Adjustable Windshield Cover with Strap Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recreational vehicle windshield covers are inflexible, difficult to store, and require drilling or custom snap/grommet installations, limiting their adaptability and durability, especially for Class "A" and "Bus" style vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and adjustable windshield cover design featuring strap components that can be secured to various points on the vehicle, including side mirrors and the roof, without requiring drilling, and can roll up or fold for easy storage, using materials like cotton, nylon, and VELCRO for secure and durable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom windshield covers are made to the exact size of a given windshield and mounted using snaps or twist grommets, then the fit is precise and secure, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming after several years of outdoor exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal windshield cover system that can be used on multiple different windshield sizes and vehicle types. The cover includes adjustable straps with multiple attachment points that allow the same cover to fit various windshield dimensions without requiring custom manufacturing for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including adjustable straps with buckles, multiple attachment points, and flexible positioning options. These dynamic elements allow the cover to be easily installed and removed by users without requiring precise custom fitting or complex installation procedures.
2Strength
If a hard or stiff windshield cover is used, then the cover provides structural support and durability, but it leaves gaps between the cover and windshield or may crack or break after some use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible windshield cover material that can conform to the windshield surface without leaving gaps. The flexibility of the material allows it to bend and adapt to the contours of the windshield while maintaining coverage, preventing the gaps and cracking issues associated with rigid materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining a flexible outer cover material with reinforced edges and integrated strap systems. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for gap-free coverage and the structural strength required for durability, merging the benefits of both soft and rigid materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an internal shade is used to shield the inner compartment, then the interior is protected from sunlight, but the windshield itself is not protected and the shade does not cover the full inside of the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an internal shade that protects only the interior compartment, the patent inverts the approach by placing a protective cover on the exterior windshield surface. This external cover protects both the windshield glass itself and provides full coverage of the entire windshield area, including edges and corners that internal shades cannot reach.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a windshield cover is designed to be adjustable and flexible, then it can be used on different vehicle types and stored easily, but it may require complex mechanisms that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the windshield cover into segmented sections with multiple attachment points and adjustable straps distributed throughout the structure. This segmentation allows different portions of the cover to be independently adjusted to fit various windshield sizes and shapes, providing versatility without requiring complex overall mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple self-adjusting mechanisms such as buckles, Velcro straps, and elastic components that allow users to easily configure the cover for different vehicles without requiring tools or complex assembly procedures. The self-service nature of these mechanisms maintains simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational or large vehicle windshield cover is disclosed and comprises: a) a windshield cover component having a bottom portion, a top portion, a left side and a right side, b) at least two strap components coupled to the bottom portion of the windshield cover component, and c) at least one strap component coupled to the top portion of the windshield cover component. Methods are also contemplated of using a recreational or large vehicle windshield cover, comprising: providing a windshield cover component having a bottom portion, a top portion, a left side and a right side, at least two strap components coupled to the bottom portion of the windshield cover component, and at least one strap component coupled to the top portion of the windshield cover component; providing a recreational or large vehicle; securing the top strap component to the top of the recreational or large vehicle; and securing the at least two strap components coupled to the bottom portion of the windshield cover component to the side of the recreational or large vehicle.