Bayonet Connector Anti-Theft Mechanism for Vehicle Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear-view mirror connector arrangements either allow easy removal by unauthorized persons due to lack of secure attachment or require complex assembly with access to the lower part of the base bracket, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring a bayonet-type coupling member with radial projections and threaded holes, allowing secure attachment to the base bracket from the top, which includes a mechanical stopper function and an adjustment mechanism to prevent excessive displacement, ensuring the mirror head cannot be easily detached and simplifies the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bayonet connectors are used to couple the mirror head support to the base bracket, then the number of mounting operations is reduced and screw formation steps are avoided, but the mirror head support can be easily decoupled and removed by unauthorized persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bayonet connector's quick-coupling mechanism with additional security features including a retaining clip that engages with the base bracket and a locking mechanism with a head portion requiring a tool for operation. This merging allows the connector to maintain ease of assembly while preventing unauthorized removal, as the retaining clip and locking mechanism work together to secure the mirror head support to the base bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retaining clip as an intermediary component between the bayonet connector's cylindrical parts. This retaining clip engages with both the mirror head support and the base bracket, providing an additional layer of security that prevents easy decoupling while not interfering with the primary coupling function. The locking mechanism with its head portion serves as another intermediary that requires tool access for operation, thereby securing the connection.
2Reliability
If screw connections are used to couple the mirror head to the base bracket, then secure attachment is achieved, but access to the lower part of the base bracket is required for assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional screw connection approach by using a bayonet-style coupling where the mirror head support is inserted into the base bracket from the top rather than requiring access to the lower part. The coupling member includes a shaft portion that extends through the base bracket, allowing assembly operations to be performed from the accessible upper side, thereby reversing the access requirement while maintaining secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling member allows rotation for foldable functionality, then the mirror can be positioned in drive and folded positions, but the mirror head support can be easily decoupled from the base bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking portion can be engaged or disengaged to control rotation. In the engaged state, the locking portion prevents decoupling and maintains secure attachment. The mechanism allows controlled rotation between drive and folded positions while maintaining security, and only permits easy decoupling when the locking portion is deliberately disengaged, thus balancing adaptability with reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector arrangement for a motor vehicle rear-view mirror includes a bayonet type connector, a mirror head support, and a fixing member. The bayonet type connector includes a coupling member having a first portion, and a base bracket having a second portion and adapted to attach to the motor vehicle. The mirror head support is mounted to the base bracket. The coupling member is engaged to the mirror head support and the base bracket. The fixing member is located in the first and second portions, and is adapted to be inserted into the second portion from the first portion and towards the base bracket. Insertion of the fixing member prevents rotation of the coupling member with respect to the base bracket and about a center axis.