Rear-View Mirror Ball Indexing for Multi-Axis Vehicle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indirect rear-view systems for vehicles face challenges in providing a versatile and adjustable connection that accommodates various geometric configurations of vehicles, limiting their adaptability to different vehicle types and requiring multiple variants for installation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an index geometry with a spherical connection area and a tongue-and-groove mechanism that allows adjustment about multiple axes, enabling a snap connection and overtorque-induced position changes, ensuring stability and flexibility for different vehicle orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed geometric connection is used between support element and adjustment element, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to different vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between support element and adjustment element is made dynamically adjustable through an indexing mechanism. The support element can be positioned at multiple discrete angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the adjustment element, allowing the same component design to adapt to different vehicle geometries while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple vehicle types through the indexing mechanism. A single design can serve multiple functions by allowing the support element to be indexed to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple vehicle-specific variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple geometric variants are provided for different vehicle connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple static geometric variants, the invention implements a single dynamic system with indexing capability. The support element can be rotated and locked at multiple positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) on the adjustment element, providing connection versatility without requiring multiple component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism divides the continuous rotation range into discrete angular segments (e.g., 45-degree intervals). This segmentation allows for multiple connection orientations using a single component design, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the connection allows free rotation about multiple axes, then adjustability is improved, but stability and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection transitions from a fully dynamic state (during adjustment when the support element can rotate freely about two axes) to a statically locked state (when indexed at predefined positions). This dynamic-to-static transition allows easy adjustment during installation while ensuring precise, stable positioning in the final installed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism pre-establishes specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) where the support element can be securely locked. This preliminary preparation of discrete positioning options enables the installer to achieve precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment procedures, as the correct position is predetermined based on vehicle geometry.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the indexing mechanism uses excess rotation capability, then adaptability to different orientations is improved, but the risk of overrotation and potential damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism pre-defines safe angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) where the support element can be securely locked. By providing predetermined stopping positions, the system prevents overrotation beyond these indexed points, protecting against damage while maintaining orientation adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the support element and adjustment element, mediating the rotation process. The indexing features (protrusions and recesses) serve as intermediate locking points that guide the rotation and prevent excessive movement, ensuring the support element can be oriented at multiple angles without risking overrotation damage.
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
This solution allows for a wide range of vehicle connections with reduced geometric variants, enhancing adaptability and providing overload protection while maintaining adjustability and collision protection through elastic damping.
Implementation Method 1
the index geometry is designed to be elastic and/or made of elastic material at least in regions acting as index geometry components
Implementation Method 2
overload protection while maintaining adjustability and collision protection through elastic damping
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an indirect rear-view system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a support element (2) for attaching at least one reflective element (3), wherein the support element (2) has a coupling area (11) for positionally adjustable attachment to an adjustment element (6) which in turn can be attached to the vehicle, wherein the coupling area (11) contacts a counter-contact area (8) of the adjustment element (6), wherein interlocking anti-rotation means (19) are provided on the support element (2) and on the adjustment element (6), wherein the anti-rotation means (19) form an index geometry (18) which, in a first operating state, allows an adjustment of the support element (3) relative to the adjustment element (6) about two transverse axes of rotation (25, 26) and, in at least a second operating state, allows a change in the basic position of the support element (2) relative to the adjustment element (6) about a third axis of rotation (27), which is transverse to the two other axes of rotation (25,26) is aligned.