Tool-Free Windshield Clamp for Off-Road Roll Cages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting windshields to off-road side-by-side vehicle roll cages require tools, are time-consuming, and hardware components can be lost during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design with a head portion, body portion, and tail portion that securely attaches a windshield to a vehicle frame member without tools, featuring a channel and deformable tabs for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clamps with nuts, bolts, and washers are used to mount the windshield, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the installation process requires tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all traditional fastening hardware (nuts, bolts, washers) from the mounting system. The clamp design integrates the fastening function directly into the clamp body itself, which passes through the aperture and secures the windshield without requiring separate fasteners or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to be self-installing by passing through the aperture and securing the windshield in place through its own structure. The deformable tab allows the clamp to self-adjust and self-lock onto the frame member without requiring external tools or additional components.
2Reliability
If traditional hardware components (nuts, bolts, washers) are used for attachment, then the connection is secure, but the hardware can be dropped and lost during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all previously separate hardware components (nuts, bolts, washers) into a single integrated clamp unit. The clamp body, fastening mechanism, and securing elements are combined into one piece that cannot be separated or lost during installation or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates loose hardware components from the system entirely. By removing separate nuts, bolts, and washers, the design eliminates the risk of these components being dropped or lost during the installation and removal processes.
3Productivity
If a simple clamp design is used for quick installation, then the installation is fast and tool-free, but the attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the clamp: the head portion has a specific shape for passing through the aperture, the body portion provides structural strength, and the tail portion with deformable tab provides the securing mechanism. Each portion is optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable tab changes its physical state from flexible during installation to rigid when deformed and locked. This parameter change allows the clamp to transition from an easy-to-install state to a secure, locked state, maintaining both installation speed and attachment security.
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
Enables tool-free installation and removal of windshields, reducing installation time and minimizing the risk of lost hardware, while providing a secure attachment to the vehicle frame.
Implementation Method 1
the tab is deformable for moving the protrusion off of the second surface of the object for releasing the edge of the object from the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for clamping an object having an aperture therethrough to a member is disclosed. The clamp passes through the aperture when clamping the object to the member. The clamp has a head portion defining a channel adapted for receiving an edge of the aperture; a body portion extending from the head portion; and a tail portion extending from the body portion. The tail portion has a member contacting surface shaped for wrapping around at least a portion of a perimeter of the member. A vehicle having a windshield clamped to a frame member using at least one such clamp is also disclosed.