Sunshade Spring Force Obstruction Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunroof systems lack efficient remote activation and obstruction detection mechanisms, which can lead to damage during automated closure, especially when using remote commands or sensors like key fobs or rain sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sunroof panel and sunshade assembly system with a computerized controller that monitors the operation of electric machines, detects obstructions using spring force displacement members, and reverses or stops the sunshade movement when an obstruction is detected, allowing for safe and controlled closure, including remote activation via key fobs or smartphones, and integration with rain sensors for additional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sunshade is equipped with a spring force displacement member for obstruction detection, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic obstruction detection systems with a simple spring force displacement member that mechanically detects obstructions through force application. The spring member compresses or deflects when contacting an obstruction, providing a mechanical signal to the controller without requiring sophisticated sensors or electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force displacement member automatically detects obstructions through its own elastic deformation when force is applied, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms. The member's physical property (spring force) serves dual purposes: providing structural support and enabling obstruction detection.
2Ease of operation
If remote activation capability is added to the sunroof system, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary that receives remote commands from external devices (smartphones, key fobs) and translates them into control signals for the sunroof system. This modular approach allows remote activation without fundamentally redesigning the core sunroof mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple functions: local manual operation, remote wireless activation, rain sensor integration, and obstruction detection. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate control systems for each feature, thereby limiting complexity growth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sunroof system integrates multiple control inputs (remote commands, rain sensors), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control inputs (remote commands, rain sensors, manual switches) into a single integrated controller that processes all signals through a unified decision-making algorithm. This consolidation allows the system to handle diverse activation sources without requiring separate control circuits for each input type.
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 safe and controlled sunroof panel and sunshade closure, preventing damage by detecting obstructions and reversing movement, and allowing for remote operation through key fobs or smartphones, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sunshade includes a leading-edge portion disposed along an edge of the sunshade in a direction in which the sunshade moves to reach the second closed position, and a spring force displacement member within the leading-edge portion of the sunshade. The spring force displacement member is operable to deform when the sunshade contacts an obstruction while the sunshade is moving to the second closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A sunroof panel and sunshade assembly system includes a moveable sunroof panel operable to selectively move to a first closed position within a sunroof opening of a vehicle and a sunshade operable to selectively move to a second closed position within the sunroof opening. The sunshade includes a leading-edge portion and a spring force displacement member within the leading-edge portion of the sunshade, wherein the spring force displacement member is operable to deform when the sunshade contacts an obstruction while the sunshade is moving. The system further includes an electric machine providing motive force to the sunshade and a computerized sunroof panel and sunshade controller. The controller operates programming to monitor operation of the electric machine, determine a presence of the obstruction based upon the monitored operation, and command the electric machine to stop and reverse the sunshade based upon the determined presence.