Windshield Vision Regs:
9.5.A Eye Height:
In the normal driving position with a fully laden solar car, all occupant’s eyes must be at least 700 mm above the ground.
9.5.B Forward and Sideward Vision:
9.5.B.1 From the normal driving position, the driver must be able to see at all times, without artificial assistance, points at the following locations:
(1) A point on the ground 8 m in front of the solar car
(2) A point 6.4 m above the ground and 12.2 m ahead of the leading edge of the car. (Will be inspected with a pole positioned 3 m ahead of the car)
(3) A full 100° to either side of center
9.5.B.2 The driver will be required to identify 75 mm high letters at a distance of 3 m from the front of the solar car, through any of the required viewing angles.
9.5.B.3 The driver will be required to identify 50 mm high letters at a distance of 3 m from the side of the solar car, through any of the required viewing angles.
9.5.B.4 Some elements of the roll cage may obstruct a portion of the forward vision. However, this view must be essentially unobstructed as much as is reasonably possible by the solar car structure.
9.5.E Rear Vision:
9.5.E.1 All solar cars must be equipped with a rear-view system that at all times will allow the driver to see a vehicle 15 m directly behind the solar car and up to 30° off center. The system must provide the driver with a single reflex type image and must operate without driver input. The driver will be required to identify the direction of an arrow with a 200 mm thick brush stoke on a 1 m2 board held about 1 m off the ground.
9.5.E.2 If equipped: the camera and view screen shall be fixed in position such that road bumps and vehicle vibration will not alter the viewing angles.
9.5.E.3 If equipped: the view screen shall be positioned such that the driver shall be able to see the view screen while seated in normal driving position.
Back Cap:
The reason behind having a thermoformed “back cap” is for the High Mounted Center Brake Light. Having it mounted on the aerobody itself would be difficult because of the thin geometry (aerodynamically this would not be the best), so having a see through cap and then putting the light inside works best. The BPS Fault Indicator can also go in here.
Design:
Both options have the same front windshield, which has been designed following the viewing regulations. However, for the back windshield design I have two options.
Option 1
In this option, the back windshield does not go to the top of the canopy. I like this version more for aesthetics purposes.
Option 2
With this one, the polycarbonate thermoformed windshield will be at the top. I think this will make integration into the canopy easier. As with O1 it may be a little risky cutting along that thin edge, as can be seen in the image below.
A decision needs to be made with these two choices.
After further discussion, it has been concluded that the small composite part remaining on the top will be difficult to deal with as it is so thin and hence a full half windshield has been decided upon. As can be seen in the image below:
