Double Ball Slide Mount Concealing Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle rearview device mounting systems lack versatility and efficient sensor protection, with limited adaptability to various windshield angles and inadequate concealment of sensors.

Innovation Solution

A double ball slide on mount system featuring a bracket with a windshield engagement surface, internal sensor receiving aperture, and slide rails, coupled with a clip and bracket cover that securely engages the sensor and conceals it, allowing for adjustable mounting and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional mounting system is used, then the sensor is exposed and visible, but the aesthetic appearance and sensor protection are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidmounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within a recessed aperture in the bracket, and the bracket cover encloses the sensor assembly. This nested structure protects the sensor while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance without requiring complex external protective mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket cover acts as a thin protective shell that slides over the bracket to enclose and protect the sensor. This simple shell structure provides protection and aesthetic concealment without adding significant complexity to the mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mounting system is used, then installation is simple, but adaptability to various windshield angles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield angle adaptationVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the bracket to be positioned at various angles relative to the windshield. The bracket can be tilted and secured at multiple positions, enabling adaptability to different windshield angles while maintaining a straightforward installation process through the sliding cover mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor is exposed, then access for adjustment is easy, but sensor protection and aesthetic appearance are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor exposure to elementsVSAvoidsensor access

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into modular components: the bracket that holds the sensor, the recessed aperture that partially protects it, and the removable bracket cover. This segmentation allows the sensor to be protected when the cover is closed, while enabling easy access for adjustment or replacement by simply removing the cover, without requiring complex disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9244249B2Double ball slide on mount with screw over sensor

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A double ball rearview device mounting assembly includes a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, an internal sensor receiving aperture, and an external clip engagement wall. A sensor is adapted for reception in the internal sensor receiving aperture. A clip is operably coupled to the bracket to secure the sensor. A bracket cover is configured to slide into secure engagement with the bracket and includes a first mounting ball. A barrel is pivotally coupled to the first mounting ball at one end, and is pivotally coupled to a second mounting ball at the other end. A rearview device is operably mounted to the second mounting ball.