Outside Mirror Adjustment Mounting Without Screws or Rattle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing screw-based mounting system for adjustment instruments in outside mirror units is inefficient, prone to misalignment, and can result in vibration and rattling, as it requires time to assemble and is costly, with potential for screws to become loose or misapplied.
Innovation Solution
A mounting construction using cooperating projections on the adjustment instrument and carrier that guide the instrument from a first to a second position, eliminating the need for screws by utilizing a snap connection or clamped joint, ensuring secure fixation and preventing axial displacement, while allowing for electrical connection and locking of the power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to mount the adjustment instrument to the carrier, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screws from the mounting system entirely, extracting the fastening function from the adjustment instrument-carrier connection. Instead of using threaded fasteners, the invention employs a direct snap-fit mechanism where the adjustment instrument engages with the carrier through complementary geometric features, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged directly into the structural design of the adjustment instrument and carrier. The carrier includes integrated mounting features (such as recesses or engagement surfaces) that directly receive and secure the adjustment instrument without requiring separate fastening hardware. This integration combines the support and fastening functions into a single unified structure
2Reliability
If screws are used to mount the adjustment instrument, then connection can be achieved, but misalignment and improper tightening can occur leading to vibration and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features on the carrier and adjustment instrument are pre-configured with precise geometric relationships during manufacturing. The carrier includes pre-formed recesses or engagement surfaces that guide the adjustment instrument into proper alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and tightening that screw connections require
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment instrument and carrier are designed with self-aligning features that automatically ensure proper positioning during assembly. The geometric compatibility between the mounting features causes the components to naturally align when brought together, without requiring external alignment tools or precise manual adjustment, thereby preventing misalignment issues
3Reliability
If screws are used for mounting, then the adjustment instrument can be fixed, but the screw connection may fail over time causing rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates screws from the mounting system, removing the component that is prone to loosening and failure over time. The screw-free snap-fit design eliminates threaded connections that can degrade through vibration, corrosion, or improper tightening, replacing them with a continuous geometric interlock that maintains its securing function throughout the product lifecycle
Data Source
AI summary
Mounting construction for mounting an adjustment instrument to a carrier for an outside mirror unit, comprising first mounting parts on the adjustment instrument and second mounting parts on the carrier, which mounting parts guide the adjustment instrument from a first position to a second position in a direction along the carrier, the mounting parts cooperating with each other in the second position to fix movement of the adjustment instrument relative to the carrier in a direction transverse to the carrier, while in the first position the adjustment instrument and the carrier are clear of each other.