Hinged deployable mirror bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror brackets for recreational watercraft struggle to securely hold the mirror in an upright position during use and are often difficult to operate between folded and deployed positions, obstructing the placement of covers when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A folding mirror bracket with a base, pivotally mounted mirror arm, and a pin system with tapered ends that contact sloped surfaces to secure the mirror in either deployed or stowed positions, utilizing a spindle with a lobe and a spring for stable positioning and easy movement between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mirror is placed above the windshield to maintain a clear view of the operator, then the mirror provides good visibility, but the bracket obstructs placement of the watercraft cover
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror bracket is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between deployed and stowed positions. The mirror arm can pivot between an extended position (providing visibility) and a retracted position (allowing cover placement), transforming a static obstruction into a dynamic solution that adapts to different operational states of the watercraft.
2Ease of operation
If a folding bracket is used to allow cover placement, then the bracket does not obstruct the cover, but the mirror is not securely held in the upright position during use
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded pin acts as an intermediary locking mechanism between the mirror arm and the base. The pin engages with a slot in the mirror arm and a corresponding feature in the base, providing positive mechanical engagement that secures the mirror in the upright position while allowing controlled movement between positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing brackets are used to allow folding, then the mirror can be moved between positions, but additional time is required to move between folded and deployed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pin automatically engages with the mirror arm slot when the mirror is moved into the deployed or stowed position, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The spring force ensures positive engagement without requiring additional time or effort from the operator, making the system self-securing.
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 mirror bracket securely maintains the mirror in either position with minimal movement, allowing for easy transition between deployed and stowed states without obstructing the watercraft's cover, ensuring a clear view for the operator.
Implementation Method 1
The pin is biased towards being in contact with one of the first sloped surface and the second sloped surface when the pin is aligned proximate to one of the first sloped surface and the second sloped surface
Implementation Method 2
a spring located between the pin and the pin housing
Implementation Method 3
a pin movably mounted on the base and having a tapered end formed thereon, the pin located proximate to the mirror arm such that the pin contacts the first sloped surface when the mirror arm is in the deployed position and such that the pin contacts the second sloped surface when the mirror arm is in the stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror bracket is provided for supporting a mirror in deployed and stowed positions. The mirror bracket includes: a base; a mirror arm pivotally mounted on the base and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; a first sloped surface of the mirror arm corresponding to the deployed position; a second sloped surface of the mirror arm corresponding to the stowed position; a pin movably mounted on the base and having a tapered end formed thereon, the pin located proximate to the mirror arm such that the pin contacts the first sloped surface when the mirror arm is in the deployed position and such that the pin contacts the second sloped surface when the mirror arm is in the stowed position.