Exterior Mirror Actuator Non-Ratcheting Clutch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies with ratcheting clutch mechanisms suffer from noisy operation and reduced durability due to ratcheting action, and manual adjustment resistance decreases over time, affecting the mirror's adjustability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A non-ratcheting clutch mechanism using a pair of clutch gears or helicals retained by flexible springs, allowing for silent and manual adjustment of the reflective element without ratcheting, driven by electric motors that prevent rotation of the drive screw during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ratcheting clutch mechanism is used for manual adjustment, then the mirror can be adjusted manually, but noise is generated and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the ratcheting mechanism from the clutch assembly, replacing it with a non-ratcheting design that uses spring-loaded clutch gears to engage and disengage smoothly without the characteristic ratcheting action, thereby removing the source of noise and durability issues while preserving manual adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional ratcheting mechanical system with an electric motor-driven system that uses clutch gears and springs to achieve smooth engagement and disengagement, eliminating the harmful ratcheting mechanical action while maintaining the manual adjustment function
2Ease of operation
If a ratcheting clutch mechanism is used, then manual adjustment is enabled, but adjustment resistance decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clutch gears automatically maintain proper engagement force and tension throughout operation, self-regulating to preserve consistent adjustment resistance without degradation over time, eliminating the need for manual re-adjustment or maintenance of resistance levels
3Extent of automation
If an electric actuator is used to adjust the reflective element, then automated adjustment is achieved, but the mechanism may generate noise and require more complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric actuator system with the clutch mechanism into a unified assembly where the motor, drive screw, and clutch gears work together as an integrated unit, reducing overall complexity while achieving smooth automated adjustment without noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a streamlined electric motor-driven screw mechanism配合clutch gears, simplifying the actuator design while maintaining automated adjustment capability and eliminating noise
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
The silent clutch design eliminates noise and durability issues of ratcheting designs, maintaining consistent manual adjustment resistance and ensuring reliable operation of the mirror assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a non-ratcheting clutch mechanism using a pair of clutch gears or helicals retained by flexible springs
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle, a mirror head portion at the mounting portion, and an actuator. The mirror head portion includes a mirror casing and a reflective element at least partially housed at the mirror casing. The actuator is operable to impart pivotal movement of the reflective element mirror relative to the mirror casing to adjust a rearward field of view of a driver of the vehicle. The actuator includes a drive post that is pivotally attached at the reflective element. The actuator also includes a motor that rotatably drives a clutch device to adjust the drive post to adjust the reflective element relative to the mirror casing. The clutch device allows for manual adjustment of the reflective element and the drive post in a non-ratcheting manner.