Automatic Sun Visor Assembly with Spring Wire Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sun visors in vehicles require constant adjustment to block direct sunlight, which can be distracting and unsafe, especially when the vehicle changes direction or the sun's position, and may obstruct views of important signals.
Innovation Solution
An automatic sun visor system connected to a vehicle's electronic control unit that collects data on sun position, vehicle orientation, and operator location to optimally position and adjust the visor using motors and a spring wire or belt mechanism to block sunlight without obstructing the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual sun visor is used, then it can block direct sunlight, but it requires constant manual adjustment which creates distraction and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system automatically positions itself to block sunlight without requiring manual adjustment by the operator. Sensors detect sun position and vehicle orientation, and the control system automatically actuates the visor to the appropriate position, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. Motors and actuators are used to position the visor based on sensor input from electronic control units, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control to eliminate driver distraction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual sun visor is adjusted to block sunlight, then it can protect vision, but it may obstruct the view of stop lights and traffic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time sensor data about sun location, vehicle orientation, and operator position. Rather than remaining fixed or requiring manual adjustment, the visor continuously adapts its angle and position to block sunlight while maintaining visibility of important external signals and lights
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect sun position, vehicle orientation, and operator location, feeding this information back to the control system which then adjusts the visor position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the visor blocks sunlight effectively while maintaining awareness of traffic signals and other important visual information
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle changes direction or orientation, then it can operate in different positions, but the manual visor becomes ineffective and requires repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor vehicle orientation and sun position, providing feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts the visor position to maintain effectiveness. This ensures the visor remains properly positioned regardless of vehicle direction changes, eliminating the need for manual repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The visor system is designed to be dynamically adjustable through automated motors and actuators that respond to changing vehicle orientation. The system adapts in real-time to maintain optimal sunlight blocking performance regardless of whether the vehicle is moving straight, turning, or changing elevation
4Ease of operation
If an automatic sun visor system is implemented, then it can automatically block sunlight without manual adjustment, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sun visor system integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: sunlight detection, vehicle orientation sensing, operator position detection, and automated visor positioning. By combining these functions that share common sensors and control logic, the system achieves automatic operation without proportionally increasing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides continuous, safe, and effective protection from direct sunlight by automatically adjusting the visor to changing environmental and operational conditions, minimizing distractions and ensuring clear visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring wire having a first end, a second end, and a length wherein a visor is attached to the second end of the spring wire; a carriage with a flange having a point of attachment, the carriage further including a winder connected to a winder rotation device capable of rotational movements and adapted to wrap or unwrap the spring wire from its first end
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic sun visor assembly is disclosed for use in automobiles or in other equipment with windows or windshields. The invention is designed to automatically adjust the position of a visor to provide maximum protection from sunlight and to enhance safety by preventing direct sunlight from interfering with the operator's or the passenger's vision. The invention utilizes motors that include interfaces that allow their control by electronic controllers for automatically adjusting visor's position and orientation based on sensing of environmental conditions such as position of the sun, vehicle orientation and the position of operator's eyes. Specifically, the invention utilizes three motors that enable controlling visor position in three spatial dimensions. The use of an extendable spring wire in the invention enables the visor to stretch out and block direct sunlight from entering at angles where the traditional visors are unable to reach. The visor can also be lowered such as for a short operator or passenger or angled such that it is effective in blocking direct sunlight while also allowing the operator to maintain a clear view of overhead traffic signals. The visor position is controlled by actuators, typically servo-motors, which may be controlled directly by an embedded controller, by a remote control unit in the hands of the operator, or by manually enabling switches included on the visor assembly.