Integrated Mirror Actuator Cover Assembly for Compact Folding Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear-view mirror systems for motor vehicles are undesirably complex and costly, necessitating an improved design that addresses these issues.
Innovation Solution
A folding actuator cover assembly is introduced, comprising a first cover component with a receiving portion for a driving mechanism and a second cover component for attaching a mirror pane, where the first plane is angled relative to the second plane, allowing for a compact and integrated design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional separate cover components are used for actuator and mirror pane, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first cover component (for actuator) and second cover component (for mirror pane) into a single integrated cover assembly. The first cover component includes an upper actuator cover and a bottom actuator cover that are rotatable together with respect to the vehicle body portion, eliminating the need for separate cover components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first cover component serves multiple functions: it protects the actuator mechanism, provides a rotatable mounting structure for the mirror assembly, and integrates with the second cover component to form a unified protective enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed in the system.
2Weight of moving object
If compact integrated design is implemented, then weight and aerodynamics improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the bottom actuator cover is positioned within the upper actuator cover, and the second cover component is integrated with the first cover component. This nesting arrangement achieves compact integration and weight reduction while the layered structure provides tolerance accumulation that reduces the impact on manufacturing precision requirements.
3Device complexity
If fewer parts are used, then cost and complexity reduce, but reliability may worsen due to integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action features in the form of receiving portions that are pre-configured in the first and second cover components. These receiving portions are designed to automatically guide and position the driving mechanisms during assembly, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the risk of assembly errors that could compromise reliability. The receiving portions act as built-in alignment features that prevent misalignment issues.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The folding actuator cover assembly (100) comprises at least a first cover component (110) in a first plane (P1) and having a first receiving portion (120) for receiving a first driving mechanism for rotating the first cover component (110) with respect to a vehicle body portion (10), and a second cover component (130) in a second plane (P2) for attaching a mirror pane (190) of a rear-view system (150). The first plane (P1) is at an angle of 70-110° with respect to the second plane (P2). The second cover component (130) is configured as an extension of the first cover component (110).