Retractable Sun Visor System with Automatic Glare Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun visor systems in motor vehicles are either manually operated, causing driver distraction and leaving gaps in coverage, or require thicker, heavier visors with added bulk and weight, which complicates deployment and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A retractable sun visor system with guide tracks on the A-pillar and rearview mirror support, a motor-driven linkage, and sensors for automatic deployment and adjustment to cover the entire windshield width without gaps, using a controller responsive to seat occupancy and sunlight detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually operated sun visors are used, then the driver can control the visor position, but the driver must remove hand from steering wheel causing distraction and the visor leaves gaps in coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system operates automatically by detecting sunlight conditions and driver actions without requiring manual intervention. The control system self-adjusts the visor position based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for the driver to manually operate the visor while maintaining continuous coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the visor is replaced with an automated electromechanical system that uses sensors, controllers, and motors to position the visor panels, providing both automated control and continuous coverage without driver distraction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If insert visors are added to cover gaps, then complete windshield coverage is achieved, but the visor panels become thicker and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system is divided into multiple independent panels (primary visor and insert visors) that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows each panel to be thinner and lighter while collectively providing complete coverage when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor system uses lateral insertion of thin insert panels between the primary visor and windshield, adding coverage in the lateral dimension rather than increasing the thickness of individual panels. This dimensional approach maintains panel thinness while achieving complete coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thicker visor panels are used to accommodate insert visors and drive gear, then complete coverage is achieved, but the added bulk makes them difficult to stow aesthetically and adds weight
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented and distributed across multiple panels rather than consolidated in a single thick panel. Each panel has its own thin drive gear and cable system, allowing complete coverage functionality while maintaining thin panel profiles for aesthetic stowability.
4Ease of operation
If automated control systems are added, then manual operation distraction is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single unified controller that manages sunlight detection, driver action detection, panel positioning, and coordination of multiple visor panels. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from sunlight sensors and driver action sensors to automatically adjust visor positions, eliminating the need for complex manual control interfaces while maintaining simple operation through sensor-driven automatic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A sun visor system is provided for a motor vehicle. That sun visor system includes a first guide track carried on an A-pillar and a second guide track carried on the rearview mirror support. A retractable sun visor panel has a first end received in the first guide track and a second end received in the second guide track. The retractable sun visor panel is displaceable between a stowed position and a fully-deployed position wherein it provides protection from the sun's glare across the entire width of the windshield between the A-pillar and the rearview mirror support.