Bayonet Lock Mirror Mount for Vehicle Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mirror mounts for vehicles lack a simple, cost-effective solution that balances folding forces and stability while allowing for adjustable and secure attachment to a vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A mirror mount design featuring a pivot joint with a bayonet lock mechanism, utilizing a hollow bolt and spring system for adjustable torque and angular positioning, which replaces traditional screw connections and provides a detachable and stable attachment to the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw connection is used to connect the mirror arm to the mirror base, then the connection is secure and stable, but the attachment process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into a hollow bolt with locking lugs, a bearing block with connecting links, and a spring mechanism. This segmentation allows for quick bayonet-style attachment while maintaining secure connection through distributed locking points, resolving the contradiction between quick attachment and secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism provides dynamic adjustment of the connection force, allowing the mirror arm to be quickly attached while maintaining stable connection under varying loads. The spring compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains consistent contact pressure without requiring complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a Quicklock safety washer is used with a bolt, then the connection is secure, but the parts are permanently connected and lack adjustability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the spring mechanism and multiple angular positions of the locking lugs. The spring allows for force adjustment, and the hollow bolt can be rotated to different angular positions, providing both security and adaptability unlike permanent Quicklock connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection parameters such as spring force and angular position can be changed to adapt to different requirements. The spring constant can be selected based on required folding forces, and the hollow bolt can be positioned at different angles, enabling the same connection system to adapt to various operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive connections or clip connections are used, then the attachment is simple and quick, but the connection is not detachable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoiddetachability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is segmented into discrete mechanical components (hollow bolt, locking lugs, connecting links, spring) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This mechanical segmentation provides both simplicity of attachment and ease of detachment, unlike adhesive connections which are permanent or clip connections which may lack structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary element that maintains continuous contact force between the hollow bolt and bearing block during attachment and detachment operations. This intermediary spring mechanism simplifies the attachment process while enabling controlled detachment, bridging the gap between simple mechanical connections and secure detachable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Force

If the spring force is made adjustable by positioning a nut on the screw, then the folding forces can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding forceVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring constant is selected to provide the required folding force, and this parameter can be changed by selecting different spring specifications rather than adding complex adjustment mechanisms. The hollow bolt design with integrated spring and locking lugs maintains simplicity while allowing force optimization through parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically adjusts to maintain optimal contact force between connection components without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The elastic properties of the spring provide self-regulating force, eliminating the need for nuts, screws, or other complex adjustment devices while still optimizing the folding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 bayonet lock mechanism enables quick and efficient attachment, reduces the risk of damage, and allows for precise angular adjustments, ensuring stability and adaptability to folding forces, thus addressing the need for a cost-effective and stable mirror mount.

Implementation Method 1

the mirror arm and the mirror base are braced against one another by means of a spring for the latching function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the spring is a coil spring and the hollow bolt passes through the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2331367B1Mirror holder for securing a mirror to a vehicle and mirror comprising said type of mirror holder
Publication Date: 2012.11.14 MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2331367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2331367B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2331367B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a mirror holder for securing a mirror (100) to a vehicle, said mirror holder comprising a mirror base (200) that can be secured to the vehicle and a mirror arm (300) which is joined to the base of the mirror (200) by a rotary joint (400). Said rotary joint (400) comprises a support (210) which is arranged in the base of the mirror (200), a counter support which is arranged in the mirror arm (300) and an axis component (500). Said axis component (500) is secured to the base of the mirror (200) and to the mirror arm (300). Said mirror holder is characterised by virtue of the fact that the axis component (500) is secured to the mirror arm (300) or to the base of the mirror (200) in the form of a bayonet coupling.