WO2018196945A1

WO2018196945A1 - A windshield assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018196945A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/059611
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajeesh MOHANDAS
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Gmbh; Continental Automotive Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-04-24
Filing date: 2017-04-24
Publication date: 2018-11-01

Abstract

The invention relates to a windshield assembly (300) for a vehicle, for example a motorcycle, the windshield assembly (300) comprising a windshield (100) capable of being magnetically coupled to a windshield frame (200) of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the disclosed windshield assembly (300). The invention further relates to a method of coupling a windshield (100) to a windshield frame (200) of a vehicle to obtain a windshield assembly (300) as disclosed herein, the method comprising: positioning the windshield (100) in proximity with the windshield frame (200); and allowing the windshield (100) and the windshield frame (200) to be coupled by the magnetic force by means of the magnetic means (202) and the magnetically attractive material (102).

Description

A Windshield Assembly

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to vehicle fittings and more particularly to a vehicle windshield assembly.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Users of open-air vehicles, such as motorcycles, are subjected to the elements of nature such as wind, cold and road debris . Being in direct contact with nature while using a vehicle can be a source of enjoyment. However, windloading for long periods of time, for example, can cause user fatigue. Hence, while vehicle users may wish to install a windshield at times to protect themselves from the elements of nature, at other times, removal of the windshield may be desirable.

However, many windshields are fastened onto the vehicle and cannot be removed. For detachable windshields, installation and removal of conventional detachable windshields can be tedious and may require external tools. Moreover, conventional detachable windshields, such as those comprising mounting brackets, may involve complicated mechanisms to affix the detachable windshield onto the vehicle or may be complicated or expensive to manufacture.

In addition, it is generally desirable for detachable windshields to be relatively lightweight for easy installation and removal. Therefore, it may not be desirable for the detachable windshield to have bulky devices connected to it. Further, in the case of a two-wheeler, it is generally not desirable to load the two-wheeler with bulky devices so as to ensure balance is maintained during operation of the two-wheeler. For example, a known technology proposes the use of a head-up display typically used in four-wheelers in a two-wheeler. However, such displays may be expensive and may be challenging to implement in terms of weight and volume.

There is therefore a need for a new or improved windshield that overcomes or at least ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages discussed above. There is also a need to provide technologies in vehicles, such as a two-wheeler, without compromising vehicle operability.

DESCRIPTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a windshield assembly for a vehicle to address the problems discussed above. Particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a customizable windshield assembly for a vehicle that is relatively simple for a user to install and remove, without the need for external tools. It is a further object of this invention to provide a windshield assembly that is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a windshield assembly that is economical and non-bulky. To accomplish these and other objects of the invention, there is provided, in a first aspect, a windshield assembly for a vehicle, for example a motorcycle, the windshield assembly comprising a windshield capable of being magnetically coupled to a windshield frame of the vehicle.

A vehicle finding utility with the disclosed windshield assembly may be, for example but without limitation, one where customization or personalization of the vehicle is desired or one where detachable windshields is desired. The magnetic coupling provides releasable connection of the windshield to the windshield frame. Advantageously, the disclosed windshield assembly provides a user or operator with ease of use when attaching the windshield to and detaching the windshield from a windshield mounting area of the vehicle, for example a windshield frame of the vehicle. Due to the magnetic coupling, the user or operator may be able to attach the windshield to and detach the windshield from the windshield mounting area with one hand, thereby freeing the other hand. Further advantageously, due to the magnetic coupling, the user or operator may be able to attach the windshield to and detach the windshield from the windshield mounting area without the use of external tools. Still further advantageously, the disclosed windshield assembly provides the user or operator the choice of personalization and customization at relatively low cost. For example, the user or operator may be able to choose the windshield' s color tint to suit his or her taste .

The term "vehicle" as used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as enclosed motor vehicles including cars and buses; semi-enclosed motor vehicles including trucks, vans, and boats; and open-air motor vehicles including motorcycles.

The term "motorcycle" is broadly used to refer to a vehicle in which a rider sits astride a seat in a straddled manner. Therefore, for example, a motor-bicycle of a type having a fuel tank disposed in front of a rider's seat and a motor-bicycle of a scooter-type having a space between a rider's seat and a handlebar-supporting head tube are defined as motorcycles. In addition, the term "motorcycle" is used to widely include, in addition to motor-bicycles, vehicles having three or more traveling wheels and having a seat that a rider sits astride (such as a three-wheeled motorcycle and a three-wheeled or a four-wheeled buggy motorcycle for rough-terrain traveling) , and vehicles, such as snowmobiles, which move using a sled or a crawler and which have a seat that a rider sits astride.

The term "user" in relation to a vehicle includes an operator of the vehicle, e.g. a driver or rider, as well as passengers in the vehicle .

The term "windshield" as used in the context of the present specification is not to be understood as limited to the front window of a vehicle, but rather as a term used for any transparent part of a vehicle which protects an operator or user of the vehicle from, for example, the elements of nature such as wind and hail, and flying debris such as dust, insects, and rock. Exemplary windshields include those facing a backward and sideward side in relation to the forward driving direction of the vehicle. The term "windshield" is synonymous with the term "windscreen" or other terms describing the above effect.

The term "windshield frame" as used in the context of the present specification is a structure that is configured to contact at least part of a windshield and support the windshield in a substantially fixed position. The windshield frame may support the windshield in a position effective to deflect the elements of nature and/or flying debris from the user of the vehicle. The windshield frame is generally part of a vehicle body and may extend from the vehicle body. For example, in the context of a motorcycle, a motorcycle frame may comprise: a front fork comprising a top end integrally forming handlebars and a bottom end integrally forming a pair of fork tubes that extend along either side of the front wheel; and a windshield frame and a headlight connected to a mid-section of the front fork. The term "windshield frame" is synonymous with the term "connecting plate" or other terms describing the above effect. As the means for magnetic coupling may be readily available and/or may simply be disposed on the windshield or windshield frame, the disclosed windshield assembly may advantageously be relatively simple to manufacture and assemble.

The magnetic coupling of the windshield and the windshield frame may be configured to occur by way of a magnetic means coupling a magnetically attractive material. In an example, the windshield frame may comprise a magnetic means and the windshield may comprise a magnetically attractive material. Advantageously, a manufacturer of the windshield according to this example may need to only manufacture a single material as a windshield and attach a magnetically attractive material, such as metal, on at least one side or at least one edge of the windshield to be connected to the windshield frame. The disclosed windshield may therefore be manufactured with relative ease and economy than a conventional windshield comprising mechanical couplings. Further advantageously, a manufacturer of the vehicle need only include the relatively more expensive magnetic means on the durable goods, i.e. the vehicle.

In an alternative example, the windshield may comprise the magnetic means and the windshield frame may comprise the magnetically attractive material.

Alternatively, the magnetic coupling of the windshield and the windshield frame may be configured to occur by way of a pair of magnetic means, one on the windshield and one on the windshield frame.

Where magnetic coupling is by way of a magnetic means and a magnetically attractive material, the magnetically attractive material may be located at one or more locations where contact with the magnetic means is to be made. For example, where the windshield comprises the magnetically attractive material, the windshield may comprise a strip of magnetically attractive material along the location where contact with the magnetic means on the windshield frame is to be made. Alternatively, the windshield may comprise magnetically attractive material at more than one discrete location along the part where contact with the magnetic means on the windshield frame is to be made. Similarly, where the windshield frame comprises the magnetic means, the windshield frame may comprise a strip of magnetic means along the location where contact with the magnetically attractive material on the windshield is to be made; or alternatively, the windshield frame may comprise a plurality of discrete magnetic means along the part where contact with the magnetically attractive material on the windshield is to be made.

The location where magnetic coupling is to be made may be at one or more locations along an edge or, if a larger area for magnetic coupling is desired, a portion along the edge toward the opposing edge, of the windshield or windshield frame as the case may be. The location where magnetic coupling is to be made may be at one or more locations along an entire edge, or at least part of an edge, such as a middle portion of a bottom edge of the windshield or windshield frame or a bottom portion of a side edge proximate the bottom edge of the windshield or windshield frame.

The magnetically attractive material may be configured to be located at one or more locations along an edge or portion along the edge toward the opposing edge of the windshield, for example a bottom edge or portion along the bottom edge toward the top edge of the windshield and/or at least part of side edges or portion along at least part of the side edges toward the respective opposing edge of the windshield; and the magnetic means may be located at one or more locations along an edge or portion along the edge toward the opposing edge of the windshield frame, for example a bottom edge or portion along the bottom edge toward the top edge of the windshield frame and/or at least part of side edges or portion along at least part of the side edges toward the respective opposing edge of the windshield frame.

In an example, where the windshield comprises the magnetically attractive material, the magnetically attractive material may be located at one or more locations along a bottom edge, a portion along the bottom edge toward the top edge, at least part of the bottom edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the bottom edge toward the top edge of the windshield. In another example, the magnetically attractive material may be located at one or more locations along a side edge, a portion along the side edge toward the opposing edge, at least part of the side edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the side edge toward the opposing edge of the windshield. In yet another example, the magnetically attractive material may be located at one or more locations along both side edges, a portion along both the side edges toward the opposing edges, at least part of both the side edges, and/or a portion along at least part of both the side edges toward the opposing edges of the windshield. In a further example, the magnetically attractive material may be located at one or more locations along at least one of a bottom edge and both side edges, a portion along the bottom edge and the side edges toward the respective opposing edge, at least part of the bottom edge and at least part of the side edges, and/or a portion along at least part of the bottom edge and a portion along at least part of the side edges toward the respective opposing edge of the windshield.

Where the windshield comprises the magnetically attractive material, the magnetic means may be located at a complementary location on the windshield frame, or vice versa. Hence, where the windshield frame comprises the magnetic means, the magnetic means may be located at one or more locations as disclosed above. Alternatively, the magnetic means may not need to be located at a location complementary to the magnetically attractive material, or vice versa, so long as the magnetic means is located at a location where magnetic coupling can take place with the magnetically attractive material.

The magnetically attractive material may be a metal such as steel, but it would be appreciated that other magnetically attractive materials would work in this invention.

The magnetic means may be a magnetic strip or a button magnet or other types of electromagnetic elements. Magnets suitable for use in the present invention include industrial magnets, but it would be appreciated that other magnetic means would work.

Preferably, the magnetically attractive material is a metal and the magnetic means is a button magnet. The windshield frame may be configured to comprise additional support for the windshield so as to increase coupling security. For example, the windshield frame may comprise a slot dimensioned to fit an edge of the windshield or, if a larger support area is desired, a portion along the edge of the windshield on either surface of the windshield. The slot may be dimensioned to fit an entire edge, or at least part of an edge, such as a middle portion of a bottom edge of the windshield or a bottom portion of a side edge proximate the bottom edge of the windshield. Advantageously, the disclosed slot may hold or cradle or snugly fit the windshield in place while magnetic coupling takes place.

In an example, the slot may be dimensioned to fit a bottom edge, a portion along the bottom edge, at least part of the bottom edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the bottom edge of the windshield. In another example, the slot may be dimensioned to fit at least one side edge, a portion along the at least one side edge, at least part of the at least one side edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the at least one side edge of the windshield. In a further example, the slot may be dimensioned to fit a bottom edge and at least one side edge, a portion along the bottom edge and the at least one side edge, at least part of the bottom edge and at least part of the at least one side edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the bottom edge and a portion along at least part of the at least one side edge of the windshield .

The slot of the windshield frame may or may not be of a shape complementary to the shape of the edge of the windshield. For example, the slot may be of a substantially U-shape or have a substantially square cross-section when the edge of the windshield is curved.

The slot of the windshield frame may comprise a resilient, deformable material along its inner surfaces. The resilient, deformable material may exert a force on the edge or portion along the edge of the windshield once slotted therein, to snugly fit the edge or portion. Advantageously, the resilient, deformable material aids to increase the friction between the slot and the edge or portion of the windshield, thereby further securing the coupling of the windshield to the windshield frame. Further advantageously, the resilient, deformable material aids to minimize vibrations produced during operation of the vehicle. Examples of the resilient, deformable material include, without limitation, foam and rubber.

The windshield and the windshield frame may be operable to lockably engage each other by means of a locking mechanism so as to increase coupling security. Advantageously, the coupling of the windshield and windshield frame may be additionally secured by the locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism may be a mechanical lock such as a lever-clamp, clasp, push lock or slider lock. The locking mechanism generally includes a female portion on either the windshield or the windshield frame and a male portion on the other component, either the windshield frame or the windshield, respectively, whereby the female and the male portions mate and a mechanism locks the female and male portions into place upon mating .

For example, a clasp comprises a latch (male portion) connected to the windshield frame and a groove (female portion) formed on the windshield. In operation, the latch flexes past an edge of the groove and settles into the groove, thereby locking the windshield frame and the windshield together.

In the case of a lever-clamp, the lever-clamp generally comprises a handle operable to move a lever in a lock position and an open position, the lever and handle connected for example to the windshield frame. The lever is connected to a concave edge (female portion) arranged to fit a convex edge (male portion) on the windshield in an open position. In operation, the handle moves the lever in a lock position, whereby the concave edge is reduced in diameter to match that of the convex edge, thereby gripping the convex edge to lock the windshield frame and windshield into place . The locking mechanism may be located along a portion of an edge on either side of the windshield or windshield frame to reduce the distance that the locking mechanism needs to travel to engage the other component. In an example, the locking mechanism and the magnetically attractive material may be alternately located along a portion of the edge of the windshield where contact with the magnetic means on the windshield frame is to be made. In another example, the locking mechanism may be coupled to the magnetically attractive material on the windshield, and located at intervals on the magnetically attractive material.

The windshield may be made of any suitable non-deforming material, such as glass or plastic, or mixtures thereof, preferably glass . The windshield may be a single sheet of material or a plurality of sheets of material, in which the inner surface facing the vehicle operator is located on the innermost sheet and the outer surface is located on the outermost sheet.

The windshield may be configured to allow variable amounts of light to pass through the windshield, upon exposure to an activating event. The term "light" refers to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in the infrared spectrum, the visible spectrum and the ultraviolet spectrum. For example, the windshield may comprise a suspended particle device generally comprising: an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of electrically sensitive particles suspended in an electrically conductive medium disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface; two or more electrodes formed on the side of the inner and outer surfaces in contact with the electrically conductive medium, the electrodes being capable of providing an electric field across the medium; wherein when an electric field is applied across the medium, the plurality of particles align along the direction of the electric field to allow light to pass through. The suspended particle device may be one known in the art.

Advantageously, the windshield may be configured to allow lower amounts of light to pass through the windshield when there is bright external light surrounding or shining on the vehicle, e.g. during the day or when an oncoming vehicle shines its fog light. Lower amounts of light mean that a lower amount of electric field is applied across the medium. Thus, the disclosed windshield may act as a sun visor or appear hazy to the vehicle operator or user in a day mode. Conversely, the windshield may be configured to allow substantially all light to pass through the windshield during the night for example. The transparency of the disclosed windshield may therefore be actively controlled using suspended particle device technology according to the operator's needs to provide, e.g., day and night modes. It would be appreciated that the windshield is configurable to allow at least some light to pass through, i.e. not opaque, so that the vehicle's operator can view objects through the windshield.

The suspended particle device may be provided with a variable electric field to control the amount of light that passes through in each mode according to the user's preference. For example, if a user prefers more light to pass through the windshield, he or she may select a 100 volt option wherein about 40-70% of incident light is transmitted through the windshield in the night mode and less than about 10% of incident light is transmitted through the windshield in the day mode or haze mode. Alternatively, if a user prefers less light to pass through the windshield, he or she may select a 50 volt option wherein about 30-60% of incident light is transmitted through the windshield in the night mode and less than about 10% or less than about 5% of incident light is transmitted through the windshield in the day mode or haze mode. The suspended particle device may be part of the windshield. The suspended particle device may be fused between the layers of the windshield. That is, the windshield may comprise a plurality of sheets of material comprising an inner surface facing the vehicle operator and an outer surface, wherein the plurality of electrically sensitive particles is suspended in an electrically conductive medium disposed between at least part of the inner surface and the outer surface. Alternatively, the suspended particle device may be a layer disposed on at least part of a surface of the windshield, e.g. an inner surface facing the vehicle operator or an outer surface. The layer may be a film laminated on at least part of a surface of the windshield.

Other alternatives to configure the windshield to allow variable amounts of light to pass through upon exposure to an activating event include, for instance, electrochromism which uses exposure to bursts of charge to cause redox reactions in materials thereby altering the materials' color; photochromism which uses exposure to specific types of light to modulate transparency; and thermochromism which uses a change in temperature to modulate transparency . The windshield may comprise a layer disposed on at least part of a surface of the windshield, the layer being configurable to display information to an operator of the vehicle. For example, the layer may be a film laminated on at least part of a surface of the windshield. Thus, this layer is termed a "display layer" throughout the present specification. Advantageously, the display layer is much lighter and cost-effective as compared to a conventional head-up display. Further advantageously, it may be relatively simple to dispose the display layer on the windshield. Thus, the disclosed windshield may be relatively easy to assemble and manufacture.

As the display layer is positioned on the windshield, it may be advantageous that the display layer is transparent in order not to hinder the vehicle operator's viewing of objects through the display layer. To be transparent, i.e. allowing light to substantially completely pass through, and yet display information, the display layer may utilize any known technology. For example, the display layer may utilize nanoparticle scattering technology. In such example, the display layer may comprise a plurality of wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein. The wavelength-selective nanoparticles are capable of scattering one or more predetermined wavelengths or range of wavelengths in visible spectrum to thereby produce visible images to the vehicle operator. Accordingly, the layer may allow visible light to substantially completely pass through and may comprise a plurality of wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein, wherein the nanoparticles are capable of scattering one or more predetermined wavelengths in visible spectrum to thereby produce visible images to the vehicle operator .

The term "transparent" refers to a material which transmits an average of about 40% or greater, e.g. 45%, 55%, or 65%, of incident light across the light spectrum.

The term "nanoparticle" encompasses particles having average sizes smaller than micrometers, that is between 1 and 1000 nanometers. The size of a nanoparticle will be determined by its smallest dimension, e.g. length, height, width. It will be understood that the term "nanoparticle" does not imply a spherical configuration.

A light source may project a beam of light onto the display layer and the wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein may scatter a majority (i.e. 50% or more) of the predetermined wavelength ( s ) and transmit the rest of the wavelengths such that the scattered light is perceived by the operator. As the purpose of the display layer is to allow the information displayed to be readable by the operator, the display layer may be positioned along the operator' s line of vision, thereby creating minimal distraction to the operator. In an example, the display layer may be positioned at eye-level on the windshield.

In the example where the windshield also comprises the suspended particle device, the display layer may be disposed on at least part of a surface of the suspended particle device. The display layer may be disposed on at least part of the inner surface of the windshield facing the operator. In such example, the suspended particle device and the display layer may be positioned on the windshield so as to allow the information displayed on the display layer to be readable by the operator. That is, the suspended particle device should not interfere with the transparency and light projection of the display layer.

There is provided, in another aspect, a vehicle comprising the windshield assembly as disclosed herein. The vehicle may be one as disclosed herein, for example a motorcycle. Advantageously, the disclosed vehicle may be customizable as its windshield may be changed easily. Such flexible, modular arrangement is an advantage of the disclosed vehicle. The vehicle comprises the windshield frame as disclosed herein. For example, the windshield frame may comprise a magnetic means capable of magnetically coupling the magnetically attractive material on the windshield. The magnetic means may be located at one or more locations along an edge, a portion along the edge toward the opposing edge, at least part of an edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the edge toward the opposing edge of the windshield frame. In some instances, the windshield frame comprises a slot dimensioned to fit an edge, a portion along the edge, at least part of an edge, and/or a portion along at least part of the edge of the windshield.

The vehicle may comprise an electric source for providing an electric field to the windshield. This may be advantageous, for example in instances where the windshield comprises a suspended particle device, wherein the vehicle may comprise an electric source for providing an electric field to the electrodes of the suspended particle device, the electric source being capable of controlling an amount of charge applied across the electrically conductive medium of the suspended particle device.

The vehicle may comprise a light source in optical communication with the windshield. This may be advantageous, for example in instances where the windshield comprises a display layer comprising a plurality of wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein, the nanoparticles being capable of scattering one or more predetermined wavelengths or range of wavelengths in visible spectrum, wherein the vehicle may comprise a light source in optical communication with the display layer on the windshield to illuminate the display layer with the one or more predetermined wavelength ( s ) in visible spectrum to thereby produce visible images to an operator of the vehicle. Advantageously, the light source does not need to be on the windshield, thereby reducing bulkiness of the windshield. The disclosed windshield assembly therefore advantageously provides a non-bulky solution to conventional windshield assemblies.

The light source may project a beam of light onto the display layer and the wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein may scatter the specific wavelength ( s ) in visible spectrum such that the scattered light is seen as a visible image by the operator. The visible image seen may be in monochrome or multicolor depending on the wavelengths scattered. For example, where the nanoparticles are capable of scattering one predetermined range of wavelengths, e.g. blue light at wavelengths of 450-495 nm, the image is seen as a blue image. Where the nanoparticles are capable of scattering three ranges of wavelengths, e.g. blue light at wavelengths of 450-495 nm, green light at wavelengths of 495-570 nm, and red light at wavelengths of 620-750 nm, the image may be seen as a multicolor image.

The light source may be selected to project a beam of light comprising a broad range of wavelengths, such as incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lamps, etc. Alternatively, the light source may be selected to project a beam of light comprising one or more monochromatic beams at one or more specific wavelengths or range of wavelengths . For example, the light source may proj ect a mixture of three monochromatic beams, each monochromatic beam of a range of wavelengths for red, green, and blue.

There is provided, in a further aspect, a method of coupling a windshield to a windshield frame of a vehicle to obtain a windshield assembly as disclosed herein, the method comprising: positioning the windshield in proximity with the windshield frame; and allowing the windshield and the windshield frame to be coupled by the magnetic force by means of the magnetic means and the magnetically attractive material. The disclosed method is an advantageous method to attach the windshield to and detach the windshield from a windshield mounting area of the vehicle, for example a windshield frame of the vehicle. Further advantageously, due to the magnetic coupling, the disclosed method may not require external tools for coupling the windshield to the windshield frame.

As the disclosed windshield may advantageously be non-bulky and/or lightweight, the magnetic coupling may be sufficient to affix the detachable windshield to the windshield frame of the vehicle .

Alternatively, the coupling of the windshield and windshield frame may be additionally secured. For example, in the instances where the windshield and the windshield frame are operable to lockably engage each other by means of a locking mechanism, the disclosed method may further comprise lockably engaging the windshield and the windshield frame by means of the locking mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a motorcycle comprising a windshield assembly according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an inner surface of a windshield facing the operator of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an outer surface of a windshield facing away from the vehicle operator according to a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2C shows an inner surface of the windshield facing the motorcycle operator according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a windshield frame according to an embodiment of this invention.

In the figures, like numerals denote like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, the invention is described by way of the figures, which in no way should be construed as a limitation of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a motorcycle comprising a windshield assembly 300 according to an embodiment of this invention. The windshield assembly 300 comprises a windshield 100 capable of being magnetically coupled to a windshield frame 200 of the motorcycle. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the motorcycle comprises an electric source for providing an electric field to the electrodes of suspended particle device 108 (see FIG. 2C) , the electric source controlling an amount of charge applied across the electrically conductive medium of suspended particle device 108. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, the motorcycle comprises a light source in optical communication with layer 106 (not visible but illustrated with dotted lines) on the windshield 100 to illuminate the layer 106 with the one or more predetermined wavelengths in visible spectrum that the wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed in layer 106 are capable of scattering, to thereby produce visible images to an operator of the motorcycle. While layer 106 and suspended particle device 108 are included in windshield assembly 300 according to this embodiment, it would be appreciated that layer 106 and/or suspended particle device 108 need not be included in the disclosed windshield assembly .

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an inner surface of windshield 100 facing the operator of the motorcycle according to a first embodiment of this invention. Windshield 100 is generally rectangular with a U-shaped bottom portion to increase contact area with the windshield frame 200 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) . The windshield 100 is slightly curved about axis A-A' along the length of the rectangular windshield 100, such that the concave surface is the inner surface facing the motorcycle operator and the convex surface is the outer surface, so as to at least partially surround and protect the vehicle operator. Although not visible, windshield 100 comprises layer 106 illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 2A.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 2A, the windshield frame 200 comprises a plurality of button industrial magnets 202 as the magnetic means and the windshield 100 comprises a strip of metal 102 as the magnetically attractive material. It would be appreciated that any suitable magnetic means and any suitable magnetically attractive material as disclosed herein may be used. Referring to FIG. 2A, the single metal strip 102 is located at a single location. The metal strip 102 is embedded between the inner surface and an outer surface of the windshield 100, and extends inward toward the opposing edge of windshield 100. That is, the metal strip 102 is located at a portion along a bottom edge extending toward the top edge of the windshield 100 as well as at a portion along the bottom part of the side edges extending toward the other opposing side edge of the windshield 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, the button magnets 202 are located at more than one location on the windshield frame 200. The button magnets 202 are located at a portion along a bottom edge extending toward the top edge of the windshield frame 200 as well as at a portion along the side edges extending toward the other opposing side edge of the windshield frame 200. That is, the button magnets 202 are located along the sides of a surface whose plane is parallel to the plane of the windshield 100 once affixed thereon. Generally, the button magnets 202 are located along the portion of the windshield frame 200 where contact is to be made with metal strip 102. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an outer surface of a windshield 100' facing away from the vehicle operator according to a second embodiment of this invention. As an alternative to button magnets, a magnetic strip 202' may be provided on the windshield frame 200 (not shown in FIG. 2B) , the magnetic strip 202' being of complementary shape and at a location complementary to the metal strip 102 comprised on windshield 100' . The single magnetic strip 202' is located at a single location on the windshield frame 200. The magnetic strip 202' is located at a portion along a bottom edge extending toward the top edge of the windshield frame 200 as well as at a portion along the side edges extending toward the other opposing side edge of the windshield frame 200. That is, the magnetic strip 202' is located along the sides of a surface whose plane is parallel to the plane of the windshield 100' once affixed thereon. Generally, the magnetic strip 202' is located along the portion of the windshield frame 200 where contact is to be made with metal strip 102. As shown in FIG. 2B, the windshield 100' and the windshield frame 200 (not shown in FIG. 2B) are operable to lockably engage each other by means of a clasp locking mechanism 104 according to the second embodiment. Clasp 104 is coupled onto the metal strip 102 and is located at intervals on the metal strip 102. A latch of clasp 104 flexes past the edge of the windshield 100', the edge of the windshield frame 200 and the edge of a groove formed on the windshield frame 200 (not shown) to settle in the groove, thereby locking the windshield 100' to the windshield frame 200. It would be appreciated that locking mechanism 104 need not be included in the disclosed windshield and magnetic strip 202' may be replaced by alternative magnetic means as disclosed herein. It would also be appreciated that embodiments not included in the second embodiment may be included in the disclosed windshield as described herein. FIG. 2C shows an inner surface of the windshield 100 facing the motorcycle operator according to the first embodiment. The windshield 100 comprises a layer 106 disposed on the bottom center of the inner surface of the windshield 100, the layer 106 being configurable to display information to the motorcycle operator. The layer 106 allows visible light to substantially completely pass through and comprises a plurality of wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein (not shown) , wherein the nanoparticles are capable of scattering one or more predetermined wavelengths in visible spectrum to thereby produce visible images to the motorcycle operator. The transparent layer 106 is located at the bottom center of the windshield 100 so as to align with the operator's line of vision.

Still referring to FIG. 2C, the rest of the windshield 100, excluding layer 106, comprises a suspended particle device 108 comprising (not shown) : an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of electrically sensitive particles suspended in an electrically conductive medium disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface; two or more electrodes formed on the side of the inner and outer surfaces in contact with the electrically conductive medium, the electrodes being capable of providing an electric field across the medium; wherein when an electric field is applied across the medium, the plurality of particles align along the direction of the electric field to allow light to pass through. Suspended particle device 108 is capable of modulating its transparency according to the amount of charge applied across it. In FIG. 2C, suspended particle device 108 is shown to be of a darker shade than layer 106, meaning that a low amount of electric charge is applied and therefore only a portion of the suspended particles align along the direction of the electric charge. Thus, some of the light incident on the suspended particle device 108 gets absorbed by non-aligned suspended particles, while some of the light passes between the aligned suspended particles and through device 108. As only some of the light passes through device 108, it appears darkened as compared to display 106. Again, it would be appreciated that layer 106 and/or suspended particle device 108 need not be included in the disclosed windshield.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a windshield frame 200 according to an embodiment of this invention. Windshield frame 200 comprises a structure with a shape complementing that of metal strip 102. That is, the structure of frame 200 has a shape arranged to support a portion of one or both surfaces along the entire bottom edge of windshield 100 and a portion of one or both surfaces along the bottom part of both the side edges of windshield 100. Windshield frame 200 further comprises a slot 204 dimensioned to fit a portion along the bottom edge of the windshield 100 on an outer surface of the windshield 100 facing away from the motorcycle operator, the fitted portion being between the frame 200 and the slot 204. While windshield frame 200 is described herein with respect to windshield 100 according to the first embodiment for brevity, it would be appreciated that windshield frame 200 can also work with windshield 100' according to the second embodiment. In operation, the bottom edge of the windshield 100 is slotted into slot 204 of windshield frame 200. Therefore, the windshield 100 is positioned in proximity with the windshield frame 200 of the motorcycle, thereby allowing the windshield 100 and windshield frame 200 to be coupled by the magnetic force by means of the button magnets 202 and the metal strip 102. The bottom half of the side edges of the windshield 100 is supported by the side edges of frame 200 and the windshield 100 and windshield frame 200 are secured by the magnetic coupling between the magnets 202 along the side edges of the windshield frame 200 and the metal strip 102 along the bottom half of the side edges of the windshield 100. Thus, the windshield assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the invention is obtained. Thereafter, the windshield 100 is lockably engaged with the windshield frame 200 by means of the locking mechanism 104.

While the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiment ( s ) of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

Patent claims

1. A windshield assembly (300) for a vehicle preferably a motorcycle, the windshield assembly (300) comprising a windshield (100) capable of being magnetically coupled to a windshield frame (200) of the vehicle.

2. The windshield assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the windshield frame (200) comprises a magnetic means (202) and the windshield (100) comprises a magnetically attractive material (102) .

3. The windshield assembly (300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the magnetically attractive material (102) is located at one or more locations along an edge or portion along the edge toward the opposing edge of the windshield (100), preferably a bottom edge or portion along the bottom edge toward the top edge of the windshield (100), and/or at least part of side edges or portion along at least part of the side edges toward the respective opposing edge of the windshield (100), and

the magnetic means (202) is located at one or more locations along an edge or portion along the edge toward the opposing edge of the windshield frame (200) , preferably a bottom edge or portion along the bottom edge toward the top edge of the windshield frame (200) , and/or at least part of side edges or portion along at least part of the side edges toward the respective opposing edge of the windshield frame (200) .

4. The windshield assembly (300) of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the magnetically attractive material (102) is a metal and the magnetic means (202) is a button magnet.

5. The windshield assembly (300) of any preceding claim, wherein the windshield frame (200) comprises a slot (204) dimensioned to fit an edge or a portion along the edge of the windshield (100) on either surface of the windshield (100), preferably a bottom edge or portion along the bottom edge on either surface of the windshield (100) and more preferably at least part of side edges or portion along at least part of the side edges on either surface of the windshield (100) .

6. The windshield assembly (300) of any preceding claim, wherein the windshield (100) and the windshield frame (200) are operable to lockably engage each other by means of a locking mechanism (104) .

7. The windshield assembly (300) of any preceding claim, wherein the windshield (100) comprises a suspended particle device (108) comprising:

an inner surface and an outer surface;

a plurality of electrically sensitive particles suspended in an electrically conductive medium disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface;

two or more electrodes formed on the side of the inner and outer surfaces in contact with the electrically conductive medium, the electrodes being capable of providing an electric field across the medium;

wherein when an electric field is applied across the medium, the plurality of particles align along the direction of the electric field to allow light to pass through.

8. The windshield assembly (300) of any preceding claim, wherein the windshield (100) comprises a layer (106) disposed on at least part of a surface of the windshield (100) , the layer (106) being configurable to display information to an operator of the vehicle .

9. The windshield assembly (300) of claim 8, wherein the layer (106) allows visible light to substantially completely pass through and comprises a plurality of wavelength-selective nanoparticles dispersed therein, wherein the nanoparticles are capable of scattering one or more predetermined wavelengths in visible spectrum to thereby produce visible images to the vehicle operator .

10. A vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, comprising the windshield assembly (300) of any preceding claim.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, comprising an electric source for providing an electric field to the electrodes and controlling an amount of charge applied across the electrically conductive medium.

12. The vehicle of claim 10 or 11, comprising a light source in optical communication with the layer (106) on the windshield (100) to illuminate the layer (106) with the one or more predetermined wavelengths in visible spectrum to thereby produce visible images to an operator of the vehicle.

13. A method of coupling a windshield (100) to a windshield frame (200) of a vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, to obtain a windshield assembly (300) according to any one of claims 2-9, the method comprising:

positioning the windshield (100) in proximity with the windshield frame (200);

allowing the windshield (100) and the windshield frame (200) to be coupled by the magnetic force by means of the magnetic means (202) and the magnetically attractive material (102).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising lockably engaging the windshield (100) and the windshield frame (200) by means of a locking mechanism (104) .