Pivoting Sunvisor Assembly With Forward Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunvisor assemblies do not effectively absorb energy from objects moving forward, particularly in sudden stop or impact events, which can pose a risk to tall passengers or operators.
Innovation Solution
A sunvisor assembly with a support structure and an energy absorbing structure that includes a pivotable sunvisor panel and a biasing spring within a housing, where the energy absorbing structure is positioned adjacent to the windscreen and configured to absorb forward momentum by compressing a biasing member when the sunvisor panel is contacted by a moving object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sunvisor panel is made rigid and fixed, then it provides stable support and structure, but it cannot absorb forward momentum from objects moving forward during sudden stops or impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rigid sunvisor panel into a movable structure capable of pivoting forward during impact events. The support structure includes a pivot mechanism that allows the sunvisor panel to rotate about a vertical axis when subjected to forward force, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to impact conditions rather than remaining static and transmitting full impact energy to occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by positioning an energy absorbing structure in the path of potential impact objects before an accident occurs. This energy absorbing structure, located in the footwell area, is designed to intercept and absorb forward momentum from objects (such as cargo or passengers) before they can strike the sunvisor panel, thereby cushioning the overall impact sequence and reducing energy transmission to occupants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sunvisor panel is made movable to absorb energy, then it can cushion forward momentum, but it may reduce structural stability and support
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a pivot mechanism that allows controlled movement of the sunvisor panel only under specific impact conditions. During normal operation, the sunvisor remains stable and fixed. During forward impact, the pivot mechanism activates, allowing the panel to rotate forward to absorb energy, thus achieving both stability during normal use and energy absorption during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing structure serves as an intermediary element between the moving object and the sunvisor panel. It is positioned to intercept forward momentum first, absorbing energy through deformation or movement, thereby mediating the force transmission and reducing the impact load that reaches the sunvisor panel and its support structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an energy absorbing structure is added to the vehicle, then forward momentum can be absorbed during impacts, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy absorbing function with the existing sunvisor assembly structure. The energy absorbing structure is integrated into the vehicle's interior architecture near the footwell area, combining multiple functions (structural support, energy absorption, and impact management) into a unified system rather than adding completely separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural element of the vehicle interior, provides energy absorption during impact events, and works in conjunction with the movable sunvisor panel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective momentum absorption.
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 energy absorbing structure effectively cushions and absorbs forward momentum, reducing the impact on the sunvisor panel and potentially protecting occupants by dissipating energy during sudden stops or impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing structure that absorbs forward momentum (energy) in response to an object moving in a forward direction contacting a sunvisor panel imparting the forward momentum through the sunvisor panel to the energy absorbing structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sunvisor assembly includes a support structure, a sunvisor panel and an energy absorbing structure. The support structure is attached to a vehicle body structure adjacent to a first area of a windscreen. The sunvisor panel has first end and a second end. The first end is supported by the support structure and pivots about an upright axis and about an offset axis that is not parallel to the upright axis. The energy absorbing structure is installed to the vehicle body structure adjacent to a second area of the windscreen spaced apart from the first area and has a downwardly extending projection. A second attachment end of the sunvisor panel aligns with the downwardly extending projection. The energy absorbing structure is configured to absorb energy from an object moving in a forward direction contacting the sunvisor panel with the first attachment end being attached to the second attachment end.