Vehicle Sunvisor Energy-Absorbing Swivel Rod Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunvisor designs do not effectively absorb energy during sudden stops or impacts, particularly for tall passengers, which can lead to increased shock and injury.
Innovation Solution
A sunvisor assembly with an energy absorption assembly that includes a swivel rod and housing, allowing the sunvisor panel to move forward upon impact, reducing shock by increasing its length within the ceiling structure's opening, and utilizing a biasing member like a coil spring to return to its rest position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sunvisor panel is made fixed and rigid, then the structural stability is improved, but the impact energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sunvisor panel movable rather than fixed. The panel is connected to the ceiling structure via a swivel rod that allows the panel to rotate and move forward during impact events. This dynamic configuration enables the sunvisor to absorb impact energy through controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between stability and energy absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing an energy absorption assembly with a biasing member (spring) that is pre-loaded in the ceiling structure. This assembly is positioned to engage with the sunvisor panel before impact occurs, providing cushioning force during sudden stops or collisions. The pre-positioned energy absorption mechanism reduces impact forces on occupants while maintaining normal sunvisor functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sunvisor panel is made movable to absorb impact, then the impact energy absorption is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel rod connection creates a dynamic system where the sunvisor panel can rotate and move forward during impact while remaining structurally connected to the ceiling. This controlled movement allows energy absorption without complete detachment, maintaining structural stability while enabling impact response.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption assembly with the biasing member acts as an intermediary between the sunvisor panel and the ceiling structure. This intermediate mechanism absorbs impact forces through spring compression and swivel rod movement, protecting the overall structure while enabling controlled panel movement for energy dissipation.
3Device complexity
If a traditional fixed sunvisor design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety capability during impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sunvisor system into distinct functional components: the sunvisor panel, the swivel rod, and the energy absorption assembly with biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the panel provides sun blocking, the swivel rod enables controlled movement, and the energy absorption assembly handles impact forces - improving safety without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption assembly is nested within the ceiling structure, with the biasing member positioned inside the ceiling housing. The swivel rod connects the panel to this nested energy absorption mechanism. This nested configuration integrates the safety function within the existing ceiling structure, adding protection capability while minimizing additional space requirements and maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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 absorption assembly reduces the impact shock on occupants by allowing the sunvisor panel to move forward, thereby distributing the force of the impact and minimizing injury, with a minimum stroke length of 10 millimeters and up to 25 millimeters of movement.
Implementation Method 1
The energy absorption assembly includes a biasing member, such as a coil spring, that is configured to bias the swivel rod toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a ceiling structure for a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The ceiling structure has an opening. The vehicle further includes a sunvisor assembly that is mounted to the ceiling structure. The sunvisor assembly has a panel and a swivel rod received by the opening to attach the panel to the ceiling structure. The swivel rod is movable from a first position to a second position upon receiving a predetermined force to the panel. The second position is a position in which the swivel rod is positioned further into the opening of the ceiling structure than when in the first position.