Vehicle Sun Visor With Integrated Printed Circuit Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun visors in vehicles face issues with glare, insufficient lighting, and increased complexity and cost due to separate electronic control units, leading to a need for a more integrated and cost-effective lighting solution.
Innovation Solution
A sun visor with a printed electronic component integrated onto a structural component, eliminating the need for a separate control module and incorporating a light dispersion device for uniform lighting, which can be controlled based on various conditions such as user preferences and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate electronic control unit (ECU) is used to control the lighting system, then the lighting control function is achieved, but the device complexity, weight, cost, and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic control components directly into the sun visor structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate ECU. The control circuitry is integrated within the visor housing, combining the lighting system and control functions into a single unified component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full lighting control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sun visor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides sun blocking, integrates lighting elements for illumination, and incorporates electronic control circuitry for automated lighting management. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate dedicated control units, reducing parts count and assembly complexity while maintaining all necessary control capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the sun visor, then the lighting control functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (structural elements, lighting elements, and electronic control components) into a single integrated sun visor assembly. This merging reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and cost while maintaining all necessary functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a housing or shell structure that integrates multiple functions within a single component. The visor housing serves as both the structural support and the mounting platform for lighting and electronic components, reducing the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and assembly steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting elements are added to the sun visor, then the lighting function is provided, but glare may be caused and lighting suitability for certain conditions may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically controllable lighting with adjustable intensity and color temperature. The lighting system can adapt its output based on ambient conditions, providing sufficient illumination when needed while reducing or eliminating glare in situations where bright light would be harmful. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize lighting quality for different use conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lighting elements with variable parameters, particularly adjustable intensity and color temperature. By changing these parameters based on environmental conditions and user needs, the system provides appropriate lighting levels that prevent glare while ensuring sufficient illumination for tasks such as checking the vanity mirror or reading.
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
This solution reduces complexity, cost, and assembly time while providing consistent and personalized lighting with reduced glare, optimizing lighting for different use conditions and user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may include at least one light emitting element, for example at least one LED or OLED
Implementation Method 2
The sun visor may comprise a light dispersion device configured to disperse light emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sun visor (1) for a vehicle (100). The sun visor comprises a light source (6, 7) for providing illumination within the vehicle, and a printed electronic circuit (4) located within the sun visor for controlling operation of the light source. The sun visor may include a light dispersion device (10) for dispersing light emitted by the light source, which may include a body portion (11) extending over the printed electronic circuit and a light emission portion (12) extending around the body portion and arranged to transmit light from the light source to the outside of the sun visor.