Invention Disclosure Document. This page constitutes a timestamped publication of the DashArmor retractable dashboard protection screen invention. It describes the design, mechanism, materials, specifications, and applications of a novel rollout protective screen that deploys from the windshield frame to shield vehicle dashboards from sun, UV, and heat damage. This document serves as published prior art as of the date above.
The DashArmor Retractable Dashboard Protection Screen is a factory-integrated, spring-loaded rollout shield that deploys from a concealed housing mounted within the vehicle's windshield frame (header area). When activated, the screen unrolls downward and forward across the full width of the dashboard, creating a continuous protective barrier between the windshield glass and the dashboard surface below.
The screen protects the dashboard from direct solar radiation, ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared heat, and airborne dust and particulates that enter through the windshield. When not in use, the screen retracts fully into its housing, becoming invisible and maintaining the vehicle's factory interior aesthetics.
Unlike aftermarket sun shades (which are placed externally on the windshield) or dashboard covers (which sit passively on the dash surface), the DashArmor screen is a mechanically retractable, internally mounted barrier that:
The core of the system is a spring-loaded roller tube, approximately 18-22mm in diameter, concealed within the windshield header trim. The roller houses the screen material wound tightly around an aluminum or steel core tube. A constant-force spring (torsion spring) provides the retraction force, pulling the screen back into the housing when released.
When deployed, the screen exits the housing through a narrow slot (3-5mm gap) integrated into the bottom edge of the headliner, just above the windshield glass. The screen material then drapes downward at the angle of the windshield, following the natural contour of the glass, and continues forward across the dashboard surface. A weighted bottom rail or stiffened leading edge ensures the screen lies flat against the dashboard contour.
The screen's leading edge terminates in a rigid rail containing embedded rare-earth magnets (neodymium N42 grade or equivalent). Corresponding magnetic receptor plates are installed flush into the front edge of the dashboard (near the base of the windshield defroster vents). When the screen is fully extended, the magnets engage with the receptors, holding the screen taut and preventing movement from vehicle vibration or HVAC airflow.
Alternative anchoring methods include:
To retract, the user disengages the anchor (pulls the leading edge free of the magnetic/clip lock) and releases. The spring-loaded roller automatically rewinds the screen into the headliner housing. The entire retraction completes in approximately 1.5-3 seconds. A damper mechanism controls the retraction speed to prevent snapping or noise.
An optional motorized version replaces the manual spring mechanism with a small DC motor (12V, drawing from the vehicle's electrical system). Deployment and retraction are controlled by:
The protective screen is constructed from a multi-layer composite designed for UV rejection, heat reflection, durability, and compact rollability:
Total screen thickness: 0.3-0.5mm, enabling tight winding around the roller tube.
Operating temperature range: -40°F to 200°F (-40°C to 93°C), covering all automotive operating environments.
Flame retardancy: Meets FMVSS 302 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for flammability of interior materials).
DashArmor screens are custom-engineered per vehicle platform. Below are representative specifications for three primary vehicle categories:
| Specification | Full-Size Truck | SUV / Crossover | Sedan / Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen width | 1,450 - 1,600 mm | 1,300 - 1,500 mm | 1,100 - 1,350 mm |
| Screen depth (deployed) | 700 - 850 mm | 650 - 800 mm | 550 - 700 mm |
| Coverage area | 1.0 - 1.36 m² | 0.85 - 1.2 m² | 0.6 - 0.95 m² |
| Roller housing length | 1,480 - 1,630 mm | 1,330 - 1,530 mm | 1,130 - 1,380 mm |
| Roller housing diameter | 22 mm | 20 mm | 18 mm |
| Total weight (system) | 280 - 380 g | 230 - 320 g | 180 - 260 g |
| Deployment time | 2 - 3 sec | 2 - 3 sec | 1.5 - 2.5 sec |
| Retraction time | 2 - 3 sec | 2 - 3 sec | 1.5 - 2 sec |
| UV blocking | 99%+ | 99%+ | 99%+ |
| IR reflection | Up to 97% | Up to 97% | Up to 97% |
| Cycle rating | 15,000+ cycles | 15,000+ cycles | 15,000+ cycles |
| Reference vehicles | F-150, Silverado, RAM 1500, Tundra | Tahoe, Explorer, Highlander, Telluride | Camry, Civic, Model 3, Accord |
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor type | Brushless DC motor, 12V |
| Power draw | 0.8 - 1.5 A (active), 0 A (stowed) |
| Noise level | < 35 dB at 1 meter |
| Control interface | CAN bus, LIN bus, or standalone button |
| Auto-deploy sensor | Cabin temperature + ambient light (optional) |
| Weight addition | +60 - 90 g over manual variant |
Vehicle dashboards are the most sun-exposed interior surface in any car, truck, or SUV. Positioned directly beneath the windshield—a large, angled glass surface that acts as a solar collector—dashboards absorb intense ultraviolet radiation and infrared heat daily.
Over 280 million registered vehicles in the United States are exposed to sun damage daily. In Sun Belt states (Texas, Arizona, Florida, California, Nevada), the problem is most acute, with vehicles receiving 250-300+ days of direct sun exposure per year. The automotive interior protection aftermarket (sun shades, dash covers, tinting) exceeds $1.2 billion annually in the U.S. alone, indicating massive consumer demand for solutions—none of which are integrated at the factory level.
The DashArmor retractable screen is fundamentally different from every existing dashboard protection product on the market:
The primary target application. DashArmor is designed as a Tier 1 / Tier 2 supplier component, integrated during vehicle assembly. The roller housing is installed into the headliner during trim assembly, and the magnetic anchors are embedded into the dashboard mold. This is the highest-volume, highest-margin channel: every vehicle off the line ships with DashArmor installed as standard or premium-package equipment.
For vehicle models where OEM integration is not yet available, DashArmor offers a dealer-installable retrofit kit. Dealerships install the system during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or as a line-item upgrade, pricing it at $149-$349 as a dealer-added accessory. This creates immediate revenue while OEM integration is in negotiation.
Commercial and government fleet operators (rental car companies, police departments, delivery services) lose significant vehicle value to sun damage across large fleets parked outdoors. DashArmor offers fleet-specification packages with simplified installation and volume pricing, protecting asset value across thousands of vehicles.
A consumer-installable version with simplified mounting (adhesive-backed housing, clip-on anchors) for vehicle owners who want to add the system to existing vehicles. Sold through auto parts retailers and e-commerce. While not the primary business model, this channel builds brand awareness and consumer pull for OEM adoption.
EVs are especially suited for DashArmor. Large glass roofs and panoramic windshields increase solar exposure. Reducing cabin heat lowers the load on climate control, directly extending battery range. EV manufacturers are the ideal early adopters given their focus on premium interiors and technology integration.
High-end vehicles with premium leather dashboards, wood trim, and Alcantara surfaces benefit most from sun protection. Luxury OEMs (Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Genesis) and specialty truck brands (King Ranch, Denali) are natural partners where dashboard replacement costs can exceed $5,000.
The following aspects of the DashArmor system represent novel contributions to the field of automotive interior protection: