Exterior Mirror Covering Noise Reduction via Local Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rear view mirror assemblies in the automotive industry face challenges in achieving high-quality, noise-free operation due to noise development at contact points between covering parts, which is not in line with the industry's quality demands, and also require cost-effective and easy assembly.
Innovation Solution
A two-part covering system for exterior rear view mirror assemblies, where at least one contact point between the covering parts is devoid of a high-gloss coating to prevent noise, and uses a two-component or multi-component injection molding with a light-resistant and transparent plastic coating for the outer layer, employing a locking connection or clip connection with elastically deformable locking elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high-gloss coating is applied to the covering parts, then the surface appearance quality is improved, but noise development occurs at contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments to different areas of the covering parts. Specifically, contact points are left with a matte finish while other areas receive a high-gloss coating. This local differentiation allows the majority of the surface to maintain high aesthetic quality while the specific contact areas are optimized to prevent noise generation through reduced friction and better contact stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the covering is produced in multiple parts, then ease of assembly and cost-effectiveness are improved, but noise development occurs at contact points between parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates the surface properties at contact points between covering parts by maintaining a matte finish in these specific areas while applying high-gloss coating elsewhere. This local quality approach ensures that the modular assembly remains cost-effective and simple while the contact surfaces are specifically optimized to minimize noise through reduced friction and improved contact stability.
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 effectively reduces rattles, squeaking, and grinding noises while maintaining a high-quality, glossy surface appearance, simplifying production and assembly, thus meeting both noise reduction and quality standards.
Implementation Method 1
employing a locking connection or clip connection with elastically deformable locking elements for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A covering (16) for an exterior rear view mirror assembly for motor vehicles includes a plurality of covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20) defining a contact point (24) between each of the plurality of covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20). At least one of the covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20) is provided in a two-component or multi-component injection molding procedure. A coating (25) of plastic forms an outer layer, which covers the covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20). The coating (25), being a light-resistant and transparent plastic, forms a high-gloss surface. One of the covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20) is void of the coating (25) at the contact point (24).