Vehicle Window Shading Cover with Dynamic Intermediate Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shading devices for motor vehicle windows lack a visually appealing appearance in both rest and functional positions, and they do not effectively prevent dirt entry while minimizing the risk of injury in collisions.

Innovation Solution

A traction drive mechanism that controls the cover between open and intermediate positions, providing resilient overload protection and reducing the cover's protrusion into the vehicle window's field of vision, with a control plunger and spring-elastic elements to manage the cover's movement, allowing it to rest against the shading structure without touching it, thus minimizing dirt entry and injury risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is kept in the open position to allow the pull-out profile to pass through, then the shading device is functional, but dirt can penetrate through the passage and the visual appeal is reduced due to cover protrusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional positionVSAvoiddirt penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to dynamically change its position between open, intermediate, and closed states based on the pull-out profile position. The traction drive mechanism enables the cover to automatically transition to an intermediate position where it partially covers the passage while allowing the profile to pass, thus dynamically adapting to functional requirements while minimizing dirt penetration and improving visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is kept in the closed position to prevent dirt entry, then dirt penetration is minimized, but the pull-out profile cannot pass through the passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt penetrationVSAvoidfunctional position
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover's movement is segmented into distinct positions: fully open for profile passage, fully closed for dirt prevention, and an intermediate position for partial coverage during operation. The intermediate position is specifically designed to balance both requirements by allowing the profile to pass through while covering most of the passage to prevent dirt penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is designed to fully cover the passage to prevent dirt entry, then dirt penetration is minimized, but the cover protrudes far into the field of vision reducing visual appeal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt penetrationVSAvoidvisual appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate position of the cover implements partial coverage of the passage - it covers most of the passage opening to prevent dirt penetration but leaves a gap sufficient for the pull-out profile to pass through. This partial action achieves the dirt prevention function while minimizing the cover's protrusion into the field of vision, thus preserving visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If a rigid traction drive is used to ensure precise cover control, then control precision is improved, but the risk of injury by crushing body parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover control precisionVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient traction drive mechanism incorporates elastic elements that provide cushioning and overload protection. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if the cover encounters resistance or a body part, the resilient nature of the drive prevents sudden, forceful movements that could cause injury, while still maintaining sufficient control precision for proper cover positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

5Ease of operation

If the cover is positioned in the open position to allow profile passage, then functional operation is enabled, but the cover protrudes far upwards increasing injury risk in collision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile passageVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover dynamically adjusts its position based on operational requirements. During profile passage, it transitions to an intermediate position rather than remaining fully open, thus enabling profile passage while minimizing protrusion into the field of vision and reducing injury risk in the event of collision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the visual appeal by reducing the cover's protrusion, minimizing dirt entry, and providing resilient protection against collision injuries while maintaining functionality with fewer components.

Implementation Method 1

the traction drive is designed to be resilient, at least in sections... the traction mechanism includes an elastic cable or at least one spring-elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3310600B1Shading device for a motor vehicle window pane
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 BOS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3310600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3310600B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3310600B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a shading structure (1) for a motor vehicle windshield (11). Such a shading device (1) comprising a shading structure (2) with a profiled pull-out section (9) which is attached to the shading structure (2) at the end face and which can be moved between a lowered rest position and an extended functional position in lateral guiding rails (28), which are fixed to the vehicle, by means of a drive transmission means (6). In the rest position, the shading structure (2) is lowered into a shaft (4) fixed to the vehicle through a passage. The passage can be closed by a lid (5) which can be pivoted between an open and a closed position, and a control mechanism (30) is provided for opening and closing the lid (5), said control mechanism being coupled to a displacement movement of the profiled pull-out section (9). According to the invention, the control mechanism (30) has a traction mechanism (18) that controls the lid (5) between the open position and an intermediate position, which is located between the open position and the closed position of the lid (5), on the basis of the profiled pull-out section (9) passing through the passage. The invention also relates to the use of such a shading device in passenger cars.