Exterior Mirror Assembly Actuator Dynamics and Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies lack the ability to adjust the reflective element's field of view effectively, particularly in providing a desired rearward view for the driver, as they are limited in their pivoting and tilting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An exterior rearview mirror assembly with a movable mirror head and reflective element, actuated by a motor and gear system that allows pivotal movement about both vertical and horizontal axes, enabling upward, downward, and sideward adjustments relative to the mounting arm, thereby optimizing the rearward field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror head and reflective element are made fixed relative to the mounting portion, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust the rearward field of view is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mirror head and reflective element movable relative to the mounting portion through an actuator mechanism. The actuator enables the mirror assembly to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, allowing the reflective element to pivot about a vertical axis and tilt relative to the mounting portion, thereby providing adjustable rearward field of view while maintaining a relatively simple structural design
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is positioned within the mirror head portion, then the adjustment functionality is achieved, but the outboard mass increases affecting aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the actuator from the mirror head portion and positioning it within the mounting portion instead. This repositioning extracts the heavy actuator mechanism from the outboard area, reducing the outboard mass of the mirror assembly and improving aerodynamics, while the actuator still provides the necessary adjustment capability through its connection to the mirror head
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror head is made adjustable via actuator, then the rearward visibility is improved, but the structural components in the mirror head may be eliminated affecting support stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the actuator mechanism with the mounting portion structure. The actuator is positioned within the mounting portion and its output is coupled to the mirror head, combining the support function of the mounting portion with the adjustment function of the actuator. This integration maintains structural stability while enabling adjustable positioning of the reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting portion mounted to a side of a vehicle, a mirror head portion, a reflective element fixedly attached at the mirror head portion, and an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion and about a generally horizontal pivot axis and a generally vertical pivot axis to adjust the mirror head portion and the reflective element relative to the side of the vehicle to which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator may include a tilting drive system for tilting the mirror head portion about the generally horizontal pivot axis and the actuator may include a rotating drive system for rotating the mirror head portion about the generally vertical pivot axis.