Interior Rearview Mirror Actuator With Arcuate Gears and Memory Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror systems lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the mirror head to provide optimal rearward views for drivers, particularly in terms of memory positioning and manual adjustment, with existing technologies often requiring complex mechanical configurations and lacking integration with advanced display features.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an actuator with rotatable motors and arcuate gear elements that pivot the mirror head relative to the mirror mount, including a clutch subassembly for independent gear movement and a memory function to store preferred orientations, allowing for both motor-driven and manual adjustments, and integrates with a display system for video image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a double ball pivot mounting configuration is used for manual adjustment, then the mirror head can be adjusted by user pivotal movement, but the mechanism becomes mechanically complex and lacks integration with memory positioning and display features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional double ball pivot mechanical adjustment system with an electric actuator system comprising motors, arcuate gear elements, and adapter plates. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while providing both manual and automated adjustment capabilities through electronic control, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables manual adjustment through direct user interaction with the mirror head, provides motor-driven automated adjustment, and integrates with memory positioning systems. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If motor-driven actuation is added for automated adjustment, then memory positioning and automated mirror adjustment are achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system employs arcuate gear elements that can operate in multiple modes: they can be driven by motors for automated adjustment, can move independently through a clutch mechanism for manual adjustment, and can be positioned to specific angles for memory functions. This dynamic design allows the same mechanical components to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added automation capability.
3Measurement precision
If precise pivotal movement control is implemented through gear engagement, then smooth and precise mirror head adjustment is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arcuate gear elements with curved geometries that engage with corresponding gear teeth on the adapter plates. This curved design allows for smooth rotational movement and precise angular positioning of the mirror head. The arcuate shape naturally guides the motion path, providing precise control while simplifying the overall gear mechanism compared to traditional straight-toothed gears, thereby achieving high positioning precision without excessive device complexity.
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 provides smooth and precise adjustment of the mirror head, enhances user experience with memory positioning, and integrates a display system for video images, improving rearward visibility and driver convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator comprises a pair of motors operable to rotatably drive respective gears that engage the respective arcuate gear elements
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mirror mount that attaches at the interior surface of the vehicle. The mirror head includes an actuator having a body portion attached at a back plate at the rear of the reflective element and an adapter plate attached at the mirror mount and pivotable relative to the body portion. The actuator includes a pair of arcuate gear elements that attach at one end to the adapter plate and that are movably received at the body portion. The actuator includes a pair of motors operable to rotatably drive respective gears that engage the respective arcuate gear elements. When the gears are rotably driven, the gears impart pivotal movement of the body portion and mirror head in tandem relative to the mirror mount to adjust the mirror head relative to provide a rearward view for a driver of the vehicle.