Pivoting Sun Visor Mirror with Dual-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sun visor assemblies in motor vehicles often have mirrors that are angled due to large sweeping roof lines, making it difficult for users to achieve a full view of their face in the mirror, as they lack adequate adjustment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sun visor assembly with a pivoting mirror that provides two degrees of freedom adjustment, allowing the mirror to pivot about a first axis in one plane and a second axis perpendicular to it, along with a mirror adjustment mechanism using interface projections and cooperating guides with notches and nubbins to secure the mirror in desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mirror is fixed at a single angle on the visor body, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot achieve a full view of their face due to large sweeping roof lines
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows rotation about a pivot axis. The mirror can be positioned at multiple discrete angles (first angled position, centered position, second angled position) corresponding to different notch positions on the guide structure, enabling users to adapt the mirror orientation to different vehicle roof line configurations and viewing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions using notches (first notch, second notch, third notch) on the guide structure. Each notch corresponds to a specific mirror orientation, providing segmented angular adjustment rather than continuous rotation. This segmentation simplifies the mechanism while providing sufficient adjustment capability for different user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror is positioned at a fixed angle, then the mounting structure is simple, but the mirror cannot be aligned with users' faces when large sweeping roof lines are used
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror transitions from a fixed angular position to a dynamically adjustable position through the pivot mechanism. Users can rotate the mirror about the pivot axis to achieve different angular positions, adapting the mirror orientation to accommodate large sweeping roof lines and different user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism adds rotational freedom in another dimension by allowing the mirror to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the visor body. This creates a second degree of freedom beyond the fixed mounting, enabling the mirror to be oriented in multiple angular directions to adapt to different roof line configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the mirror pivots about two perpendicular axes, then the user can conveniently align the mirror in two degrees of freedom, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is equipped with dual-axis pivot capability, allowing rotation about a first pivot axis (providing angular adjustment) and potentially a second pivot axis (providing elevation or tilt adjustment). This dynamic positioning capability enables users to conveniently align the mirror in two degrees of freedom, accommodating various viewing angles and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-axis adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions using notches on the guide structure. Each notch corresponds to a specific mirror orientation in the angular direction, providing segmented adjustment rather than continuous rotation. This segmentation simplifies the mechanism by providing defined stopping positions while maintaining two degrees of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A sun visor assembly is provided. The sun visor assembly includes a support, a visor body carried on the support and a mirror carried on the visor body. The visor body pivots about a first axis in a first plane and the mirror pivots about a second axis in a second plane where the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. Thus the mirror is effectively provided with two degrees of freedom allowing it to be more conveniently, efficiently and effectively adjusted.