Collapsible Canopy Structure for In-Vehicle Privacy and Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face challenges in maintaining privacy and comfort while resting or sleeping in vehicles due to external distractions, as tinted windows have legal limitations, blanket solutions are cumbersome and uncomfortable, and eye masks can induce anxiety.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible self-supporting canopy system comprising U-shaped bows, panels with adjustable supports, and attachment elements for various structures, allowing for customizable light blocking and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tinted windows are used to provide privacy, then privacy is improved, but legal limitations restrict how dark the glass can be tinted, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into multiple panels (front panel, back panel, side panels) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each panel can be separately angled or repositioned to optimize privacy blocking for different viewing directions while maintaining overall structural flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy employs adjustable and reconfigurable panels that can be dynamically positioned to different angles and configurations. The panels can be moved between deployed and stowed positions, allowing the system to adapt to different privacy needs and environmental conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blankets are used to cover windows for privacy, then privacy is improved, but multiple blankets are difficult to attach and create stuffy uncomfortable conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is designed as a self-supporting structure with an integrated frame system that maintains its own shape and position without requiring external support or complex attachment mechanisms. The structure serves itself by providing both structural integrity and privacy function simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy utilizes flexible panel materials that can be easily attached and removed while maintaining their privacy function. These thin film panels are simpler to install than multiple blankets and provide a more streamlined, comfortable configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blankets are used to cover windows for privacy, then privacy is improved, but stuffy and uncomfortable in-vehicle conditions result
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy provides selective privacy coverage through individually adjustable panels rather than complete enclosure. This allows privacy to be maintained in specific directions while leaving other areas open for ventilation, creating local variations in coverage that balance privacy and comfort needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the canopy panels allows users to modify the degree of coverage in real-time based on comfort requirements. Panels can be repositioned to allow more or less ventilation while maintaining privacy, enabling adaptive response to changing thermal comfort needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible self-supporting canopy are presented including: two U-shaped bows pivotally coupled by a pair of locking hinges, each locking hinge positioned along outward ends of each of the U-shaped bows; a first panel supported by the U-shaped bows, the first panel extending beyond the shaped bows, where the first panel includes a cutout that defines a pivot point; a flexible panel support for supporting a second panel coupled with the first panel; a back edge U-shaped bow for supporting a third panel, the third panel coupled with the second panel and a portion of the first panel; a back panel removably coupled with the third panel, the back panel including at least a circular head support adjustably coupled thereto; and a front panel removably coupled with the first panel, the front panel including a neck cutout defining a substantially circular opening.