Window tinting tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Applying window tint film to automobile windows is challenging due to their varying curvatures, particularly accessing and smoothing the film at side edges, bottom edges, corners, and rear windows without scratching or damaging the film.
Innovation Solution
A squeegee tool with a flexible blade and chamfered distal end, attached to a handle and elongate blade supporting portion, allows for smooth application and removal of air bubbles and excess solution from hard-to-reach areas without scratching the tint film, featuring a primary and secondary working edge for full contact without the rigid body contacting the window surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid squeegee tool is used to apply window tint film, then the tool can effectively remove air bubbles and excess solution, but the rigid edges may scratch or cut the tint film especially on curved automobile windows
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee tool employs a flexible blade made of elastomeric material that can conform to curved window surfaces. The flexible blade has a rounded leading edge that prevents scratching while maintaining effectiveness in removing air bubbles and excess solution from the tint film application process
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from rigid to flexible material properties by using an elastomeric blade with specific durometer hardness (Shore A 40-70). This parameter change allows the blade to be soft enough to prevent film damage yet firm enough to effectively squeegee the tint film
2Ease of operation
If a standard squeegee tool is used on curved automobile windows, then the tool can reach most areas, but it cannot effectively access side edges, bottom edges, corners, and difficult-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee tool incorporates an angled approach edge and flexible blade configuration that allows it to access two-dimensional corner and edge areas of curved windows that standard straight squeegees cannot reach. The flexible blade can conform to the three-dimensional curvature of automobile windows
Solution Approach 2:
The tool features a rounded leading edge and flexible blade that can conform to curved surfaces, enabling effective application and smoothing of tint film on the curved side windows, rear windows, and corners of automobile windows
3Strength
If the distal end of the blade supporting portion contacts the window surface, then the tool provides structural support, but it may inadvertently scratch or damage the tint film
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible blade extends beyond the distal end of the rigid blade supporting portion, creating a flexible extension that contacts the tint film while the rigid support structure remains elevated and does not contact the film or window surface
Solution Approach 2:
The tool separates the structural support function (performed by the rigid blade supporting portion) from the film-contact function (performed by the flexible blade extension), allowing each component to perform its designated function without causing harm
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for applying tint film to an inside window surface of an automobile has a unitary body with a handle portion and a downwardly depending neck extending from the handle portion to an elongate blade supporting portion. The blade supporting portion includes a bottom zone extending to a chamfered distal end. A flexible blade is attached to the bottom zone and the distal end of the blade supporting portion. The flexible blade includes a forwardmost portion that extends beyond the distal end of the blade supporting portion.