Dashboard Retractable Sunscreen with Hook and Roller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular sunscreens do not effectively provide shade for vehicle interiors and lack easy deployment and retraction mechanisms, as well as secure attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard-mounted retractable sunscreen with a roller subassembly, suction cups, width adjustment knobs, and a hook mechanism that allows for easy deployment and retraction, providing substantial windshield coverage and secure attachment using a combination of suction cups, width adjustment knobs, and a hook over the rearview mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional non-retractable sunscreen is used, then the sunscreen can provide shade coverage, but it occupies excessive dashboard space and creates clutter when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The sunscreen is nested within a housing structure that contains a roller mechanism. When retracted, the sunscreen rolls up and stores inside the housing, making the entire assembly compact and space-efficient on the dashboard. This nesting approach allows the sunscreen to provide full coverage when deployed while occupying minimal space when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The sunscreen transitions from a static, fixed-position state to a dynamic, movable state through the roller mechanism. The spring-loaded roller enables the sunscreen to be easily deployed and retracted, transforming it from a permanent dashboard obstruction to a flexible, on-demand shading solution that adapts to user needs.
2Ease of operation
If a retractable mechanism is added to the sunscreen, then deployment and retraction become easy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded automatic reel system that provides self-service functionality. When the sunscreen is pulled for deployment, the spring automatically winds onto the roller, pulling the sunscreen in smoothly without requiring manual winding or complex motorized controls. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex motorized retractable mechanisms found in other applications are extracted and replaced with a simple spring-loaded roller system. This extraction of unnecessary complexity leaves only the essential components needed for deployment and retraction, achieving ease of operation without excessive device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple attachment methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment methods are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The suction cups, width adjustment knobs, and hook are all incorporated into one unified mounting system that works together as a cohesive unit. This merging approach provides secure attachment through multiple mechanisms while avoiding the complexity of separate, independent attachment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the roller mechanism, provides the mounting surface for suction cups, incorporates width adjustment knobs for positioning, and includes a hook for hanging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving reliable attachment without excessive 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 solution provides effective shading for vehicle interiors by easily deploying and retracting the sunscreen, ensuring secure attachment and protecting the windshield from sunlight, while maintaining an improved appearance and protecting the sunscreen when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more suction cups to hold the roller subassembly against the windshield
Implementation Method 2
Springs in each side of the housing cause the shade to wrap itself around a central rod in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The dashboard-mounted retractable sunscreen is a sunscreen that may be deployed from a housing mounted in the area of a vehicle dashboard. To deploy the sunscreen, a shade is pulled from within the housing by grasping a hook on the top of the shade and pulling up. The same hook is used to hold the shade in place by passing the hook over the vehicle's rearview mirror. When no longer needed, the shade may be easily retracted back into the housing by separating the hook from the rearview mirror and lowering the hook towards the housing. Springs in each side of the housing enable the shade to wrap itself around a central rod within the housing. Width adjustment knobs on each end of the housing help hold the housing in place by pressing against the vehicle's left and right ‘A’ pillars.