Magnetic Visor Attachment Assembly for Breakaway Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive visors are susceptible to breakage at the clip attachment points and limit the direction of movement, compromising the stability and functionality of the visor deployment.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic elements within the visor body and mounting block to maintain articulating contact under a breakaway threshold, allowing for stable rotation and deployment, with adjustable breakaway forces based on direction, and integration of an electrochromic element for adjustable light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic clips are used to secure the visor to the headliner, then the visor can be retained in position, but the clips are susceptible to breaking and limit the direction of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plastic clip retention system with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the headliner interact with ferromagnetic material in the visor mounting block, providing retention forces without mechanical contact. This eliminates clip breakage while allowing multi-directional movement within the magnetic field's effective range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from fixed mechanical engagement to a variable magnetic field interaction. The magnetic retention force can vary based on distance and orientation, allowing the visor to move in multiple directions while maintaining secure attachment. The system transitions from binary (clipped/not clipped) to continuous (varying magnetic force) retention.
2Ease of operation
If the visor is made thin and planar for acceptable field of view, then visibility is maintained, but the structure becomes more susceptible to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic attraction force as a counteracting force to support the thin visor structure. The magnetic retention system provides upward and lateral support forces that counterbalance the gravitational and operational loads on the thin visor, preventing breakage while maintaining the thin profile needed for good field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical support structures (thick mounting blocks, rigid clips) with a magnetic field-based support system. This allows the visor body to remain thin and planar for optimal visibility while the invisible magnetic field provides the necessary structural support and retention forces.
3Reliability
If magnetic elements are used to maintain articulating contact, then stability during deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function and the articulation support function into a single magnetic field system. The same magnets in the headliner that retain the visor also provide the articulating contact and stability during deployment, eliminating the need for separate mechanical retention and support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting block serves multiple functions: it retains the visor to the headliner, provides articulating contact for stable rotation, and allows controlled release when needed. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate mechanisms for each function.
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
Enhances the stability and functionality of visor deployment by preventing breakage and allowing for adjustable light transmission, improving user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second magnetic elements are mutually attracted to each other to maintain an articulating contact between the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface under a force applied to the visor body below a breakaway threshold
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor mounted within the visor body and detecting a magnetic field associated with the second magnetic element
Implementation Method 3
an electrochromic element configurable between a plurality of transmissiveness states responsive to a voltage application
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive visor includes a visor body including a first articulation surface and a first magnetic element disposed within the articulation surface and a mounting block configured to attach to a vehicle along a portion of a headliner. The mounting block defines a second articulation surface and includes a second magnetic element disposed adjacent to the second articulation surface. The first and second magnetic elements are mutually attracted to each other to maintain an articulating contact between the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface under a force applied to the visor body below a breakaway threshold.