Exterior Mirror Base Cover Interlocking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exterior mirror bases for motor vehicles lack satisfactory stability and security, particularly in modular designs that are vulnerable to theft due to inadequate attachment systems.

Innovation Solution

The exterior mirror base features a cover with screw fixing means, including a shaft for receiving fixing screws, and an upper portion that interlocks with the lower portion, providing secure attachment and making the cover interchangeable while reducing the risk of theft by requiring base removal to access screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular interchangeable elements are used for mirror covers, then ease of customization and replacement is improved, but security and resistance to theft deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability of mirror coverVSAvoidsecurity against theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror cover is divided into two portions: a lower portion that remains fixed to the base, and an upper portion that can be interchanged. This segmentation allows the cover to be modular and customizable while maintaining security through the fixed lower portion that includes integrated screw fixing means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screw fixing means are integrated within the lower portion of the cover, with shafts that receive fixing screws. The upper portion can be attached to and nested with the lower portion, creating a secure combined structure that is difficult to remove without tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If screw fixing means are made accessible for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cover replacementVSAvoidtheft resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The screw fixing means are located specifically in the lower portion of the cover, which remains fixed to the base. The shafts for receiving fixing screws are positioned in this lower portion, making the replacement process straightforward for authorized users while the integrated design prevents unauthorized removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3436308B1Mounting base for external mirror with exchangeable cover
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3436308B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3436308B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention consists of a base (8) of an outer rear-view mirror (6) for a front door (4) of a motor vehicle (2), comprising: a body (10) with an extended portion (14) suitable to be attached to a generally vertical area (16) of the door of the vehicle, and a portion supporting the rear-view mirror; a cover (12) intended to cover the body. The cover comprises a lower portion (18) and an upper portion (18'), the upper portion comprising an inner surface (20) intended to face the extended portion of the body and comprising screw attachment means (22) suitable for engaging with at least one attachment screw passing through said extended portion of the body. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such an outer rear-view mirror base.