Removable Vehicle Window Panel With Dual-Retainer Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved removable panels for vehicle windows, particularly for vehicles without pivotable windows, as existing solutions are not adaptable to all vehicle types and do not allow for easy transformation between standard and recognizable funeral vehicle appearances.
Innovation Solution
A removable panel assembly comprising a panel and two retainers, with engagement elements that securely attach to the window edges and inward-facing surfaces, allowing for easy installation and removal, and featuring a pre-curved design to fit curved windows, along with ornamental elements like landau bars and buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable panels are designed for pivotable windows only, then installation is simple for those vehicles, but the panels cannot be used on vehicles without pivotable windows
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is designed to work with both pivotable and non-pivotable windows by providing multiple engagement elements. The first engagement element engages the window edge while the second engagement element engages the inward-facing surface, creating a universal mounting system that adapts to different window types without requiring different panel designs.
2Productivity
If panels are permanently installed, then the funeral vehicle appearance is maintained, but the vehicle cannot be quickly transformed for discrete operations
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly is divided into separable components - the panel itself and the retainer assembly - allowing the panel to be quickly installed or removed from the vehicle window. This segmentation enables rapid transformation of the vehicle appearance while maintaining secure attachment during use through the engagement elements.
3Reliability
If engagement elements contact only the window edge, then installation is straightforward, but secure attachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism extracts the securing function from a single edge-contact point and distributes it across two distinct engagement points: the first engagement element contacts the window edge while the second engagement element contacts the inward-facing surface. This dual-point engagement provides more reliable attachment without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable panel assembly for a vehicle window, the panel assembly includes a removable panel sized and shaped to overlie at least a portion of an outward-facing surface of a vehicle window. A first retainer is configured to secure the panel in abutting relation to the window, the first retainer including a first engagement element configured to engage a first edge of the window and a second engagement element configured to engage an inward-facing surface of the window. A second retainer is configured to secure the panel in abutting relation to the window, the second retainer including a third engagement element configured to engage a second edge of the window and a fourth engagement element configured to engage the inward-facing surface of the window.