Windshield Vision Cover Assembly for Off-Road Debris Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road and all-terrain vehicles' windshields become obstructed by debris in dirty, muddy, or sandy terrain, impeding visibility and requiring removal or folding, which leaves passengers vulnerable and necessitates cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A transparent plastic film roll is attached to metal tubes secured to the windshield, with a mechanical and electrical component that allows the film to rotate, clearing obstructed areas by moving debris into the tubes and replacing it with clear film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the windshield is used to protect passengers from debris, then protection is provided, but visibility becomes obstructed after approximately 10 minutes of operation in dirty, muddy, or sandy terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the windshield protection system into two separate components: a permanent windshield that provides continuous protection, and a removable transparent vision cover that maintains visibility. The vision cover can be detached and replaced when obstructed, allowing the permanent windshield to remain in place and continue protecting passengers from debris while the transparent cover ensures unobstructed viewing when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable transparent vision covers that can be easily replaced when obstructed by debris. These covers are inexpensive enough to be discarded and replaced rather than cleaned or maintained, ensuring continuous visibility without compromising the permanent windshield's protective function. The low cost allows operators to simply replace the cover rather than risk visibility loss by cleaning it
2Loss of information
If the windshield is fully removed or folded to maintain visibility, then clear vision is achieved, but passengers are left vulnerable to debris directly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the protective function (permanent windshield) from the visibility function (transparent vision cover). This allows the permanent windshield to remain installed and continue protecting passengers from debris, while the transparent cover provides the visibility benefit without requiring complete removal of the windshield structure
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent vision cover acts as an intermediary element between the permanent windshield and the operator's viewing requirement. It allows light to pass through for visibility while being separate from the protective windshield structure, enabling independent replacement when obstructed without exposing passengers to debris
3Loss of information
If the windshield is removed or folded to clear vision, then visibility is restored, but the interior of the vehicle and clothing require subsequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent vision cover is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced rather than cleaned. When obstructed, the cover is simply removed and discarded, eliminating the time-consuming cleaning process required for permanent windshields or interior surfaces. The low cost of the cover makes this replacement strategy economically viable
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the visibility function into a separate removable cover that can be independently disposed of when obstructed. This prevents debris from contaminating the vehicle interior or operator clothing, as the cover acts as a sacrificial barrier that is replaced rather than cleaned, eliminating subsequent cleaning requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield vision cover and devise to operate the cover. The windshield cover is a transparent plastic film that protects a visible area of the windshield of a vehicle. The devise is a pair of metal tubes that house the plastic film, a mechanical component, and an electrical component. The electrical component sends power to the mechanical component, causing the spool within the tubes to rotate. This moves the plastic film between the tubes, replacing the plastic film covering the visible area of the windshield. This invention allows off-road vehicles to effortlessly maintain visibility without the need for operators to remove a windshield, purchase foldable windshields, purchase disposable windshields, or subject the internal area of the vehicle to debris.