Folding Sunshade with Binding Member for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle sunshades with flexible metal frames are costly to manufacture and difficult to store due to their larger size and requirement for greater structural strength, leading to increased user effort and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A folding sunshade design comprising two panels with a binding member that includes curved and confining sections, allowing for easy storage by turning and folding, and featuring magnetic or suction cup attachments for secure fitting to vehicle windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible metal frame is used to create a large-area sunshade, then the light blocking efficacy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the structural strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sunshade is divided into multiple panels that can be folded together, allowing the creation of large-area coverage without requiring a single large flexible metal frame. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to block light effectively across the entire window area.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a flexible metal frame with greater strength is used for larger area, then the structural stability is improved, but the user effort and difficulty to bend for storing increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the sunshade into multiple smaller panels connected by folding mechanisms, each panel can be more easily manipulated and stored. The segmented structure maintains structural stability when deployed but significantly reduces the effort required to fold and store compared to a single large rigid frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The sunshade employs dynamic folding mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between deployed and stored states. This dynamic design enables the sunshade to maintain structural integrity during use while facilitating easy folding and storage through movable joints and flexible connections between panels.
3Volume of stationary object
If conventional folding traces are used, then the storing space is reduced, but gaps are formed between sunshade and window frames resulting in light passing through
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented panel design allows for better conformity to window frames through precise positioning of each panel. The folding mechanisms are designed to minimize gaps between panels and the window frame, preventing light leakage while maintaining compact storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sunshade employs different structural characteristics in different regions: the edges and corners are designed with enhanced conformity features to seal against the window frame, while the central panels focus on providing light blocking coverage. This local optimization prevents light leakage without compromising storage efficiency.
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 design reduces manufacturing costs and enhances usability by allowing the sunshade to be easily stored and securely fitted to vehicle windows, improving light blocking efficacy while minimizing user effort.
Implementation Method 1
each sunshade panel includes at least one magnetic attraction member located on the annular frame
Implementation Method 2
each sunshade panel includes at least one suction cup located on the shade screen
Data Source
AI summary
A folding sunshade comprises two sunshade panels and a binding member. Each sunshade panel includes an annular frame, a shade screen surrounded by the annular frame, a connection element connecting the annular frame and the shade screen in a spaced manner and a gap interposed between the annular frame and the shade screen. The two annular frames include respectively one side abutting each other to be defined as a connection frame side and other portions outside the connection frame side defined as an operation frame side. The binding member includes an extended state in which each curved section is tightly stretched to confine each operation frame side to be separated from each other in a maximum manner, and a folding state in which each confining section is tightly stretched to allow one operation frame side to swivel and fold over another operation frame side.