Windshield Air Vent With Bonding Flange And Roll Pin Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield air vents for UTVs are difficult to install and secure, often requiring modifications or pass-throughs in the windshield, and they do not allow for selective airflow into the cabin.
Innovation Solution
A closable air vent assembly is bonded to a laminated or tempered windshield using an adhesive, featuring a flap that can be opened and closed with an actuator, which includes a roll pin mechanism for secure mounting and sealing, and is designed to be installed in scallop cuts on the windshield for easy attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing vents are installed in the windshield, then airflow into the cabin is improved, but installation complexity increases due to required modifications or pass-throughs
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly is segmented into separate components including the vent body, flap mechanism, and bonding flange that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This allows the vent to be installed as a complete unit without requiring complex modifications to the windshield, eliminating the need for pass-throughs while maintaining airflow control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A bonding flange with bonding channels is introduced as an intermediary component between the vent body and the windshield. This bonding flange provides a mounting interface that requires only a simple scallop cut in the windshield, eliminating the need for complex pass-through installations while securing the vent assembly in place
2Reliability
If vents are secured to the windshield, then mounting stability is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to securing challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding flange is pre-formed with bonding channels that are designed to receive adhesive material before final installation. This preliminary preparation of the bonding interface allows for simple scallop cut installation while ensuring stable mounting, as the bonding surfaces are already configured for secure attachment without requiring complex securing operations during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding flange serves as an intermediary mounting component that translates the simple scallop cut in the windshield into a stable mounting interface. It provides bonding channels for adhesive application and creates a secure connection between the vent body and the windshield, achieving both mounting stability and installation ease
3Ease of operation
If the vent flap is held open against airflow, then ventilation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to be dynamically positionable rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically adjust its position based on airflow conditions. The flap can be held open against airflow when ventilation is needed, or allow airflow to naturally close it when ventilation is not required, eliminating the continuous energy consumption that would be needed to maintain a fixed open position
Solution Approach 2:
The flap mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, using airflow pressure differences to automatically open or close the vent opening. When outside air needs to enter the cabin, the flap can be held open; when ventilation is not needed, airflow naturally pushes the flap closed without requiring external energy input, making the system self-service and energy-efficient
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 solution provides a secure and adjustable means to direct outside air into the cabin, allowing for selective airflow control while being easily mountable on UTV windshields, enhancing ventilation without the need for complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
The vent assembly is designed to be mounted to a laminated or tempered windshield by using a bonding adhesive. This adhesive proves a solid means of mounting as well as a means of sealing the area between the vent assembly and the laminated or tempered glass.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may include an oblong hole, and the roll pin may be disposed in the oblong hole. The roll pin may be freely displaceable in the oblong hole. The actuator may be linearly displaceable between the flap open position and the flap closed position by virtue of the oblong hole in the actuator.
Implementation Method 3
The flap may be configured such that in the flap closed position, airflow urges the flap toward the flap closed position, and in the flap open position, airflow urges the flap toward the flap open position. In this context, the flap may include an angled section at a distal end relative to the flap pivot.
Data Source
AI summary
A closable air vent may be bonded to a laminated or tempered windshield used on UTV or other types of vehicles. The air vent may include a vent body with a flap opening and a bond channel, a flap pivotably secured in the flap opening on a flap pivot, and an actuator coupled with the flap via a roll pin and displaceable between a flap closed position and a flap open position. In the flap closed position, the roll pin is disposed on one side of the flap pivot, and in the flap open position, the roll pin is disposed on an opposite side of the flap pivot.