Venturi Wing for Motorcycle Windshield Air Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open-air vehicle windshields, such as those on motorcycles, create turbulence and obstruct the rider's view due to the way air flows over the top edge, with existing solutions failing to effectively channel air beyond the windshield's height and reduce buffeting.

Innovation Solution

A transparent windshield with a concave component and solid, parallel connectors forms a venturi channel that directs air over the top edge, raising it by 2-4 inches above the standard windshield height, reducing turbulence and allowing unobstructed viewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a windshield is installed to protect the rider from wind and weather, then protection from wind and road debris is improved, but visibility is worsened due to the windshield obstructing the view and creating turbulent air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind protectionVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to air flow management by positioning the venturi effect generation area above the windshield surface. The wing element is placed at a specific height range (0.5-2 inches) above the windshield, creating a three-dimensional air displacement pattern that channels air over the rider's head rather than directly at the windshield, thus maintaining protection while improving visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The venturi effect acts as an intermediary mechanism between the oncoming air and the rider. By creating a low-pressure zone through the wing element positioned above the windshield, the system mediates the air flow to redirect it smoothly over the rider's head, eliminating turbulent buffeting while maintaining the windshield's protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the windshield top edge is positioned at a specific height for protection, then wind protection is improved, but air turbulence is worsened as air flows over the top edge creating buffeting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind protectionVSAvoidair turbulence
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a low-pressure zone above the windshield surface before the air reaches the top edge. The wing element positioned at 0.5-2 inches above the windshield generates this low-pressure zone in advance, which prevents the formation of turbulent air flow at the windshield edge by establishing smooth flow patterns beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing the venturi effect to manipulate air flow. The wing element creates a pressure differential that channels air smoothly over the rider's head, using aerodynamic pressure differences to control fluid flow and eliminate turbulent buffeting at the windshield edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a transparent barrier is used to protect the rider, then protection from wind and debris is improved, but the ability to view the road is worsened due to the barrier being in the line of sight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind protectionVSAvoidroad visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by operating in a different vertical dimension. Instead of blocking the rider's horizontal line of sight, the system acts above the windshield surface at a height of 0.5-2 inches, creating air displacement in the vertical dimension that allows the rider to view over the windshield without obstruction while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 venturi channel provides smooth air displacement and reduced buffeting, enabling riders to view over the windshield without turbulence, enhancing comfort and visibility during high-speed operations.

Implementation Method 1

A transparent windshield with a concave component and solid, parallel connectors forms a venturi channel that directs air over the top edge, raising it by 2-4 inches above the standard windshield height

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9387899B1Adjustable open-air vehicle windshield implement for forced air displacement
Publication Date: 2016.07.12 MEMPHIS SHADES INC
  • US9387899B1 patent drawing
  • US9387899B1 patent drawing
  • US9387899B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An add-on implement for an open-air vehicle windshield to allow for suitable protection and viewing therethrough while simultaneously forcing blown air over the driver's/rider's/passenger's sight line is provided. Such a device includes a wing that produces a venturi effect when placed a specific range of distances from the windshield's outer surface and having a certain height range relative to the windshield. The venturi action sends air over the top of the windshield as much as four inches higher than a normal open-air vehicle windshield, thereby allowing the driver, etc., the ability to see well over the windshield without the problem of turbulent air in his or her face or on top of his or her head. The device is adjustable to permit the driver on-demand modification of wind displacement height. An open-air vehicle (again, such as a motorcycle) including such a device is also encompassed herein.