DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical engineering. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles.
DEFINITIONS
The expression ‘Windshield’ used hereinafter in the specification refers to, but is not limited, a pane of usually curved glass or other transparent shielding mounted in front of the occupants of a vehicle to protect them from the wind.
The expression ‘Rake Angle’ used hereinafter in the specification refers to, but is not limited, an angle formed between the surface of the windshield and a normal extending from the longitudinal axis of a vehicle.
The expression ‘Protractor’ used hereinafter in the specification refers to, but is not limited, an instrument for measuring or drawing angles on paper, usually a flat semicircular transparent plastic sheet graduated in degrees.
The expression ‘Digital Protractor’ used hereinafter in the specification refers to, but is not limited, a protractor having two abutting elements and a digital indicator, wherein the abutting elements abut the surface between which the angle is to be measured and the digital indicator provides the angle between the two surfaces.
BACKGROUND
A windshield or a windscreen is a glass plate that covers a window formed in an operative front portion of a vehicle. The windscreen shields the driver and occupants of the vehicle from the wind as well as debris present in the wind. The windshield of the vehicle is fitted in an inclined manner which results in formation of a rake angle between a surface of the windshield and a plane that is orthogonal to an end of the windshield. The rake angle is an important parameter as it influences the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The fitment of the windshield at an appropriate rake angle also protects the driver from the external light by reflecting the light struck on the windshield and can also prevent the juddering of the wiper. It is thus important that the rake angle should be maintained within a desired range.
Hence, there is a need for an angle measuring device that facilitates the measurement of the rake angle of the windshield.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the state of the art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an angle measuring device for measuring the rake angle of a windshield of a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an angle measuring device that is reliable.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an angle measuring device for measuring a rake angle of a vehicle windshield. The angle measuring device comprises a channel that is configured to be disposed on the windshield whose rake angle is to be measured. At least one pointer extends from each operative end of the channel and is configured to abut a surface of the windshield. A protractor is configured at an operative end of the channel adjacent to one of the pointers. An indicating element is configured in front of the protractor such that when the at least one pointer and the channel are placed on the windshield, the indicating element aligns with the protractor at an angle which corresponds to the rake angle of the windshield.
In an embodiment, the channel is defined by a plurality of sliding sections that facilitates the adjustments in the length of the channel to match with the width of the windshield.
In another embodiment, the angle measuring device includes a locking element configured on the channel to prevent the extension or retraction of the plurality of sliding sections after the placement of the angle measuring device onto the windshield.
In another embodiment, the pointers are configured to abut an operative top edge and an operative bottom edge of the windshield.
In another embodiment, the at least one pointer extends orthogonally from the channel.
In another embodiment, the protractor is a digital protractor.
In another embodiment, the indicating element is a weight suspended on a string. In yet another embodiment, the indicating element is a suspended rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An angle measuring device of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the non-limiting accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an operative front portion of a vehicle;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an angle measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates another schematic representation of an angle measuring device of Figure 2; and
Figure 4 illustrates yet another schematic representation of an angle measuring device of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND THE DRAWING
1 – Vehicle
10 – Windshield
10a – Operative top edge of the windshield
10b – Operative bottom edge of the windshield
20 – Hood
100 – Angle measuring device
110a, 110b – Pointers
120 – Channel
130 – Locking element
140 – Protractor
150 – Indicating element
150a – String
150b – Weight

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an operative front portion of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 comprises a windshield 10 that is fitted onto a hood 20 of the vehicle 1. The windshield 10 has an operative top edge 10a and an operative bottom edge 10b. The windshield 10 forms a rake angle ? with a plane N that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the vehicle 1.
Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an angle measuring device 100 for measuring the rake angle ? of the windshield 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 through 4, the angle measuring device 100 comprises a channel 120 that is configured to be disposed on the windshield 10 whose rake angle ? is to be measured. At least one pointer 110a, 110b extends from each operative end of the channel 120 and is configured to abut a surface of the windshield 10. A protractor 140 is configured at an operative end of the channel 120 adjacent to the pointer 110b. In another embodiment (not explicitly shown in figures), the protractor 140 can be configured at that operative end of the channel 120 which is proximal to the operative top edge 10a of the windshield 10. Such a configuration also provides a reliable reading of the rake angle of the windshield 10.
An indicating element 150 is configured in front of the protractor 140 such that when the pointers 110a, 110b and the channel 120 are placed on the windshield 10, the indicating element 150 is angularly displaced and aligns with the protractor 140 at an angle which corresponds to the rake angle ? of the windshield 10.
In an embodiment, the channel 120 is defined by a plurality of sliding sections that facilitates the adjustments in the length of the channel 120 to match with the width of the windshield 10 such that the pointers 110a, 110b are configured to abut the operative top edge 10a and the operative bottom edge 10b of the windshield 10. In another embodiment, the angle measuring device 100 includes a locking element 130 configured on the channel 120 to prevent any undesired extension or retraction of the plurality of sliding sections after the placement of the angle measuring device 100 onto the windshield 10. In an embodiment, the pointers 110a, 110b extend orthogonally from the channel 120.
In another embodiment, the indicating element 150 is a weight 150b suspended on a string 150a. In yet another embodiment, the indicating element 150 is a suspended rod. In still another embodiment, the protractor 140 is a digital protractor.
The operative configuration of the angle measuring device 100 for measuring the rake angle ? of the windshield 10 is now described. The length of the channel 120 is adjusted to match the width of the windshield 10 such that the pointer 110a abuts the operative top edge 10a and the pointer 110b abuts the operative bottom edge 10b of the windshield 10. The locking element 130 is then used to lock the length of the channel 120, so as to prevent any undesired extension or retraction of the channel 120. The string 150a of the indicating element 150 aligns with the protractor 140 at an angle that corresponds the rake angle ?.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a line X-X’ passes through the operative top edge 10a and the operative bottom edge 10b of the windshield 10. The placement of the angle measuring device 100 on the windshield 10 is such that a longitudinal axis Y-Y’ of the channel 120 is parallel to the line X-X’. The line Y-Y’ coincides with the 0o calibration of the protractor 140. Further, the plane N or line A-A’ extends vertically from the operative bottom edge 10b and is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1. The plane N or line A-A’ intersects the line X-X’ at point O. A line B-B’ is parallel to plane N and is in-line with the string 150a. The line B-B’ intersects the line Y-Y’ at point O” and the plane N intersects the line Y-Y’ at point O’.
From the rules of basic geometry,
• Angle AOX (?) = Angle AO’Y (d) --- (the angles (?) and (d) are equal because they are corresponding angles)
• Angle AO’Y (d) = Angle BO’’Y (a) --- (the angles (d) and (a) are equal because they are corresponding angles)
• Angle BO’’Y (a) = Angle Y’O’’B’ (ß) --- (the angles (a) and (ß) are equal because they are vertically opposite angles)
Hence, the rake angle (?) = d = a = ß
As such, the reading of the angle ß, as indicated by the indicating element 150, corresponds to the rake angle ?. Thus, the angle measuring device 100 reliably measures the rake angle ? of the windshield 10. Also, the operation of the angle measuring device 100 is fairly simple and does not require skilled labour for operating the same.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES
The angle measuring device of the present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of an angle measuring device:
• for measuring the rake angle of a windshield of a vehicle; and
• that is reliable.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:1. An angle measuring device for measuring a rake angle of a vehicle windshield, said device comprising:
a channel configured to be disposed on said windshield whose rake angle is to be measured;
at least one pointer extending from each operative end of said channel, said at least one pointer configured to abut a surface of said windshield;
a protractor configured at an operative end of said channel adjacent to one of said at least one pointer; and
an indicating element configured in front of said protractor such that when said at least one pointer and said channel are placed on said windshield, said indicating element aligns with said protractor at an angle which corresponds to the rake angle of said windshield.
2. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said channel is defined by a plurality of sliding sections that facilitates adjustments in the length of said channel to match with the width of said windshield.
3. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 2, which includes a locking element configured on said channel to prevent any extension or retraction of said plurality of sliding sections after the placement of said angle measuring device onto said windshield.
4. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pointers are configured to abut an operative top edge and an operative bottom edge of said windshield.
5. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one pointer extends orthogonally from said channel.
6. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protractor is a digital protractor.
7. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said indicating element is a weight suspended on a string.
8. The angle measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said indicating element is a suspended rod.