Folding Rear View Mirror Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view mirror systems for vehicles, such as tractors, face challenges in adjusting to varying widths due to different trailers or attachments, with existing solutions either being complex and costly or limited in adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A folding rear view mirror support mechanism using pivotally interconnected L-shaped support arms that can move between extended and retracted positions, with motorized adjustments to maintain mirror visibility and adjustability across a wide range of widths, utilizing identical components for economic construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping arrangement is used to adjust mirror width, then the mirror can accommodate different width settings, but the adjustment becomes complex and costly without mechanization
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror support mechanism uses dynamically movable arms that can pivot between extended and retracted positions. The arms are connected via pivot joints allowing smooth transition between different width configurations, enabling the mirror to adapt to various trailer widths without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is divided into separate movable arms (first and second arms) that can independently pivot and adjust. This segmentation allows each arm to be adjusted separately to achieve the desired mirror position and width configuration.
2Device complexity
If simpler pivoting link systems are used, then the mechanism is simpler, but the mirror cannot support adjustment over a wide range of width settings while remaining visible
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism extends the adjustment capability by utilizing multi-dimensional movement. The arms can pivot in multiple directions and the mirror mount can rotate, providing adjustment in both horizontal and vertical planes, thereby achieving wide range width settings while maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable arms with pivot joints that allow continuous movement through a wide range of positions. This dynamic capability enables the mirror to be positioned optimally for various width configurations while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror is extended to maximum distance for wide width settings, then the mirror can see around wide trailers, but the mirror moves too far from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror support system uses dynamically adjustable arms that can extend and retract as needed. The arms are connected through pivot joints that allow the mirror to move to the optimal position for viewing around wide trailers, while the mechanism controls the extension distance to prevent excessive movement from the vehicle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle folding rear view mirror support mechanism having first (15) and second (16) pivotally interconnected support arm means. A first end (15b1) of the first support arm means is pivoted on a mounting bracket (18) for attachment to the vehicle, a second end (15c1) of the first support arm means is pivotally connected with a first end (16b1) of the second support arm means, and a mirror mount (22) is pivotally connected to a second end (16c1) of the second support arm means. The first and second arm means (15, 16) are movable between a retracted reduced width position in which the two arm means are in a side by side substantially parallel relationship and an extended increased width position in which the two arm means are substantially end to end and the mirror mount (22) is supported at its maximum distance from the mounting bracket (18).