Spring-Biased Sunvisor Assembly for Forward Impact Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunvisor assemblies do not effectively absorb energy from objects moving forward and impacting the sunvisor panel, particularly posing a risk to tall passengers during sudden stops or impacts.
Innovation Solution
A sunvisor assembly with a support structure and an energy absorbing structure that includes a pivotable sunvisor panel and a downwardly extending projection with a biasing member, allowing the energy absorbing structure to pivot upward and forward to absorb and transfer the energy from an impacting object, thereby cushioning the impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional rigid sunvisor assembly is used, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but the ability to absorb impact energy from forward-moving objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sunvisor panel is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic pivotable structure that can rotate about a vertical axis and an offset axis. This dynamic capability allows the panel to move forward and absorb impact energy during collisions, while returning to its original position through the biasing member after the impact event.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing member (spring) is pre-installed between the sunvisor panel and the support structure to provide beforehand cushioning. This pre-loaded spring stores potential energy and actively pushes the panel forward during impact events, cushioning the blow before it reaches the passenger, and then returns the panel to its initial position after the impact.
2Loss of energy
If the sunvisor panel is made pivotable to absorb energy, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the reliability of maintaining proper sunvisor positioning may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member creates a feedback mechanism where the spring continuously exerts a restoring force on the sunvisor panel to maintain its proper positioning. After the panel moves forward during impact, the compressed spring provides a restoring force that returns the panel to its original position, ensuring reliable repositioning without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as a counterforce mechanism that continuously pushes the sunvisor panel forward to counteract any rearward movement or displacement. This counteracting force ensures the panel maintains its correct positioning during normal operation and automatically returns to position after impact events.
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 energy absorbing structure effectively mitigates the forward momentum of impacting objects by pivoting and compressing a biasing member, reducing the impact force on the sunvisor panel and potentially on tall passengers, enhancing safety during sudden stops or collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing structure (40) installed to the vehicle body structure (12). The energy absorbing structure (40) is configured to absorb energy and pivot upward and forward in response to an object contacting and moving the sunvisor panel (36) in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
The energy absorbing structure (40) is configured to absorb energy and pivot upward and forward in response to an object contacting and moving the sunvisor panel (36) in a forward direction, transferring movement energy to the second attachment end (80) and to the energy absorbing structure (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sunvisor assembly includes a sunvisor panel and an energy absorbing structure. The sunvisor panel has a first end and a second attachment end. The first end is supported to a vehicle for pivotal movement about an upright axis and movement about an offset axis that is not parallel to the upright axis. The energy absorbing structure is installed to the vehicle. The energy absorbing structure has a downwardly extending projection with a second attachment end that aligns with the first attachment end such that with the first attachment end of the sunvisor panel pivoted to the second attachment end, the first attachment end releasably attaches to the second attachment end. The energy absorbing structure is configured to pivot upward in response to an object contacting the sunvisor panel, transferring forward momentum to the second attachment end and to the energy absorbing structure.