Bayonet Mirror Connection Sleeve with Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for adjusting a mirror head of an exterior rearview mirror relative to a mirror base are complex in design and require significant assembly effort, lacking a simple and play-free connection for precise angular and height alignment.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a movable part connected to the mirror head and a fixed part connected to the mirror base, utilizing a sleeve with a locking element and a compression spring to generate axial and tangential forces for precise alignment, along with pre-positioning elements for easy assembly and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet connection with multiple components (adapter, carrier plate, coupling shank, compression spring) is used to connect the mirror head to the mirror base, then the connection provides secure attachment and adjustment capability, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adapter, carrier plate, coupling shank, and compression spring into a single integrated connection component that directly couples the mirror head to the mirror base. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining the secure attachment and adjustment functionality through the integrated design of the connection element.
2Reliability
If a complex bayonet connection structure with multiple elements is used, then the mirror head can be securely attached to the mirror base, but the assembly process requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into a single connection component, the assembly process is simplified from installing multiple separate parts to installing one unified element, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated locking and positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection component is pre-configured with the compression spring and locking elements in the correct positions during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex assembly steps during installation. The mirror head can be directly attached to the mirror base by simply engaging the integrated connection element.
3Device complexity
If a simple connection structure is used between the mirror head and mirror base, then the device complexity is reduced, but the angular alignment and height alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connection component acts as an intermediary element between the mirror head and mirror base, incorporating precision positioning features such as locating pins, guide surfaces, and angular adjustment mechanisms within the single component. This allows simple overall structure while achieving high alignment precision through the mediator's internal precision features.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for the bayonet connection, then the connection can provide adjustment capability, but the number of parts increases and simplifies assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connection component combines adjustment mechanisms, locking features, and positioning elements within a single part, maintaining full adjustment capability for mirror angle and position while eliminating the need to handle and assemble multiple separate components, thereby greatly improving assembly ease.
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 a simple, play-free bayonet connection with high angular and height accuracy, reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly while ensuring secure attachment and easy disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (3) which biases the stationary part and the movable part towards one another
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The device has a sleeve (2), which forms a rotary axis that is inserted into an opening (5) of a movable portion (1) and an opening of a fixed portion, and has a locking element (16) at an end. A pressure spring (3) is provided, which braces the movable portion and the fixed portion against each other in the locked position. The locking element and the inner contour of the fixed portion are formed, such that the pressure spring in the assembled state generates axial and tangential force components over the locking element. The force components press the movable portion against the contact surfaces of the fixed portion on one hand for determination of height and on the other hand for determination of angle direction of the movable portion and the fixed portion.