Extendable Rearview Mirror Head With Dual-Arm Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-arm exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles face stability issues when extended, particularly in applications requiring enhanced rearward viewing such as trailer towing, necessitating a more structurally supportive design.
Innovation Solution
A dual or twin mounting arm system with an adjustment mechanism using actuators to pivot links, allowing the mirror head to move between retracted and extended positions, providing enhanced structural support and adjustable viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single mounting arm is used for the exterior rearview mirror, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the mirror head when extended deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm structure is segmented into dual mounting arms instead of a single arm, providing distributed support for the mirror head. This segmentation allows each arm to bear portion of the load and provides structural redundancy, significantly improving mirror head stability when extended without substantially increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror head is extended from the retracted position, then the rearward viewing field is enhanced, but the mirror head stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror head is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between retracted and extended positions based on viewing requirements. The dual mounting arm structure with adjustment mechanism provides dynamic support that maintains stability across the full range of motion, enabling enhanced rearward viewing when extended while preserving stability when retracted.
3Ease of operation
If an adjustment mechanism with actuator is added to the mirror head, then the adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment systems with an actuator-driven system. The actuator automatically positions the mirror head between retracted and extended states, providing precise control and improved ease of operation. This substitution reduces the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 dual arm system with an actuator-driven adjustment mechanism enhances stability and adjustability of the mirror head, ensuring clear rearward viewing in various positions, addressing the stability issues of single-arm mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
The link includes a first end pivotally attached to the mirror head and a second end pivotally attached to the mounting arm
Implementation Method 2
An adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the mirror head relative to the mounting arm between the retracted position and the extended position. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuator that is operable to pivotally adjust the link
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mounting arm. The mirror head is mounted at the mounting arm via an adjustment mechanism. With the mounting arm attached at a side of a vehicle, an adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the mirror head relative to the mounting arm between a retracted position and an extended position. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuator that is electrically operable to pivotally adjust a link that includes a first end pivotally attached to the mirror head and a second end pivotally attached at the mounting arm. The adjustment mechanism, when the actuator is operated, moves the mirror head along a path between the retracted and extended positions. The actuator is disposed at the mirror head so that, when the mirror head moves between the retracted and extended positions, the actuator travels along the path with the mirror head.