Motor Vehicle Mirror Base Electrical Component Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rear view mirror arrangements for motor vehicles face complications in electrical connections, restricted design freedom, and limited resistance to vibrations due to the placement of electrical components, which also affects the reliability of temperature and humidity sensors and compatibility with both right and left-hand drive vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement relocates electrical components from the mirror head to the mirror base cover, allowing for a more compact and elegant design, simplified electrical connections, and improved vibration resistance, while ensuring identical components can be used for both left and right-hand drive vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrical components are housed in the mirror head, then the mirror head can accommodate all necessary components, but the design freedom is restricted and the mirror head becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into two distinct parts: the mirror head and the mirror base. Electrical components are relocated from the mirror head to the mirror base, separating the optical function (mirror head) from the electrical/electronic functions (mirror base). This segmentation allows the mirror head to remain compact and elegant while the base accommodates all necessary electrical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical components are housed in the mirror head, then all components can be integrated, but the electrical connections become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts electrical components from the mirror head and places them in the mirror base. This extraction simplifies the electrical connection architecture, as connections now terminate at the base rather than requiring complex routing through the mirror head assembly. The base serves as a centralized hub for all electrical connections.
3Reliability
If electrical components are housed in the mirror head, then the mirror can be compact, but the resistance to vibrations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a lightweight mirror head and a sturdier mirror base. The mirror base, being larger and more massive, provides a stable mounting platform that better resists vibrations. The mirror head can remain compact while the base absorbs and dampens vibrational forces.
4Reliability
If electrical components are housed in the mirror head, then the mirror structure can be simplified, but the temperature and humidity sensors become less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts temperature and humidity sensors from the mirror head environment and relocates them to the mirror base. The base provides a more stable thermal environment, away from direct exposure to sunlight and heat sources that affect the mirror head. This extraction improves sensor reliability by placing them in a more controlled environment.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror design is optimized for one drive type, then production can be simplified, but compatibility with both right and left-hand drive vehicles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mirror base and electrical component layout to be symmetrical or ambidextrous, allowing the same mirror assembly to be used in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles. The electrical components in the base can be oriented to accommodate different mounting configurations, making the product universal and eliminating the need for separate production lines for different drive types.
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 enhances design flexibility, reduces the complexity of electrical connections, improves the reliability of temperature and humidity sensors, and simplifies production by using identical components for both drive types, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective interior rear view mirror system.
Implementation Method 1
the articulated connection can, for example, comprise a friction bearing or be designed as such, so that the mirror head or the interior rear view mirror can be moved in the desired is held by the driver of the motor vehicle individually adjustable adjustment position relative to the mirror base, but without fundamentally restricting the adjustability. Such a friction bearing consists of guide surfaces which are movable relative to one another at least in pairs and come into contact with one another. For each pair of guide surfaces, a first guide surface is arranged on a first component of the components to be clamped relative to one another in each adjustment position, and a second guide surface that comes into contact with the first guide surface on the other component. The clamping is effected by frictional forces between the at least two guide surfaces that come into contact with one another.
Implementation Method 2
To avoid being dazzled by rear light sources, it is known, both alternatively and additionally, to provide electrochromatic dimming of the mirror glass.
Data Source
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AI summary
An interior rearview mirror assembly (01) for motor vehicles is described, comprising a mirror base (03) at least partially covered by a mirror base cover (02) and a mirror head (04) or interior rearview mirror with a mirror glass (05, 06, 07) pivotally mounted thereon. The interior rearview mirror assembly (01) includes at least one electrical component (19) at least partially enclosed by the mirror base cover (02).