Automobile Sun Visor Actuation System for Collision Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile sun visors pose a risk of head injuries during collisions, as they can strike occupants, and there is a need for a system to secure and position the visor to prevent such trauma.
Innovation Solution
A sun visor actuation system comprising an attachment apparatus, an arm member, a body member, and an actuation system that can rotate or lock the visor in response to collision detection inputs from systems like the supplemental restraint system, anti-lock braking system, or camera systems, using mechanisms such as pinion gears and pressurized gas containers to position the visor out of the occupant's trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sun visor is made movable to adjust position for sun protection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of head injury during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position that can move between different states (retracted, extended, angled) based on operational needs and collision detection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting imminent collisions and automatically repositioning the sun visor to a safe state before the collision occurs, preventing the harmful effect of head injury while maintaining the visor's operational flexibility
2Reliability
If the sun visor is locked in place during collision to prevent injury, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to loss of adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is dynamic rather than static, allowing the visor to be adjustable during normal operation but automatically locking into a safe position when collision is detected, thus improving reliability without permanently sacrificing ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is supplemented with an automated actuation system that uses motors or actuators to adjust and lock the visor position, replacing pure mechanical operation with an integrated electromechanical system that provides both ease of operation and collision safety
3Reliability
If an actuation system with multiple rotating members and gears is added to control visor position, then the reliability is improved through precise control, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into multiple functional components (first rotating member, second rotating member, pinion gears, actuator) that can be independently controlled and maintained, allowing precise positioning while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system with its multiple rotating members and gear mechanisms serves multiple functions: precise position control, collision response, and potential integration with other vehicle systems, justifying the increased complexity through multi-functionality
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 system effectively reduces the risk of head injuries by securing and repositioning the sun visor during collisions, preventing it from striking occupants and minimizing trauma.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member are pinion gears configured to engage with each other
Implementation Method 2
a pressurized gas container positioned in fluidic communication with the piston cap. Upon an indication of an imminent collision the pressurized gas container may be opened, increasing a pressure exerted upon the piston cap
Implementation Method 3
a spring attached to a distal end of the inner tube member, such that it exerts a lateral force on the inner tube member in a proximal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sun visor actuation system including an attachment apparatus configured to attach to an automobile structure, an arm member rotatably attached to the attachment apparatus, a body member attached to the arm member, and an actuation system. The actuation system is operable to at least one of rotate the body member and prevent the rotation of the body member responsive to an indication of an imminent collision.