Dynamic Sun Visor Control for Predictive Glare Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sun visors in vehicles do not predict when sunlight will shine directly into the driver's eyes, causing temporary distractions and requiring manual adjustment, which can divert the driver's attention from the road.
Innovation Solution
An active dynamic sun visor system that uses sensors and navigation data to predict sunlight exposure and automatically adjusts the visor position to block sunlight before it becomes a distraction, utilizing motors, cameras, and controllers to determine and alter the visor's position based on sunlight intensity and vehicle route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sun visor adjustment is used, then the driver can block sunlight when needed, but the driver must take hands off the steering wheel to adjust the visor, causing temporary distraction and safety risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts future sunlight exposure based on vehicle route, current sun position, and weather data to proactively adjust the visor before sunlight reaches the driver's eyes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for reactive manual adjustment, keeping hands on the steering wheel and maintaining driving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor system operates autonomously using sensors, navigation data, and control algorithms to automatically adjust itself without driver intervention. The system monitors sunlight conditions and independently makes positioning decisions, freeing the driver from manual adjustment tasks while maintaining optimal sunlight blocking.
2Reliability
If automatic prediction and adjustment system is implemented, then driving safety is improved by eliminating manual adjustment distraction, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors, processors, and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing multi-functional vehicle components: the navigation system serves both route guidance and sunlight prediction purposes; existing sun sensors monitor both cabin temperature and sunlight intensity; the visor motor serves both manual and automatic adjustment functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated new components, mitigating complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates sunlight prediction functionality into the existing navigation and climate control systems rather than creating a separate dedicated system. By merging prediction algorithms with route planning and combining sensor data from multiple sources, the system achieves sophisticated sunlight management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the visor is adjusted proactively before sunlight exposure, then driver comfort and safety are enhanced, but energy consumption increases due to continuous monitoring and motor activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring of sunlight conditions and route-based prediction updates rather than continuous high-power operation. The visor adjusts proactively at predicted exposure moments and remains stationary otherwise, consuming minimal energy. Motor activation occurs only when adjustment is needed, not continuously, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on predicted sunlight intensity and duration. When significant sunlight exposure is predicted, the visor activates and adjusts to blocking position. When no exposure is predicted or exposure is minimal, the visor remains in standby or retracted position, optimizing the balance between safety enhancement and energy consumption by adapting power usage to actual need.
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 effectively prevents sunlight from blinding the driver by proactively adjusting the visor, enhancing safety and comfort by reducing manual intervention and minimizing distractions.
Implementation Method 1
The sun sensor may include a light brightness detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method including receiving a first position of a sun visor of a vehicle; receiving a route of the vehicle from a navigation system of the vehicle, the route having at least one waypoint; determining a predicted amount of sunlight in an occupant's eyes at the at least one waypoint of the route; determining whether the predicted amount of sunlight in the occupant's eyes at the at least one waypoint of the route is greater than a predefined threshold amount; and instructing the sun visor to move to a second position in response to the predicted amount of sunlight exceeding the predefined threshold amount to block at least a portion of the predicted amount of sunlight from the occupant's eyes at the at least one waypoint is disclosed.