Vehicle Mirror Adjustment Instrument Cam Interlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically adjustable exterior vision units for vehicles face issues with cam rings not interlocking properly during electric adjustment from the park position back to the drive position, leading to potential damage and increased component strength requirements due to excessive spring force, which increases costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment instrument features force transmission cams supported on a housing cam track near the drive position to ensure direct interlocking of cam rings, a break coupling via a locking ring for reliable operation, and a compact design with radially outward cam tracks to transmit spring force manually, providing a clear click sensation and reduced forces during external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong spring is used to press the housing onto the base continuously, then the drive position is well defined and manual operation feels natural, but the electric drive requires a relatively powerful motor and the drive components must be made more force-resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force is made dynamic rather than continuous. The spring acts on the driving ring, and through the cam mechanism, this force is transmitted to the housing only when needed (during manual operation or when returning to drive position), not continuously during electric adjustment. This dynamic application of force allows reliable positioning without requiring continuous high power from the electric drive.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the spring force and the housing. The cam converts the continuous spring force into a directed force that acts on the housing only in specific positions (drive position and during return movement). This intermediary mechanism allows the spring to provide strong positioning force without requiring the electric drive to continuously overcome spring pressure.
2Reliability
If a strong spring is used to press the housing onto the base continuously, then the drive position is well defined, but the drive components must be made more force-resistant than necessary for driving
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force application is made dynamic through the cam mechanism. The force is transmitted to the housing only when the cam is in specific positions, not continuously. This means drive components only need to withstand force during specific phases of operation, allowing for lighter construction while maintaining reliability in drive position definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism creates local force transmission. Instead of the spring force being applied uniformly to all drive components continuously, the force is concentrated locally at the cam-housing interaction point only when needed. This localized force application allows other drive components to be made lighter since they don't need to withstand continuous high forces.
3Reliability
If the cam rings are designed to interlock during electric adjustment, then the adjustment mechanism is more reliable, but the cam rings do not always interlock properly when adjusting from park position back to drive position
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to preliminarily prepare the housing and cam rings for proper interlocking before electric adjustment begins. The spring-loaded cam ensures that when the housing approaches the drive position, the cam rings are already in a state conducive to proper interlocking, preventing the issue of improper engagement during reverse adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides mechanical feedback to ensure proper positioning. As the housing moves toward the drive position, the cam interacts with the cam ring to provide tactile and mechanical feedback that guides proper alignment and interlocking, ensuring reliable engagement regardless of the direction of approach.
4Power
If the housing is made free of spring force during electric adjustment, then the electric drive is relieved and can be of light construction, but the cam rings do not always interlock properly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: during electric adjustment, the spring force is decoupled from the housing (relieving the drive); during positioning and interlocking phases, the spring force is engaged to ensure proper cam ring interlocking. This dynamic switching allows the drive to be lightweight while maintaining reliable interlocking when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that selectively transmits spring force to the housing only during critical phases (positioning and interlocking). During electric adjustment, the intermediary decouples the spring force, relieving the drive. During positioning, the intermediary re-engages the spring force to ensure proper interlocking, thus resolving the contradiction between drive relief and interlocking reliability.
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 enhances the interlocking of cam rings during electric operation, reduces the need for strong springs, allows for a lighter drive construction, and provides a reliable and cost-effective adjustment mechanism with clear positional feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (20) which surrounds the base shaft (4) and exerts a spring force on the driving ring (16) along the longitudinal axis (A) in the direction of the foot (3)
Implementation Method 2
The force transmission cams (19) in the drive position are supported on a housing cam track (7) of the housing (6), and during electrically driven pivoting of the housing (6) are supported on a base cam track (5)
Implementation Method 3
The electric drive is provided with a break coupling, so that the electric drive can be decoupled upon operation under the influence of an external force exceeding a defined threshold value
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention concerns an adjustment instrument (1) for an exterior vision unit for a vehicle. The adjustment instrument (1) comprises a housing (6), which is pivotably adjustable relative to a base (2) between a park position and an overfold position via a drive position. The adjustment instrument (1) furthermore comprises an electric drive unit provided in the housing (6), which cooperates, via an output element with a driving ring (16) provided with force transmission cams (19). The force transmission cams (19) in the drive position are supported on a housing cam track (7) of the housing (6), and upon electrically driven pivoting of the housing (6) are supported on a base cam track (5) of the base (2). In and near the drive position the force transmission cams (19) can cooperate directly with the housing (6).