Cowl-Mounted Rear View Mirror Assembly for Door Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rear view mirror assemblies for vehicles are not compatible with the removal of vehicle doors, as they require additional installation time and mechanical knowledge to comply with government regulations, and they lack integration with vehicle styling and additional functional features.
Innovation Solution
An exterior rear view assembly with an integrated mounting attachment for the vehicle cowl, allowing the rearview device to be moved for integration with the vehicle cowl, enabling door removal while maintaining original functionality and allowing for accessory mounting connector points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exterior rear view mirror assemblies are mounted on vehicle doors, then the mirrors are easily accessible and integrated with door structure, but the mirrors cannot remain operational when vehicle doors are removed and require additional installation work to comply with regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is extracted from the door structure and repositioned to mount directly on the vehicle body (cowl area), separating the mirror function from the door component. This allows the mirror to remain operational and compliant with regulations even when doors are removed for off-road usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to provide universal functionality whether doors are present or removed. The mirror assembly serves both as a standard door-mounted mirror when doors are attached and as an independent body-mounted mirror when doors are removed, eliminating the need for additional aftermarket accessories.
2Reliability
If aftermarket accessories are added to meet safety standards when doors are removed, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but installation time increases and mechanical knowledge is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is pre-configured with body-mounted attachment capabilities during manufacturing, so that when doors are removed, the mirror is already positioned and configured to meet safety standards. No additional installation actions or aftermarket accessories are required, eliminating installation time and the need for mechanical knowledge.
3Reliability
If stand alone exterior mirrors are used when doors are removed, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but additional functions cannot be integrated into the mirror assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines the required rear viewing function with additional features such as turn signal lights, spot lights, blind spot monitors, and other lighting/safety modules. This universal design maintains regulatory compliance while enabling multiple functions to be incorporated into a single assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to an exterior rear view assembly for mounting to a vehicle (120) with a cowl (114), comprising: a base assembly adapted for attachment to the vehicle (120) independent of whether the vehicle (120) is provided with a vehicle door (110), wherein the base assembly is adapted for attachment to the cowl (114); and a head assembly (102) coupled to the base assembly. It also refers to a vehicle (120) with a cowl (114) and at least one such exterior rear view assembly (100).