Vehicle Sunshade with Shape Memory Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunshade devices for motor vehicles with shape-memory actuators have large encumbrance in the longitudinal direction, which restricts the dimensions of the front cross member of the roof, preventing drivers and passengers from fully utilizing the sunroof window.
Innovation Solution
A sunshade device with a roller-blind mechanism and shape-memory actuator that allows for compact dimensions, using shape-memory elements to control the sunshade's movement from a rolled-up to a distended position, with engagement means to maintain the operative position without continuous power and elastic means for retraction, and optionally bistable or dual shape-memory actuators for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sunshade is received within a casing in the inoperative condition, then the sunshade can be retracted and stored, but the casing has relatively large encumbrance in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear retraction mechanism (sliding along the longitudinal axis) to a rotational mechanism (rolling around a shaft). This dimensional change allows the sunshade to be stored in a compact cylindrical configuration rather than requiring linear space, significantly reducing the encumbrance in the longitudinal direction while maintaining the retraction function
Solution Approach 2:
The sunshade is designed with flexible material that can dynamically change its configuration from an extended planar state (when providing shade) to a rolled-up cylindrical state (when retracted). This dynamic flexibility allows the same structure to fulfill both shading and storage functions with minimal encumbrance
2Volume of moving object
If a shape-memory actuator is used to control sunshade movement, then the device can achieve compact dimensions and efficient operation, but the actuator requires engagement means to maintain position without continuous power
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory alloy actuator is designed to maintain the sunshade in its extended position through its inherent memory property without requiring continuous power or complex engagement mechanisms. The material itself provides the locking function by remembering and maintaining its trained shape, eliminating the need for separate engagement means and simplifying the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (motors, gears, springs) with a shape-memory alloy-based actuator that uses thermal-mechanical properties to achieve movement and position maintenance. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical engagement means while achieving compact dimensions and efficient operation
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 solution reduces the transverse dimension of the front cross member, allowing for full utilization of the sunroof window by drivers and passengers, while maintaining a compact and efficient, quiet operation of the sunshade device.
Implementation Method 1
said shape-memory actuator comprising at least one shape-memory element that can be activated for controlling movement of the roller blind from the rolled-up condition to the distended condition
Implementation Method 2
The shape-memory element is preferably of the type that can be activated by electrical-supply means, which cause passage of an electric current through the shape-memory element, so as to heat it by the Joule effect beyond its transition temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A sunshade device comprises a sunshade in the form of a roller blind forming part of a roller-blind device, comprising a supporting structure, a shaft for rolling of the sunshade blind, mounted so that it can rotate on the aforesaid supporting structure, and a shape-memory actuator device for causing displacement of the blind from the rolled-up condition to the distended condition.