle interior, and a hingedly coupled metal panel that can pivot to seal the top penetration, allowing user access while preventing moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control assembly is left exposed in the vehicle, then user access and manipulation is easy, but the control assembly is vulnerable to moisture damage and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic panel that can pivot between an open position (allowing user access to manipulate controls) and a closed position (sealing the penetration to protect from moisture). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the shielding device to adapt its state based on whether user access or protection is the priority
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding device is segmented into a main body and a separate movable panel component. The panel can be independently positioned to either cover or expose the penetration, allowing the system to maintain structural integrity while providing selective access. This segmentation enables both protection and ease of operation
2Reliability
If a sealed shielding device is used to protect from moisture, then reliability is improved, but user access to manipulate controls becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic panel that can pivot between an open position (allowing user access to manipulate controls) and a closed position (sealing the penetration to protect from moisture). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the shielding device to adapt its state based on whether user access or protection is the priority
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panel acts as an intermediary element between the sealed interior and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that can transition between blocking and allowing access, mediating between the conflicting requirements of moisture protection and user accessibility
3Reliability
If existing shielding devices are used, then some protection is provided, but they fail to effectively prevent moisture ingress and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible panel that can move between positions while maintaining a seal when closed. This flexible component effectively closes the penetration opening to prevent moisture ingress, addressing the insufficiency of rigid or fixed shielding devices that cannot adapt to access requirements while maintaining effective protection
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle attachable shielding device for protecting a vehicle control assembly from moisture damage includes a shell that defines an interior space. A first penetration is positioned in a bottom of the shell and defines a rim. The first penetration is configured to insert a control assembly of the vehicle into the interior space. A coupler is coupled to the rim and is configured to couple to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second penetration is positioned in a top of the shell. A panel, which is coupled to the shell, is positioned to selectively couple to the shell to close the second penetration. The shell and the panel are configured to protect the control assembly from moisture damage. The panel is positioned to selectively decouple from the shell so that the second penetration is configured to insert a hand of a user to manipulate the control assembly.