Rear View Mirror Base Assembly With Screwless Covers and Harness Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base assemblies for exterior rear view devices on vehicles lack a comprehensive solution that integrates multiple functions such as attachment, support, harness guidance, aesthetics, water drainage, and safety, while also being easy to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A base assembly comprising a base frame with a door attachment portion, a head attachment portion, and an arm, covered by three plastic cover pieces connected via snap, clips, and latch connections, along with a camera cradle, retainer means, and sealing means to guide and seal harnesses, provide water drainage, and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions (attachment, support, harness guidance, aesthetics, water drainage, safety) are integrated into the base assembly, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides attachment to the vehicle door, support for the head assembly, harness guidance through integrated channels, aesthetic coverage with cover pieces, water drainage via drainage holes, and safety sealing. This consolidates multiple previously separate functions into a single integrated structure, resolving the contradiction by making the base assembly universal rather than requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the base frame, cover pieces, harness guidance system, drainage system, and sealing elements into a single integrated base assembly. The cover pieces are snap-fit to the base frame, harness channels are formed within the base structure, and drainage holes are incorporated directly into the base design, combining multiple subsystems into one unified component that reduces overall complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Ease of operation
If the base assembly uses snap, clips, and latch connections instead of screws, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the strength and reliability of connections may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is segmented into modular components (base frame, cover pieces, harness guidance elements) that are connected through discrete snap-fit, clip, and latch mechanisms rather than monolithic screw fastening. This segmentation allows each connection point to be independently optimized for quick engagement while maintaining sufficient strength through distributed connection points around the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection elements such as clips and latches that act as mediators between the base frame and cover pieces. These intermediaries provide reliable mechanical engagement without requiring threaded fasteners, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining connection integrity through precision-machined engagement features that distribute loads across multiple contact points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover is made out of three pieces to mantle the arm, then the adaptability to vehicle design and aesthetics are improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into three separate pieces that can be independently molded and assembled onto the base frame. This segmentation allows each cover piece to be optimized for specific aesthetic requirements and vehicle design variations while using standardized connection mechanisms, providing design flexibility without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-piece cover configuration serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage for the arm mechanism, allows access to internal components by removing individual pieces, enables adaptation to different vehicle designs through selective piece configuration, and incorporates harness guidance channels and drainage features directly into the cover structure, making the increased part count worthwhile through multi-functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2a~2e
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a base assembly (100) of an exterior rear view device (1) to be mounted to a vehicle (2), comprising a base frame (110) being formed with a door attachment portion (115) for attachment to a door (600) of the vehicle (2), a head attachment portion (117) for moveably attachment of a head assembly (200) and an arm (116) between said attachment portions; a cover made out of three pieces to mantle the arm (116) from the door attachment portion (115) to the head attachment portion (117) only via snap, clips and/or latch connections, without screws; a camera cradle (704) for attaching a camera (700) to the base frame (110); a retainer means (301) arranged on the door attachment portion (115) for guiding and sealing harness; a sealing means (800) attached to the door attachment portion (115); and a harness holder (500) for attachment a harness (400, 410) to the door attachment portion (115). It also refers to an exterior rear view device (1) with such a base assembly (100) and a vehicle (1) with such an exterior rear view device (1).