Detachable Garage Door Module for Rearview Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror assemblies with integrated garage door openers lack portability and flexibility, as the garage door opening module is not detachable and cannot be easily transferred to another vehicle, limiting user convenience and security.
Innovation Solution
A detachable, self-contained, battery-powered garage door opening module is integrated into the interior rearview mirror assembly, allowing users to detach and reattach it to different vehicles, featuring a transmitter, circuitry, and user inputs, with an optional indicator for activation status, enabling portability and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the garage door opener is integrated into the interior rearview mirror assembly, then the functionality is convenient and accessible, but the module lacks portability and cannot be transferred to another vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The garage door opening module is separated from the mirror assembly as a distinct, detachable component. The module includes its own housing, battery, transmitter, and control elements, allowing it to be removed and transferred to another vehicle while the mirror assembly remains functional without it.
Solution Approach 2:
The garage door opening module is extracted from the integrated mirror assembly design. The module is positioned in a receiving portion of the mirror casing but can be completely removed, enabling portability and the ability to transfer the module between different vehicles.
2Reliability
If the garage door opener is integrated into the vehicle, then it is always available, but it cannot be secured separately when the vehicle is sold or disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed integrated design to a dynamic removable configuration. The module can be inserted into and removed from the mirror assembly as needed, providing flexibility for the user to secure the module separately when selling or disposing of the vehicle while maintaining functionality when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the garage door opener module is detachable and portable, then it can be transferred to another vehicle, but it requires additional receiving portion structure in the mirror assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion in the mirror casing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mirror assembly, creates a mounting location for the garage door module, and enables the module to be securely positioned when inserted. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate structures.
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 detachable module provides increased user convenience by allowing the garage door opening functionality to be transferred between vehicles, enhancing security by ensuring the module is not sold with the vehicle, and reducing integration costs for manufacturers.
Implementation Method 1
The self-contained garage door opening module includes a battery or integrated power source
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter (for transmitting a signal to actuate a garage door opener at a garage)
Implementation Method 3
The detachable self-contained battery operated garage door opening module may also include an indicator (such as a light emitting diode or the like) that is illuminated or activated
Data Source
AI summary
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head, a mirror mounting structure configured to adjustably mount the mirror head at an interior portion of the vehicle, and a receiving portion for receiving a portable accessory module. A retaining element is configured to attach at the mirror casing at the receiving portion to releasably secure the portable accessory module at the receiving portion. With the retaining element at least partially detached from the mirror casing, the portable accessory module is insertable into and removable from the receiving portion. With the portable accessory module inserted into and received at the receiving portion and with the retaining element attached at the mirror casing, the retaining element overlaps a lower portion of the portable accessory module to secure the portable accessory module at the receiving portion.