Three-Piece Mirror Base Cover for Screwless Sealed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rear view devices face challenges in achieving both aesthetic and technical functions, particularly in the design of the base cover, which needs to support the head assembly, connect to the vehicle, and ensure electrical and moisture sealing while adapting to vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
A base cover comprising three cover pieces made of plastic, connected via clip, snap, and latch connections, which mantle the metal base frame without screws, providing sealing and functional integration with the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal base frame is used to support the head assembly and connect to the vehicle, then structural strength and connection reliability are improved, but aesthetic appeal and adaptability to vehicle design are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The base cover is divided into three separate cover pieces that can be individually shaped and styled to match different vehicle designs while collectively providing the necessary structural coverage and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The base cover uses plastic material combined with metal base frame, where the plastic cover pieces provide aesthetic appearance and the metal frame provides structural strength, creating a composite structure that satisfies both requirements
2Reliability
If screw connections are used to attach the base cover, then connection reliability and sealing are improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The base cover is segmented into three separate pieces that can be independently assembled and disassembled using simple snap-fit connections, allowing easy maintenance and installation without requiring complex screw fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit connection system that provides sufficient connection reliability while dramatically improving ease of assembly and disassembly operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base cover is designed to adapt to different vehicle designs, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity and sealing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The base cover is divided into three modular pieces that can be selectively assembled in different configurations to adapt to various vehicle designs while maintaining consistent sealing performance through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The base cover design incorporates universal connection features and standardized sealing interfaces that allow the same three-piece structure to adapt to different vehicle models and designs while maintaining reliable sealing integrity across all applications
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2a~2e
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a base cover of a base assembly (100) of an exterior rear view device (1) to be mounted to a vehicle (2) and to moveably support a head assembly (200), comprising three cover pieces designed to releasably mantle the base frame (110) by being attached via clip, snap and/or latch connections. It also refers to an exterior rear view device (1), comprising a base assembly (100) with a base frame (110) manteled with a base cover of the present disclosure, and to a vehicle (2) with such an exterior rear view device (1). Further, the present disclosure refers to a method for assembling the base cover of the present disclosure as well as a method for dis-assembling the base cover of the present disclosure.