Linear Motor Mirror Adjustment Eliminates Gearbox Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external rearview vehicle mirrors with electrical adjustment mechanisms have complex designs and high assembly efforts due to multiple components like motors, transmissions, and gear racks, making them costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The use of molded-on electric linear motors actuated by a controller within the mirror, coupled with elastomeric connecting pieces and piezo motors, eliminates the need for a gearbox system, reducing parts and weight, and allowing precise adjustment of the reflecting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rotary electric motors with transmissions and gear racks are used, then the mirror can be adjusted, but the assembly complexity and number of parts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the transmission and gear rack components from the traditional motor system. By using molded-on electric linear motors directly integrated into the mirror carrier, the complex mechanical transmission elements are removed, leaving only the essential motor and coupling pin components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor function and linear actuation function into a single molded-on electric linear motor component. This integration combines what were previously separate elements (rotary motor, transmission, gear rack) into one unified component that directly produces linear motion.
2Reliability
If traditional motor systems with multiple components are used, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the weight of the adjustment assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy transmission and gear rack components from the system. By eliminating these intermediate mechanical elements and using molded-on electric linear motors with direct coupling pins, the overall weight of the adjustment assembly is significantly reduced.
3Reliability
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the mirror can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases due to multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (motor housing, transmission elements, mounting brackets) into a single molded-on electric linear motor component. This consolidation reduces the total part count, simplifies the supply chain, and lowers manufacturing and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment system into independent molded-on electric linear motor units that can be manufactured separately and then integrated into the mirror carrier, allowing for more efficient production and quality control.
4Device complexity
If molded-on electric linear motors are used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the precision of adjustment may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the motor system by using molded-on electric linear motors with coupling pins that incorporate friction surfaces. This allows for precise position control through friction-based positioning, maintaining adjustment precision despite the simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coupling pins with friction surfaces as intermediary elements between the molded-on electric linear motors and the mirror carrier. These coupling pins act as precision positioning elements that maintain accurate adjustment capability while enabling the simplified motor structure.
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
This solution results in a simpler, lighter, and nearly silent adjustment assembly that uses fewer parts, enables precise and high-speed movement of the reflecting plane, and integrates well with vehicle electrical systems, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one at least partically elastomeric connecting piece
Implementation Method 2
the adjusting motors are piezo motors
Implementation Method 3
the first linear adjusting motor acts on a first friction surface arranged on the first coupling pin, and the second linear adjusting motor acts on a second friction surface arranged on the second coupling pin
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment assembly for adjusting the reflecting surface of a glass assembly in an external rearview vehicle mirror, where two linear adjusting motors act on two points of the glass assembly, where the adjusting motors are positioned between the glass assembly and a mirror carrier in the mirror head. The adjusting motors are connected to the glass assembly and/or the mirror carrier via at least one elastomeric connecting piece.