Windshield Pivoting Tool With Articulated Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and removing heavy windshields, particularly on military or long-distance transport vehicles, are challenging due to the weight and fragility of the windshields, requiring multiple people and lacking suitable tools for tilting or removing without conventional lifting equipment.
Innovation Solution
A tool with rigid uprights secured to the windshield and vehicle mirrors, featuring an actuator and stop mechanism, allows a single person to safely tilt or raise the windshield, enabling pivoting and easy removal, and can be compactly carried for on-site use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lifting means such as overhead cranes and hoists are used, then heavy windshields can be lifted and installed, but these means are absent when working outside the workshop and require multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool consisting of two articulated arms with suction cups that mediates between the heavy windshield and the operator. The arms transfer the weight and control the movement, allowing a single person to handle windshields weighing over 100 kg without requiring overhead cranes or multiple people
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lifting system (overhead cranes, hoists) with a portable articulated arm system using suction cups. This substitution enables the same lifting and positioning function to be performed outside the workshop environment where conventional equipment is unavailable
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge is positioned on the lower edge of the windshield to allow tilting, then the windshield can be tilted for barrel passage, but the extra thickness of the windshield interferes with the hood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of the pivot point from the lower edge (2D plane) to the upper edge of the windshield. This dimensional change allows the windshield to tilt forward without the lower edge interfering with the hood, while still achieving the necessary angle for barrel passage
3Strength
If the windshield is made very thick for armored protection, then protection level is improved, but the windshield becomes difficult to tilt and requires interference with the hood
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm tool acts as an intermediary that supports the weight of the thick armored windshield during tilting operations. The suction cups and arm structure distribute the load, allowing a single person to maneuver windshields weighing over 100 kg without requiring the windshield to interfere with the hood for leverage
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
Facilitates the handling and installation of heavy windshields by a single person, allowing controlled pivoting and safe storage, and enables easy dismantling without lifting equipment, suitable for various vehicle configurations and operations.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator comprises a screw made integral with the interfacing means by a first pivot, the screw being engaged in a nut made integral with the first upright by a second pivot
Implementation Method 2
a second upright is connected to a removable support secured to the vehicle near the top edge of the windshield by a rod which is sliding relative to this removable support and which cooperates with a stop means secured to the vehicle and limiting the movement pivoting of the windshield
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The tool has an upright (3) and another upright that are rigidly connected to side edges of a heavy windscreen (2). Each upright is articulated with a removable plate (6). A joint i.e. pivot link (5), of the plate materializes a pivot axis (22) of the windscreen with respect to a vehicle. One of the uprights is connected to a removable interface unit (7) via an actuator e.g. screw (20). The unit is fixed to the vehicle near a top edge of the windscreen. The actuator controls pivoting of the windscreen around the axis, and ensures maintenance of the windscreen in a selected pivot position. An independent claim is also included for a method for allowing pivoting of a heavy windscreen of a vehicle.