Vehicle Window Frame Attachment Hardware for Modular Accessory Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of easily accessible storage solutions for accessories like sunglasses, fire extinguishers, and communication devices in sport utility vehicles, particularly on the window frames of front windshields, which limits convenience and customization options for users.
Innovation Solution
The development of attachment assemblies and hardware that allow for secure mounting of accessories such as baskets, fire extinguisher holders, and MOLLE panels to the window frames of vehicles using a nut and T-shaped washer system, which can be easily installed and adjusted to accommodate different vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed storage compartments are used in vehicles, then storage capacity is provided, but accessibility and customization for different positions (driver and front passenger) are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: window frame attachments that secure to the vehicle frame, and accessory attachments that can be independently selected and mounted. This segmentation allows different accessories to be customized for driver and front passenger positions without requiring a complete custom storage system for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The window frame attachments are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of accessories (sunglasses holders, storage compartments, device mounts). This multi-functionality allows the same base attachment system to serve different storage needs for both driver and front passenger, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If accessories are mounted to the windshield or interior ceiling, then accessibility is improved, but the available mounting locations are limited and may interfere with vehicle structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional mounting surfaces (interior ceiling plane) to utilizing the vertical dimension of the window frame. By attaching accessories to the window frame structure, the system creates additional mounting zones along the vertical axis, providing more flexible positioning options that do not interfere with interior ceiling structures or windshield integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular customization systems are implemented, then versatility and customization options increase, but installation complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame attachments are pre-configured with mounting hardware and attachment points during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows accessories to be quickly installed by simply attaching them to the pre-positioned mounting structures, significantly reducing installation time compared to systems requiring custom fabrication or complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Attachments, attachment hardware for securing attachments to a window frame of a vehicle and related methods are disclosed herein. The attachment hardware for securing a mountable product to a window frame for a windshield of a vehicle can comprise a nut and a T-shaped washer comprising a top cross-bar section and a stem section extending downward from the top cross-bar section. The T-shaped washer can have a washer aperture therethrough. The attachment hardware can also comprise a fastener side washer having a washer aperture therethrough and a threaded fastener configured for insertion through the washer aperture of the fastener side washer and the washer aperture of the T-shaped washer and for screwingly engaging the nut. The top cross-bar section and the stem section of the T-shaped washer can be configured to fit through an engagement aperture in a tab extending from a frame of a windshield when turned at an angle to the engagement aperture and have a shape that contacts an upper wall of the tab that defines the engagement aperture when the threaded fastener is tightened in the nut.