Sliding Vehicle Sun Visor Illumination Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun visors lack a reliable and cost-effective solution for providing constant illumination when translated or slid from a first to a second position, complicating mechanics, assembly, and increasing costs due to the need for a separate switch and limited lighting in fixed positions.
Innovation Solution
A sun visor design with an electrically conductive slider unit and arm that maintains a closed circuit for a light source, allowing illumination at any position between the first and second positions through a sliding mechanism, using a power consumer connected to the vehicle's power supply and a manual switch for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate switch and fixed position wiring system is used for the light source, then the assembly is simpler and costs are reduced, but the visor cannot provide illumination when translated to different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The visor system serves itself by using the electrical connection between the visor and the vehicle body during translation to automatically control the light source. The electrical connection acts as both a power conduit and a switch trigger, eliminating the need for separate switches and complex wiring. When the visor is in the retracted position, the electrical connection is broken and the light is automatically turned off, while during translation the connection is made and the light turns on automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sun visor is made slidable to allow customization of position, then user adaptability is improved, but the mechanics, assembly, and costs are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection between the visor and the vehicle body is given multiple functions: it serves as both a power supply conduit and an automatic switch mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall complexity of the sliding visor system while maintaining full adaptability for position customization.
3Ease of operation
If a light source is added to illuminate the mirror viewing area, then the usability for viewing makeup and hair is improved, but the complexity of providing power at all visor positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source serves itself by using the existing electrical connection during visor translation as its power supply and control mechanism. The system automatically receives power when the electrical connection is made during translation and automatically turns off when the connection is broken in the retracted position, eliminating the need for complex power supply mechanisms while improving mirror viewing usability.
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
Enables constant illumination and adjustable positioning for blocking sun rays while allowing users to view themselves in the mirror, simplifying assembly and reducing costs by maintaining power to the light source during translation, enhancing usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive slider unit (42) and arm (50) that maintains a closed circuit for a light source
Data Source
AI summary
A sun visor for a vehicle is shown and described. The sun visor can be slidably adjustable by the user from a first or storage position to a second position and anywhere there between. The sun visor also has an illumination system for lighted viewing in a mirror. These embodiments show and describe an illumination system that can be used with the mirror when the sun visor is located in any position.