Automobile Mirror Baseplate Provisional Fixation Hook

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual mounting of exterior mirror bases on motor vehicle doors is labor-intensive and costly, requiring precise alignment and force application, which can be difficult due to the absence of clear feedback during the press-fit engagement of fixing means.

Innovation Solution

An exterior mirror base with elastically deformable hooks that engage with the door's upper edge, allowing for a pivoting movement to position the base correctly for final fixing, facilitating easier alignment and reducing the need for precise horizontal force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If manual mounting with press-fit fixing means is used, then the mirror base can be securely attached to the door, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and costly requiring precise alignment and force application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two distinct phases: temporary attachment using hooks that engage with the door edge, and final secure attachment using press-fit fixing means. This segmentation allows the assembler to first easily position the mirror base using the hook mechanism, then complete the secure attachment, thereby reducing the overall assembly difficulty while maintaining strong attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook mechanism performs the preliminary action of positioning and temporarily securing the mirror base to the door in the correct location before the final press-fit attachment is made. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for precise alignment during the final attachment step, making the overall process easier and less labor-intensive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If press-fit fixing means are used without clear feedback, then the mirror base can be attached, but precise force application becomes difficult due to absence of clear feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidforce feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The hook mechanism provides immediate tactile and visual feedback when properly engaged with the door edge, allowing the assembler to confirm correct positioning and engagement. This feedback mechanism eliminates the uncertainty associated with press-fit operations where clear feedback is absent, enabling precise positioning before the final attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment and positioning is performed, then the mirror base can be correctly positioned, but productivity is hindered and additional labor costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook mechanism is designed to automatically guide and position the mirror base onto the door edge through its geometric configuration. The assembler simply needs to engage the hook with the door edge, and the mechanism itself ensures correct positioning without requiring additional manual alignment operations. This self-positioning capability significantly improves assembly speed while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution simplifies the mounting process, reduces labor costs, and ensures accurate positioning of the mirror base, enabling quicker assembly and more economical manufacturing by providing temporary support and maintaining the base vertically during screw engagement.

Implementation Method 1

the hook or at least one of the hooks is elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3426522B1Baseplate of an automobile exterior mirror with a provisional fixation hook
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3426522B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3426522B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a base (14) for a side view mirror on a motor vehicle door (2), comprising an attachment portion (18) for attachment to a generally vertical door panel (12), means of temporarily attaching the attachment portion to the door, said means including first temporary attachment means (24) located in an upper region (26) of the base, and a hook (24'). The hook is located at a lower edge (26') of the base and extends downwards in such a way as to be able to engage an upper edge (6) of an outer door panel (4) as the first means perform an engaging movement that is followed by a pivoting movement of the base in order to engage said hook. The invention also relates to a door comprising a side view mirror base of said type.