Double Detent Folding Mirror Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power folding mirrors for vehicles lack a mechanism to lock the mirror in the driving angular position when manually unfolded from the parking position, unlike when unfolded using an electrical motor, leading to instability and incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
A double detent system is implemented, comprising a first detent when the mirror is unfolded by the motor and a second detent in the same driving angular position when manually unfolded, using a combination of axial guiding means, elastic forces, and wedged projections to secure the mirror's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mirror is manually unfolded from the parking position, then the mirror can be positioned for viewing, but the mirror is not locked in the correct driving angular position
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is segmented into two distinct systems: a first detent for motor-driven positioning and a second detent for manual positioning. Each detent independently provides locking at the driving angular position, allowing the mirror to be unfolded manually while still achieving accurate position locking through the second detent.
Solution Approach 2:
The second detent acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges manual operation with precise position locking. When the mirror is manually unfolded, the second detent engages to lock the mirror at the correct driving angular position, mediating between the user's manual action and the required positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a single detent system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the mirror cannot be reliably locked when manually unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is divided into two independent detents: the first detent engages when the mirror is unfolded by the motor, and the second detent engages when the mirror is unfolded manually. Both detents provide reliable position locking at the driving angular position, ensuring reliability regardless of the unfolding method while maintaining relatively simple individual structures.
3Ease of operation
If the mirror is folded manually exceeding the detent, then the mirror can be repositioned, but the motor-driven operation cannot be reset
Solution Approach 1:
The separation into two detents allows independent operation modes. When the mirror is folded manually exceeding the detent, the first detent disengages but the second detent remains functional. The motor-driven operation can be reset because the first detent mechanism is independent and can re-engage when the motor drives the mirror to the driving position again.
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
Ensures the mirror remains locked in the correct driving angular position when manually unfolded, matching the position set by the motor, while allowing motor-driven operation to be reset, enhancing stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extended along the axis surrounding the pivot wherein its upper end is axially fixed to the upper end of the pivot, the lower end of the spring imposing a downward force on a first ring extended along the axis surrounding the pivot and located under the spring
Implementation Method 2
The internal annular sector is hollow and comprises a projection in whose bottom surface there is, centered, a housing resulting from two double-wedged projections
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a powered folding mirror, in particular suitable for vehicles, that has two lock positions: a folded position and an unfolded position locked according to the driving position. When the mirror has been folded by means of the electrical motor, present invention allows manually unfold it in such a way the mirror is locked in the same driving angular position as it was locked when it has been unfolded by means of the electrical motor.