Windshield Hinge Bracket Using Cut and Adhesive Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for glass windshields are cumbersome to install, require drilling through laminated glass, and are difficult to replace, while also obstructing the view and being costly due to the need for polyurethane encapsulation and large footprints.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly that uses a receiving cut in the windshield with a protective flange and stiffener, eliminating the need for drilling holes, and allowing for easy replacement, featuring a hinge tab secured to a stiffener with an adhesive and connector, which protects the glass edge and provides robust clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyurethane encapsulation is used to mount a hinge, then the hinge can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes burdensome and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hinge mounting system from the glass windshield by using a separate bracket assembly that attaches to the vehicle body around the windshield opening, rather than directly mounting the hinge to the glass. This eliminates the need for polyurethane encapsulation and complex tooling while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bracket assembly as an intermediary component between the hinge and the vehicle body. This bracket serves as a mediator that provides secure mounting without requiring direct attachment to the glass, thereby simplifying the installation process and reducing tooling requirements.
2Reliability
If holes are drilled through laminated glass to mount a hinge, then the hinge can be attached, but the drilling process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement to drill holes through the laminated glass by extracting the hinge mounting location to the vehicle body structure. The bracket assembly attaches to the body around the windshield opening, eliminating the tedious drilling process entirely.
3Strength
If a large footprint hinge assembly is used, then the hinge provides adequate support, but the view through the windshield is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the hinge assembly from the two-dimensional plane of the windshield to the three-dimensional space around the windshield opening. The bracket assembly attaches to the vehicle body structure, positioning the hinge outside the windshield viewing area while maintaining adequate support capability.
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 solution simplifies the installation process, reduces costs, allows for easy replacement of damaged hinges, and minimizes visual obstruction by eliminating the need for drilling and using a smaller footprint.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive may secure the protective flange to the glass windshield
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive may secure the stiffener to the glass windshield
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge system for a glass windshield with a receiving cut includes a protective flange with an opening therein secured adjacent the receiving cut on one side of the glass windshield. A stiffener is positioned adjacent the receiving cut on an opposite side of the glass windshield. A hinge member including a hinge tab is disposed in the opening of the protective flange and is secured to the stiffener.