Sun Visor Spring Torque Distribution via Localized Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sun visor spring systems in vehicles can deform when the torque increases, causing structural issues in the supporting unit.
Innovation Solution
A sun visor spring design with a holding portion that straddles a shaft and a torque providing portion with a first and second spring piece, where the first spring piece has a flange portion with reduced width, allowing efficient torque conveyance and reducing rigidity to prevent deformation of the supporting unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the spring pieces have a sufficient width to convey torque effectively, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the supporting unit may deform under increased torque
Solution Approach 1:
The spring piece has different width portions: a first width portion with a smaller width that contacts the supporting unit to prevent deformation, and a second width portion with a larger width that provides sufficient torque conveyance capability. This local variation in dimensions allows the spring piece to simultaneously achieve both torque transmission and deformation prevention functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring piece has high rigidity to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the supporting unit wall portions may deform under torque load
Solution Approach 1:
The spring piece is designed with a first width portion having a smaller width that contacts the supporting unit wall portions. This localized reduction in width decreases the rigidity at the contact point, allowing the spring piece to apply torque while preventing deformation of the supporting unit wall portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring piece is divided into different width portions along its length. The first width portion has a reduced width for contacting the supporting unit, while the second width portion has a larger width for maintaining overall structural stability and torque conveyance capability.
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 design effectively prevents deformation of the supporting unit by distributing torque efficiently and reducing rigidity, ensuring stable operation of the sun visor.
Implementation Method 1
a spring attached to the support. The spring includes a spring main body that straddles the shaft, and a pair of bifurcated spring pieces that is connected to the spring main body and is attached to a spring attaching portion provided to the support
Data Source
AI summary
A spring for sun visors includes a torque application section that extends from a holding section and applies torque when a main section is rotating. The holding section has a flat section that receives torque from a shaft. The torque application section has a first spring piece extending from one end of the holding section and a second spring piece extending from the other end of the holding section and being bent so as to fold back. The first spring piece has a first tip section that includes overhanging sections that are narrower than the width of the holding section. The second spring piece has a second tip section that is arranged so as to overlap on the outside of the overhanging sections. The overhanging sections are provided in an area extending from the torque receiving section to the first tip section.