Sun Visor Fixing Device for Airbag Deployment Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing attachment methods for a sun visor on a vehicle's roof, particularly when an airbag module is housed above the windshield, often result in the sun visor moving during airbag deployment, potentially injuring the passenger due to the bending of the lower wall it is fixed to.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with longitudinal and transverse portions, made of high-strength steel, is used to securely attach the sun visor to the roof crossmember, preventing movement during airbag deployment by forming a rigid structure that allows the airbag to open without disturbing the sun visor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sun visor is fixed to the lower wall near the airbag module, then the space utilization is improved, but the sun visor moves during airbag deployment causing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into multiple components: a support plate fixed to the roof crossmember, longitudinal portions extending from the support plate, and a transverse portion connecting the longitudinal portions. The sun visor is attached to the longitudinal portions, which are spatially separated from the airbag module by the transverse portion, thus preventing injury during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device acts as an intermediary structure between the roof crossmember and the sun visor. It provides a stable mounting platform that decouples the sun visor from direct proximity to the airbag module, allowing the airbag to deploy safely while maintaining sun visor functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lower wall is made rigid to support the sun visor, then the attachment stability is improved, but the lower wall bends during airbag deployment moving the sun visor
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into a rigid support plate fixed to the roof crossmember and separate longitudinal portions that hold the sun visor. This segmentation allows the support plate to remain stable while the longitudinal portions maintain proper spacing from the airbag module, preventing deformation-induced movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device extends in multiple dimensions: the support plate provides a broad base fixed to the roof, longitudinal portions extend forward to position the sun visor, and the transverse portion connects them. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates structural stability while maintaining safe distance from the airbag deployment zone.
3Strength
If the fixing device uses high-strength steel, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into a support plate, longitudinal portions, and transverse portion that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standard high-strength steel fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal portions and transverse portion can be formed as a single integrated piece, combining multiple functions into one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts to manufacture and assemble, simplifying production while maintaining the required strength through high-strength steel material selection.
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (28) for attaching a sun visor (16) to the roof (6) of a motor vehicle, comprising: two longitudinal portions (40a, 40b) that can be attached to a cross-member (36) of the roof and can each receive an element (24, 26) for attaching the sun visor (16); and a transverse portion (42) arranged behind the longitudinal portions (40a, 40b), the longitudinal (40a, 40b) and transverse (42) portions defining a space for receiving a device (34) such as an airbag. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a device (28).