Integrated Actuator for Frameless Rear View Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frameless rear view devices for vehicles lack the ability to be actuated relative to their mirror housing, as they do not provide the necessary degree of freedom for folding and tilting operations, which are typically achieved with separate actuators in conventional systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact actuator that integrates both folding and tilting functions using a shared drive assembly with independent tilt and fold drive trains, allowing the mirror head to be adjusted along two axes with a single actuator, reducing space requirements and enabling both automatic and manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a frameless rear view device is used, then the design is simplified and space is reduced, but the device loses the ability to be actuated relative to the mirror housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by rear view deviceVSAvoidactuation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines folding and tilting actuation functions into a single integrated actuator unit. The actuator housing contains both a fold drive train with a first output shaft for folding operation and a tilt drive train with a second output shaft for tilting operation, merging multiple functions into one compact device that maintains adaptability while reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator housing serves multiple functions: it houses the fold drive train, houses the tilt drive train, provides bearing surfaces for both output shafts, and integrates the actuation mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows the single actuator to provide both folding and tilting capabilities that were previously requiring separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate actuators are used for folding and tilting, then each function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of folding and tiltingVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate folding and tilting actuators into a single integrated actuator housing that contains both drive trains. The fold drive train and tilt drive train operate independently within the same housing, maintaining independent control capability while reducing device complexity from two separate actuators to one unified actuator unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a single actuator integrates both folding and tilting functions, then space requirements are reduced, but the drive assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by actuatorVSAvoiddrive assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the tilt drive train is positioned within the actuator housing that also contains the fold drive train. The second output shaft for tilting is arranged within the actuator housing alongside the first output shaft for folding, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall volume while containing the necessarily complex drive assembly internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: a fold drive train with a first output shaft for folding operation, and a tilt drive train with a second output shaft for tilting operation. This segmentation allows the complex drive functions to be organized into manageable, independent modules within the unified actuator housing, making the complexity more tractable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the reflective element is rigidly connected to the mirror housing, then the structure is simplified, but the device cannot be actuated relative to the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidrelative movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the actuation system into two independent parts: the mirror housing with the rigidly connected reflective element, and the separate actuator unit with rotating output shafts. This segmentation allows the reflective element to remain fixed to the housing for structural simplicity, while the actuator provides the necessary adaptability through its rotating output shafts that can orient the entire housing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11377032B2Actuator, sub-assembly with actuator and mirror head, rear view device, door and vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS CO LTD

AI summary

An actuator for a rear view device of a vehicle includes a body defining a folding axis for the rear view device, a tilt axle having a fastening means for torque-proof fastening the rear view device to the tilt axle and defining a tilting axis for the rear view device, an actuator housing being rotatable borne by the body and being configured for rotatable bearing the tilt axle, and a drive assembly being arranged completely within the actuator housing and being configured for rotating the actuator housing about the folding axis relative to the body by a folding angle and for rotating the tilt axle about the tilting axis relative to the actuator housing by a tilting angle.