Windshield Installation Device with Pivot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing a windshield on an automotive vehicle typically requires two people due to its weight and size, making it difficult for a single technician to handle and position correctly during on-site repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A windshield installation device featuring a pivot assembly attached to a side window and a support assembly with suction members and a rotatable, axially movable support rod that allows for partial support and manipulation of the windshield, enabling a single technician to install it by providing pivotal engagement and rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a windshield is installed by traditional manual methods, then two people are required to handle the windshield, but this increases labor requirements and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support assembly with a support rod as an intermediary device between the technician and the windshield. This support rod provides mechanical assistance to hold and position the windshield, enabling a single technician to perform installation tasks that traditionally required two people, thereby improving productivity without compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of two-person lifting and positioning with a mechanical assistance system comprising the support assembly and pivot assembly. The support rod mechanically supports the windshield weight, while the pivot assembly enables controlled rotation and positioning, substituting human physical effort with a mechanical system that improves operational efficiency
2Reliability
If a support rod is made fixed and rigid, then the windshield can be securely supported, but the technician cannot rotate or adjust the windshield position easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support rod movable within the support bore rather than fixed. The support rod can slide axially and rotate, transforming a static support structure into a dynamic one that maintains secure support while enabling the technician to easily rotate and adjust the windshield position during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the support rod from fixed to movable, allowing axial movement and rotation. This parameter change enables the support rod to maintain reliable support while accommodating the rotational and positioning adjustments needed during windshield installation, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If suction members are used to attach to the windshield, then the windshield can be held securely, but the weight and size of the windshield still make it difficult for one person to control
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary that shares the load of the windshield. The suction members provide initial attachment and holding capability, while the support rod provides additional mechanical support, distributing the weight burden between the suction members and the support rod, making it feasible for one person to control the windshield despite its weight
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 the efficient and precise installation of windshields by a single technician, enhancing convenience and reducing the need for multiple personnel during on-site services, thus improving operational efficiency for auto glass repair and replacement businesses.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot assembly includes first and second suction members that are coupled to the side window. A pivot member includes a first portion coupled to the first and second suction members
Implementation Method 2
The support bore receives an elongated support rod that is rotatable and axially moveable within the support bore
Implementation Method 3
The support bore receives an elongated support rod that is rotatable and axially moveable within the support bore
Implementation Method 4
The support member includes an end portion that pivotally engages the depending portion of the pivot member such that the windshield is at least partially supported by the pivot assembly during windshield installation
Data Source
AI summary
An installation device for installing a windshield in a vehicle. The device includes a pivot assembly including a pair of suction cups that attach to the door glass of a vehicle door, and a depending member that extends upwardly and forwardly adjacent a windshield opening. A support assembly includes a pair of suction cups that attach to a windshield, and a support rod that is axially and rotatably moveable with respect to the suction cups. The support rod includes an end that pivots on the depending member of the pivot assembly. The device moveably supports the windshield such that a single technician can install the windshield on a vehicle.