Rear View Mirror Bezel Hinge Assembly for Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view mirror assemblies for motor vehicles face challenges in efficient assembly and disassembly, particularly in accessing internal components for service without damaging parts, and in accommodating various legal glass types, which complicates manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A head assembly with a bezel assembly that uses a hinged mechanism for rotation and clipping onto a cradle, allowing for consistent assembly and disassembly without breaking reflective elements, and incorporating access holes for securing clips, enabling easy service access and late configuration of mirror types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid attachment methods are used to secure the bezel assembly, then structural stability is improved, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases and risk of damaging reflective elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a hinged connection that allows the bezel assembly to rotate between a closed position (for structural stability) and an open position (for easy access). The hinge mechanism transforms a static rigid attachment into a dynamic system that can change its configuration, enabling both structural integrity during operation and simplified maintenance access without requiring complex assembly/disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mirror assembly into separable components: the bezel assembly and the head assembly, connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the bezel to be independently accessed and opened without affecting the entire structure, enabling maintenance personnel to reach internal components through access holes while keeping the overall structural stability intact when closed.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bezel assembly is made as a single rigid piece, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but accessibility to internal components for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by introducing access holes in the bezel assembly that allow maintenance personnel to reach internal components without completely disassembling the structure. The hinged connection further segments the bezel assembly from the head assembly, enabling the bezel to be opened independently. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving accessibility for maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access holes as intermediary openings in the bezel assembly that serve as mediators between the external maintenance environment and the internal components. These holes allow tools and hands to reach internal elements without requiring complete disassembly, thus maintaining the structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity while enabling easy repair and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirror assembly variants are produced to accommodate different legal glass types, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a hinged bezel assembly that can be easily opened and closed, allowing the reflective element to be exchanged without requiring complete disassembly or specialized tools. This dynamic access mechanism enables different legal glass types to be installed in the same mirror assembly variant, reducing the need for multiple variants while maintaining adaptability. The hinge mechanism facilitates quick reconfiguration for different glass types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single mirror assembly variant with a hinged bezel and access holes that can accommodate multiple types of reflective elements (different legal glass types). The universal access mechanism eliminates the need for variant-specific assembly procedures, allowing one design to serve multiple functions and accommodate different glass types without increasing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If specialized tools are required for assembly and disassembly, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a hinged connection with access holes that enables maintenance personnel to perform assembly and disassembly operations using their hands and basic tools, without requiring specialized equipment. The hinge mechanism and access holes work together to create a self-serviceable system where the structure itself provides the means for easy access, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining connection reliability through the robust hinge design.
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
Facilitates simple and repeatable assembly and disassembly of rear view devices, allowing for additional features like self-docking electrical connectors and reduced mirror assembly variants, while providing access for maintenance without damaging components.
Implementation Method 1
a hinged mechanism for rotation and clipping onto a cradle
Implementation Method 2
clipping onto a cradle
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a head assembly for an external rear view device to be attached to a motor vehicle, a lower casing element, an upper casing element, an articulation assembly, a bezel assembly for carrying at least one rear view element, and a hinge connection between the bezel assembly and a first sub assembly provided by at least the lower casing, the articulation assembly and attachment means with the articulation assembly being mounted on the attachment means or the attachment means being mounted on the articulation assembly.