Linear Motor Mirror Assembly Reduces Component Count
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external rearview vehicle mirrors with electrical adjustment mechanisms require significant assembly effort due to numerous components, such as motors, transmissions, and gear racks, making them costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
The use of molded-on electric linear motors actuated by a controller within the mirror, eliminating the need for separate motors and sophisticated friction elements, and incorporating piezoelectric positioners for compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two rotary electric motors with transmissions and gear racks are used to adjust the mirror, then the mirror can be electrically actuated, but the assembly effort and device complexity increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex transmission and gear rack components from the traditional rotary motor system. By directly integrating the adjustment function into the mirror carrier housing, the invention removes unnecessary intermediate mechanical elements while retaining the electrical actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the motor housing with the mirror carrier housing into a single integrated structure. This consolidation combines multiple previously separate components (motors, transmissions, gear racks, and housing) into one unified assembly, significantly reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rotary electric motors with transmissions are used, then electrical adjustment is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the adjustment function from the traditional motor-transmission system and integrates it directly into the mirror carrier housing. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be manufactured as part of the housing structure itself, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror carrier housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the electrical components, and directly enables the adjustment function through integrated guide rails and movable elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms.
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.