Reversible Windshield Template for Vehicle Safety Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective alignment and mounting solutions for vehicle safety devices on various types of vehicles, particularly for older vehicles that lack built-in safety features, to ensure proper installation and functionality of devices like cameras and sensors for lane keeping, collision avoidance, and video recording.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle safety device mounting template that reversibly couples to a windshield, featuring alignment indicators matching the geometry and size of the safety devices, made from materials like polyolefin, cardboard, or acrylic, which can be opaque or transparent, and can be configured to tear away or remain on the windshield, aiding in precise placement and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a template is used to align and mount vehicle safety devices on windshields, then alignment precision and mounting accuracy are improved, but the complexity of the installation process increases due to the need for additional alignment tools and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The template is pre-configured with alignment indicators and mounting hole positions before installation. The template itself contains all necessary alignment information (indicators, geometry) that would otherwise require complex measurement and calculation during installation, thereby simplifying the actual mounting process while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The template serves as an intermediary tool between the installer and the windshield. It translates complex alignment requirements into simple visual indicators and physical guides, mediating between the need for precise alignment and the simplicity of the installation process
2Measurement precision
If the template is made opaque to provide clear alignment indicators, then alignment visibility is improved, but the driver's view through the windshield is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The template employs local quality by making only specific regions opaque or translucent - namely the alignment indicators and mounting hole areas - while leaving the majority of the template area transparent. This allows the alignment features to be clearly visible while minimizing obstruction of the driver's view through the windshield
Solution Approach 2:
The template utilizes color and transparency variations to differentiate functional areas. Alignment indicators may be opaque or brightly colored for high visibility, while the background remains transparent or lightly tinted to minimize visual obstruction, allowing the driver to see through the template when not actively aligning devices
3Manufacturing precision
If the template is designed to cover the entire windshield for optimal alignment coverage, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the template size and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The template is segmented into functional zones: full-coverage areas for comprehensive alignment reference, and focused indicator regions for precise device placement. This segmentation allows the template to provide complete windshield coverage for alignment purposes while using material efficiently only where needed, rather than uniformly thick or dense material across the entire area
Data Source
AI summary
Certain configurations are described of systems and devices that can be used to assist in mounting a vehicle safety device in an automobile, truck, train or other vehicle. In some examples, the device comprises a template which can reversibly couple to a vehicle component such as a windshield or a bumper. In some instances, the template may comprise one or more alignment indicators or markings that facilitate mounting of the vehicle safety device in a selected position or to the windshield.