Rear-View Mirror Actuator Clutch Buffer for Manual Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator mechanisms in rear-view devices are prone to damage during manual adjustment due to relative rotation between the output shaft and the actuator, reducing their durability and stability.
Innovation Solution
An actuator buffer structure with a clutch assembly that disengages during manual adjustment, allowing the base frame to rotate independently of the actuator, featuring an adjusting buffer block and spring mechanism to maintain engagement during electrical adjustment and disengage under manual force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is directly connected to the base frame, then the electrical adjustment function is achieved, but the actuator is damaged during manual adjustment due to relative rotation
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator output shaft and the base frame. This clutch assembly includes a clutch plate connected to the output shaft and a clutch block connected to the base frame, which can engage or disengage based on the type of adjustment needed. During manual adjustment, the clutch disengages to allow relative rotation without damaging the actuator, while during electrical adjustment, the clutch engages to transmit torque from the actuator to the base frame.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch assembly is always engaged, then the actuator can drive the base frame, but manual adjustment causes relative rotation and damage to the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic engageable/disengageable state. The clutch plate and clutch block are designed to engage under electrical torque and disengage under manual adjustment forces, allowing the system to adapt its connection state based on the operation type. This dynamic behavior prevents damage during manual adjustment while maintaining drive capability during electrical adjustment.
3Reliability
If a clutch assembly is added to prevent damage, then actuator durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuator and base frame is segmented into two independent components: a clutch plate connected to the actuator output shaft and a clutch block connected to the base frame. These segments can engage or disengage independently through the clutch assembly, which includes simple elements like springs and friction surfaces. This segmentation protects the actuator while adding minimal complexity compared to more complex clutch mechanisms.
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
Prevents damage to the actuator during manual adjustment, enhancing its service life and ensuring stable operation by preventing relative rotation between the output shaft and actuator.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer block is elastically connected to the actuator or the base frame through the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates an actuator buffer structure, comprising a base frame (100) for installing a rear-view element and an actuator (200) fixedly installed and rotatably connected to the base frame (100); wherein the output shaft (220) of the actuator (200) is connected to the base frame (100) through a clutch assembly (3), wherein the actuator (200) is suitable for driving the output shaft (220) to rotate the base frame (100) together with the rear-view element around the axis through the clutch assembly (3), and wherein the base frame (100) is capable of disengaging from the output shaft (220) through the clutch assembly (3) under external force, so that the base frame (100) rotates together with the rear-view element relative to the output shaft (220) via the actuator (200). Further, a rear-view device and a motor vehicle are provided.