Motor Vehicle Mirror Adjustment Mechanism for Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror adjustment devices for motor vehicles suffer from soiling, noise, and vibrations due to gaps between the mirror cap and base, which can lead to damage and instability during adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A mirror adjustment device with an elastic element and cooperating elements that adjust the mirror housing between two positions, allowing the gap to open and close, reducing soiling and noise, and utilizing a rotation-locked ring and drive gearwheel to stabilize the mirror housing during adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing is provided to fill the space between the mirror base and the mirror cap, then soiling and noise are reduced, but the sealing may get damaged and vibrations can occur again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable sealing element from the system and replaces it with a mechanical adjustment mechanism. The mirror housing is made adjustable relative to the mirror foot, allowing the gap to be dynamically controlled without requiring a sealing material that can degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability where the mirror housing can be positioned at different distances from the mirror foot. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt the gap size actively, replacing the static sealing approach with a controllable mechanical system.
2Reliability
If the mirror housing is adjusted between folded-in and folded-out positions, then damage prevention is improved, but a space between mirror cap and base causes soiling, noise and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mirror housing dynamically adjustable relative to the mirror foot through an adjustment mechanism. This allows the system to optimize the gap between mirror components during different operating positions, reducing harmful effects while maintaining damage prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the mirror housing relative to the mirror foot. By adjusting the distance between these components, the system can control the gap size to minimize soiling, noise, and vibrations while maintaining the folded-in/folded-out functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a space is provided between the mirror cap and the mirror base for manufacturing tolerances and adjustment, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the space causes soiling, noise, and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static space gap with a dynamic adjustment mechanism that can actively control the distance between the mirror housing and mirror foot. This maintains assembly flexibility through adjustable positioning while eliminating the harmful effects of a permanent gap.
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 solution effectively reduces soiling, noise, and vibrations by ensuring a stable adjustment mechanism that minimizes gap exposure and utilizes friction to maintain the mirror housing in a stable position, reducing the risk of damage to the sealing and enhancing the overall operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element for biasing the mirror housing towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing friction to maintain the mirror housing in a stable position
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror adjustment device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a mirror foot for mounting on a motor vehicle and a mirror housing adjustably connected with the mirror foot, wherein the mirror housing is adjustable between a folded-in position in which the mirror housing is situated substantially along the motor vehicle and a folded-out position in which the mirror housing is situated substantially transversely to the motor vehicle. The mirror housing is adjustable between a first position in which a slit is present between neighboring surfaces of the mirror housing and the mirror foot and a second position in which the neighboring surfaces of the mirror housing and the mirror foot substantially abut against each other. The mirror adjustment device comprises an elastic element for biasing the mirror housing towards the first position and is provided with cooperating elements for, under the influence of the elastic element, bringing the mirror housing into the first position when adjusting the mirror housing between the folded-in position and the folded-out position.