Vehicle Windshield Clamp with Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized vehicles often lack readily removable windshields, which can be difficult to remove due to permanent attachment or require specialized tools, leading to reduced visibility and comfort from wind and debris.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system with a device portion that interacts with the windshield and a vehicle portion, featuring a pass-through mechanism and locking system, allowing for tool-free or minimally tool-assisted installation and removal of windshields on motorized vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a windshield is permanently attached to a vehicle, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The clamp can be easily opened and closed to attach or remove the windshield, while maintaining secure holding when closed. This is achieved through a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, allowing quick attachment and removal without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: the clamp body, the cam mechanism, and the mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the windshield to be independently attached and removed, providing ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment when installed. The modular design enables tool-free installation and removal.
2Ease of operation
If a windshield is easily removable without tools, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism uses a curved cam surface that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. As the cam is rotated, its curved profile engages with a corresponding surface on the clamp body, creating a mechanical lock that securely holds the windshield. This curved geometry provides reliable attachment while allowing easy release through reverse rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp pre-positions the windshield securely before final tightening. The mounting brackets are designed to engage with the vehicle frame first, establishing a stable base, and then the clamp body is positioned over the windshield. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and secure attachment, maintaining reliability while enabling easy removal.
3Manufacturing precision
If a specialized tool is used for windshield removal, then the manufacturing precision of the attachment mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system is designed to be self-servicing, requiring no external tools for installation or removal. The cam mechanism itself serves as the actuating mechanism, where the user's hand motion directly operates the clamping action. This eliminates the need for specialized tools while maintaining precise attachment through the self-contained mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the mounting bracket, clamp body, and actuating mechanism are merged into a single integrated clamp assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tools and simplifies the overall system while maintaining manufacturing precision through the unified design. The cam mechanism is integrated directly into the clamp body, reducing component count and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for removably coupling an accessory to a frame of a vehicle. The clamp includes a device portion configured for coupling with the accessory and a vehicle portion configured for coupling with both the device portion and the frame of the vehicle.