Movable Windshield Barrier for Debris Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack effective protection for windshields against impacts from objects such as rocks and debris, which can cause damage and obstruct the driver's view, especially in hazardous weather conditions or during autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A movable windshield barrier system that deploys automatically when a risk of object impact exceeds a threshold, using a computer-controlled actuator to extend a barrier along the windshield, providing protection and reducing damage while ensuring unobstructed visibility for the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a windshield barrier is deployed to protect against object impacts, then windshield protection and damage reduction are improved, but driver visibility and aesthetic appearance deteriorate due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed to be movable between a retracted position (stored in housing or along A-pillars) and an extended position (covering the windshield). This dynamic configuration allows the system to provide protection only when needed, maintaining clear visibility during normal driving conditions while enabling deployment in response to detected hazards such as debris, hail, or other impact risks
2Reliability
If a movable barrier system is added to the vehicle, then windshield protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is integrated with existing vehicle structures such as the A-pillars, roof rails, or windshield housing, allowing these components to serve dual purposes: structural support and barrier deployment mechanisms. The barrier itself can function both as a protective shield and as an aerodynamic fairing, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect impact risks and trigger barrier deployment without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. The barrier can also be designed with self-latching mechanisms that automatically secure it in the extended position upon deployment, reducing the complexity of actuation and control mechanisms
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 barrier effectively absorbs kinetic energy from impacts, reducing windshield damage and maintaining visibility, and can deploy only when necessary, such as during autonomous driving or when stationary, thereby lowering repair costs and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier effectively absorbs kinetic energy from impacts, reducing windshield damage
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a windshield, a barrier, a barrier actuator drivably coupled to the barrier, and a computer in communication with the barrier actuator. The barrier is movable between a retracted position exposing the windshield and an expanded position extending along a portion of the windshield. The computer is programmed to, upon determining that a risk of objects striking the windshield exceeds a threshold while the vehicle is traveling, instruct the barrier actuator to move the barrier from the retracted position to the expanded position.