Research and Concept Development
Windshield Panel
The fastening methods alternatives for the windshield are aimed to be removable, efficient installation, and cost-effective.
Surrounding panels: Roof panel, hood, side panel (driver’s side and passenger side) and bulkheads?
Also see: Windshield Fastening
Captive Panel Screw
Quarter-Turn Capacitive Panel Screw
Rivet-mount nut and Quarter turn screw
Zinc-plated steel and corrosion resistant
Cost: ~$3/each
https://www.mcmaster.com/quarter-turn-fasteners/rounded-head-quarter-turn-captive-panel-screws-with-clip-on-nut/ → Applicable to larger panel thickness range
(Quarter-Turn Fastener in-use is similar to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnNuQW5P9cs @15:18 min)
Sizing for Dzus Fasteners:
(Image link: https://static.speedwaymotors.com/images/charts/Measuring_Guide.jpg)
Fastening hood + windshield for example, has a combined thickness of 12 mm = 0.47 inches, thus a dzus fastener with 0.6 inch + button length would be appropriate
Quarter-turn fasteners: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Steel-Oval-Head-Quarter-Turn-Fasteners-600-Inch-Grip-Pack-10,29397.html
0.700 inch grip Dzus fasteners: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Self-Ejecting-Quarter-Turn-Fasteners-700-Inch-Grip-Pack-10,29647.html
https://timmcamis.com/shop/chassis/dzus-fasteners.html
Twist-to-Lock Press-Fit Capacitive Panel
Pull knob and rotate 90 degrees to lock
Zinc-plated steel and corrosion resistant
Cost: ~5.42/each
Quick-Release Pins
Zinc-plated, mild corrosion resistance and Flat-head
Sizes diameter: 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”
Cost: ~$10 / 10 pieces
https://www.mcmaster.com/pins/flat-head-quick-release-pins/
https://www.mcmaster.com/pins/add-a-handle-quick-release-pins/
Rivet Nut + Screw
Steel Twist Rivet Nut: https://www.mcmaster.com/rivet-nuts/steel-twist-resistant-rivet-nuts/
Thread size: 1/2”-13, body diameter: 0.685”, body length: 1.450”
Flat-head screw: https://www.mcmaster.com/screws/flat-head-screws/vibration-resistant-flat-head-screws/
Thread size: 1/2”-13, length: 1.25”
Calculations
Final Design
Windshield Mounting Methods & Locations
Verification/Rationale for Final Design
| Portability | Profile (Shape) | Effectiveness | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarter Turn Fasteners | Very quick to attach/remove (a screw that disengages in a quarter turn) | Screw does not stick out and certain screw-heads can sit flush with the windshield surface | Windshield is attached securely and does not budge | ~$3-5.42 Each |
Quick-Release Pins | Quickest to Attach (just a pushing motion); Detaching requires more time than quarter turn fastener | Pin sticks out more than the quarter turn fastener | Windshield may wobble | ~$1 Each |
Rivet Nut + Screw | Mechanism similar to quarter turn screw, except attaching/detaching Rivet Screw takes significantly more time | Not as large as Quick Release pins but end of screw may protrude out more than quarter turn fasteners | Most effective, as the threads of the screw prevent any movement of the windshield | ~$1 Each
|
As the Quarter Turn Fasteners excel in portability and do not have any significant downsides, they are the most effective solution for windshield panel mounting.
Table 2: Proposed Mounting Locations & Method for the Windshield Panel
Bonding to Adjacent Panels | Method |
|---|---|
Hood | |
Side Panels | |
Front Bridge |
Windshield to Hood
Quarter-turn fasteners would be used to fix the windshield to the hood. These fasteners would be mounted along the flange of the hood panel (Figure 1, below). It is suggested that 6 screws be used to support mounting of the windshield to the hood.
Figure 1: Quarter-Turn Fasteners on the Hood
Figure 2: Measuring Guide for Dzus Quarter-turn Fasteners
Length C, grip length = 0.7 inches and diameter of the screw is 5/16 inches (link: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Self-Ejecting-Quarter-Turn-Fasteners-700-Inch-Grip-Pack-10,29647.html)
Windshield to Front Bridge
Quarter-turn fasteners would be used to fix the windshield to the front bridge. These fasteners would be mounted as pictured (Figure 3, below). It is suggested that 6 screws be used to support mounting of the windshield to the front bridge.
Figure 3: Quarter-turn Fasteners on the Front Bridge
Windshield to Side Panel