Mirror Adjustment Unit Prong-Shaped Conductive Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mirror adjustment units for motor vehicle rearview mirrors are complex and prone to assembly errors, and the mounting of electric accessories is often expensive.

Innovation Solution

A mirror adjustment unit with prong-shaped electrically conductive elements for a plug connection between the mirror adjustment mechanism and the mirror support, allowing for simple and reliable assembly, reduced error likelihood, and cost-effective manufacturing, while accommodating flexible and stiff elements to follow mirror adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mounting methods are used to connect the electric accessory to the mirror adjustment mechanism, then the electrical connection can be established, but the assembly becomes complex and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into separate prong-shaped conductive elements that can be independently positioned and connected to the electric accessory, rather than using a complex integrated wiring system. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prong-shaped conductive elements serve as intermediary components between the mirror adjustment mechanism and the electric accessory. These prongs provide a simple mechanical and electrical interface that eliminates the need for complex mounting brackets, screws, and wiring harnesses, thereby reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional mounting methods are used for the electric accessory, then the electrical connection can be established, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The prong-shaped conductive elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than using expensive complex mounting assemblies with multiple parts, the invention employs simple prongs that provide reliable electrical connection at minimal manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential function of electrical connection from the complex mounting system and implements it through separate, simple prong-shaped conductive elements. This extraction allows the mounting structure to be simplified while maintaining the electrical connection function, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If rigid conductive elements are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the elements cannot follow the adjusting movements of the mirror

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to mirror adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive elements are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to flex and move as the mirror adjusts its position. This dynamic design enables the elements to maintain reliable electrical connection while adapting to the mirror's adjusting movements, combining both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the conductive elements (such as flexibility, length, and positioning) are optimized to allow them to follow the mirror's adjusting movements while maintaining sufficient stiffness for reliable electrical connection. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8672495B2Mirror adjustment unit with electric accessory
Publication Date: 2014.03.18 MCI MIRROR CONTROLS INT NETHERLANDS
  • US8672495B2 patent drawing
  • US8672495B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mirror adjustment unit for a rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a mirror adjustment mechanism and a mirror support. The mirror support is couplable to the mirror adjustment mechanism, and includes at least one electric accessory. The mirror adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of prong-shaped electrically conductive elements configured to electrically connect the electric accessory of the mirror support with at least one of the conductive elements of the mirror adjustment mechanism by plug connection.