Sun Visor Electronic Device Receiver with Clamping and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun visor assemblies do not provide secure and ergonomic storage for electronic devices during vehicle operation, nor do they offer convenient charging and connectivity solutions, limiting their usability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sun visor assembly with an integrated electronic device receiver featuring a clamping mechanism, pivotally mounted latching feature, biasing element, USB port, and wireless charging capability, allowing secure device storage, ergonomic viewing, and connectivity while enabling the device to function as a dash camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronic device is placed on the sun visor without a secure holder, then it is easily accessible for viewing, but it becomes unstable and may fall during vehicle acceleration, deceleration, and cornering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sun visor with an integrated electronic device holder, merging two separate functions (sun blocking and device storage) into a single unified structure. The holder is built into the visor body, creating a stable mounting solution that prevents device movement during vehicle operation while maintaining easy accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device holder is nested within the sun visor structure, with the device fitting into a recess or compartment formed in the visor body. This nesting arrangement secures the device in a stable position while keeping it easily accessible to the user.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic device is positioned for easy viewing on the visor, then ergonomic viewing is improved, but the device lacks secure retention under vehicle forces
Solution Approach 1:
The holder structure merges viewing ergonomics with retention strength by positioning the device at an optimal viewing angle while incorporating friction-based or mechanical retention features that prevent movement under vehicle forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder utilizes friction between contact surfaces to provide retention force, and may incorporate adjustable elements that allow optimization of both viewing angle and retention characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sun visor is designed for basic sun blocking, then manufacturing is simple, but it lacks charging and connectivity functionality for electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its traditional sun-blocking purpose and providing electronic device storage, charging, and connectivity functions. USB ports and wireless charging elements are integrated into the visor structure, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sun visor with electronic device charging and connectivity features, combining what would traditionally be separate systems (visor and device mount/charger) into a single integrated unit.
4Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is added to hold the electronic device, then device retention is improved, but the holder structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder utilizes friction between contact surfaces to provide secure retention without requiring complex mechanical clamping mechanisms. The device is retained through the natural friction of the holder's contact surfaces, which is sufficient to prevent movement during normal vehicle 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 provides secure, ergonomic, and convenient storage and charging of electronic devices, enabling them to function as a dash camera with minimal distraction, while maintaining connectivity through USB and wireless charging, enhancing usability and safety during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element to bias the slider toward the latching feature and thereby positively retain the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A sun visor assembly includes a visor body and an electronic device receiver carried on the visor body. The electronic device receiver includes a clamping feature having a slider and an opposed latching feature. The visor body may also include a USB feature and/or a viewing port extending through the visor body.