Windshield Triangulation Assembly for One-Person Glass Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-person windshield installation methods lack efficiency and accuracy, particularly when dealing with windshields of varying sizes and curvatures, as they require a dry set step, measuring, templating, or educated guessing, and involve frequent movement across the vehicle during installation.
Innovation Solution
An elongated windshield triangulation assembly with 360-degree rotation swivel clamps and suction cups that transfer triangulation information from an existing windshield to a replacement windshield, allowing precise alignment and installation without the need for a dry set step or frequent movement, using adjustable mounts and a telescoping mechanism to maintain the new windshield above the glue until properly seated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional one-person windshield installation methods are used, then the installer can work alone, but the installation requires frequent movement across the vehicle and involves time-consuming dry set steps
Solution Approach 1:
The triangulation assembly acts as an intermediary device that remains stationary on the vehicle while transferring positioning information from the old windshield location to the new windshield. This eliminates the need for the installer to repeatedly move across the vehicle and perform dry set steps, as the assembly maintains continuous reference to the correct installation position.
2Device complexity
If traditional installation methods are used, then no special triangulation equipment is needed, but alignment precision requires dry set steps and measuring
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical measuring and dry set procedures with a triangulation-based positioning mechanism. The assembly uses geometric triangulation principles to directly determine the correct windshield position, eliminating the need for iterative measuring and alignment adjustments that characterize traditional methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional methods are used, then the installation process is simple, but it cannot accommodate windshields of varying sizes and curvatures effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The triangulation assembly is designed as a universal positioning system that can accommodate windshields of any size or curvature. By establishing triangulation references from the vehicle body rather than from the windshield itself, the system adapts to different windshield geometries without requiring configuration changes or specialized components for each windshield type.
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 faster, more accurate, and energy-efficient windshield installation by eliminating the need for a dry set step and allowing one-person installation of windshields of any size or curvature, ensuring a good seal without slippage and reducing installer fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
two 360-degree rotation swivel clamps, each having a suction cup connection to a vehicle windshield
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle windshield triangulation assembly (11), and triangulation method using it with a railing (22) fixed to a vehicle (16) via sliding/rotatable/orientation-adjustable/height-adjustable mounts (18). A sliding seat (21) on railing (22) receives the telescoping end (1) of assembly (11) after its two connected 360-degree rotation swivel clamps (7), each having a suction cup (8), are secured against the old windshield's (17) exterior surface. Assembly (11) triangulation transfers to a new/replacement windshield (17) by releasing suction cups (8) and pairing them in the same manner with the new/replacement windshield (17), and making needed height adjustment to a top stop (12/13) and the swivel clamp (7) remote from top stop (12/13). The telescoping end (1) of assembly (11) is then engaged with sliding seat (21), allowing one person to easily and accurately move the new windshield (17) into the same positioning of the old windshield (17). This triangulation method accommodates windshields (17) having any size and curvature, and installation of windshields (17) occurs without a dry set step, measuring, templating, or educated guessing being required.