Vehicular Mirror Base Assembly Screwless Elastic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular outside mirror devices require a large number of parts and assembly steps due to the use of screws, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The vehicular outside mirror device employs a base assembly with a gasket and cover that are assembled using an elastic engagement claw and pin system, eliminating the need for screws by using an engagement pin, elastic engagement claw, and pressing portion to securely integrate the base, gasket, and cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw is used to fix the base and cover, then the connection strength is improved, but the number of parts and assembling steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated elastic engagement claw structure. The engagement claw simultaneously provides connection, positioning, and securing functions that previously required separate screws and assembly steps, thereby reducing part count while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic engagement claw utilizes its own elasticity to automatically secure itself to the engagement portion without requiring additional fasteners. The claw's elastic deformation and recovery provide self-locking functionality, eliminating the need for screws and reducing assembly complexity
2Reliability
If multiple parts are used for assembly, then the reliability of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base, gasket, and cover into a tightly integrated assembly using the elastic engagement claw mechanism. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining assembly reliability through the secure engagement mechanism
3Device complexity
If an elastic engagement mechanism is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the durability over time may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressing portion that applies continuous elastic force to the engagement claw, compensating for any potential relaxation or deformation over time. This pre-applied elastic force ensures that the engagement remains secure throughout the product's lifespan, maintaining durability despite the reduced part count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the engagement claw, changing the physical state from rigid (screw) to elastic (spring-like). This parameter change allows the mechanism to accommodate thermal expansion, vibration, and wear over time while maintaining secure engagement, thereby ensuring long-term durability with fewer parts
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 design reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable elastic engagement over time, preventing backlash and ensuring secure assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic engagement claw portion configured to elastically engage therewith is provided in the cover
Implementation Method 2
a pressing portion configured to press the elastic engagement claw portion against the engagement portion is provided in the gasket
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular outside mirror device according to the present invention is provided with a base assembly and a mirror assembly. The base assembly is made of a base, a gasket, and a cover. In the base and the cover, an engagement portion and an elastic engagement claw portion are respectively provided. In the base and the gasket, an engagement pin and an engagement hole are respectively provided. In the gasket, a pressing portion is provided. As a result, the present invention is capable of integrally assembling the base, the gasket, and the cover with each other without a need to use a screw. In this manner, its related manufacturing costs can be reduced.