Vehicle Door Mirror Coupler Attachment via Sheet Member Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door mirror systems require a large number of components and working steps due to the use of screw members for attaching the coupler to the base member, increasing complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door mirror design where a sheet member is sandwiched between the side door and the base member, with the coupler clamped between the base member and the sheet member, eliminating the need for screw members and reducing the number of components and steps required for attachment, using fitting protrusion portions and holding holes for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw members are used to attach the coupler to the base member, then the attachment is secure, but the number of components and working steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member integrates multiple functions: it serves as both the attachment medium for the coupler (replacing screw members) and as the mounting interface to the base member. By combining the coupling and mounting functions into a single integrated component, the design eliminates the need for separate screw members while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screw members from the attachment system. Instead of using traditional threaded fasteners, the design uses a sheet member with through-holes that allows direct passage of coupling elements, removing the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If screw members are used to attach the coupler to the base member, then the attachment is secure, but the number of working steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member is pre-configured with through-holes and positioning features that guide the coupling process. The holding holes and fitting protrusion portions are designed in advance to align with the coupler, eliminating the need for manual alignment and fastening operations during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member and coupler are designed to self-align and self-secure through their complementary geometries. The fitting protrusion portions automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the base member, and the coupler is retained through the through-holes without requiring manual fastening operations.
3Reliability
If a sheet member with holding holes and fitting protrusion portions is used, then the coupler is firmly held, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables coupler attachment through through-holes, ensures proper positioning via fitting protrusion portions, and facilitates alignment with the base member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining firm holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting protrusion portions are integrated directly into the sheet member structure, with holding holes positioned in the periphery. This nested arrangement allows the coupler to be secured through the holding holes while the fitting protrusion portions simultaneously engage with the base member, creating a compact and efficient design.
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle door mirror, a mirror housing accommodating electric components is rotatably supported at a base member that is mounted to a side door, and a coupler that is electrically connected to the electric components is attached to the base member. A sheet member that is positioned to and held by the base member and is sandwiched between the side door and the base member is fastened to the side door by being fastened together with the base member, and the coupler is clamped between the base member and the sheet member. Accordingly, the coupler can be attached using a fewer number of components and a fewer number of working steps.