Automotive Mirror Drive Mounting with Plate Spring Tension Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for adjustable automotive vehicle mirrors experience loose mounting due to creep behavior of plastic materials, leading to wobbling and instability over time.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a pin-like sleeve and plate spring-like projection for uniform tension distribution, combined with axial springs and a compensating element to maintain constant friction and secure mounting, and a double cylinder V-guide for tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single screw is used for mounting the drive to the stationary structure, then the installation is simple, but the screw becomes loose due to creep behavior of plastic material
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting connection is segmented into multiple independent support points (at least three projections) distributed around the housing perimeter, rather than relying on a single screw. This segmentation distributes the mounting load and prevents loose mounting by ensuring that creep behavior at one location does not compromise the entire connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is equipped with specialized mounting projections at specific locations around its perimeter, each projection featuring a plate spring-like element for uniform tension distribution. This local quality enhancement at critical mounting points provides reliable support while maintaining simple installation through the distributed projection design.
2Reliability
If mounting elements are distributed around the housing, then secure support is achieved, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting projections are merged with the housing structure itself, forming an integrated assembly where the projections are molded as part of the housing rather than being separate components. This merging maintains mounting security through distributed support while reducing construction complexity by eliminating separate mounting brackets or attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the drive mechanism, provides structural support, and integrates the mounting projections as part of its own structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall construction complexity by combining what would otherwise be separate components into a single universal housing assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic material is used for the housing, then the drive is lightweight and easy to manufacture, but the material exhibits creep behavior causing loose mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The plate spring-like projections provide beforehand cushioning by maintaining uniform tension distribution at mounting points. This pre-compression counteracts the creep behavior of plastic material over time, preventing loose mounting while allowing the use of lightweight, easy-to-manufacture plastic housing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting projections utilize elastic deformation of the plate spring-like elements to compensate for dimensional changes in the plastic housing due to creep. By changing the mechanical state of the mounting elements from rigid to elastically compliant, the system maintains stable mounting pressure despite material relaxation over time.
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
Ensures secure and uniform support of the drive system over its lifespan by distributing tension forces effectively and compensating for material relaxation, preventing loose mounting and tilting.
Implementation Method 1
a plate spring-like projection forming a means for uniform distribution of the tension force caused by the mounting element
Implementation Method 2
have a compensating element disposed around the sleeve above an opening, the compensating element being moveable axially under the effect of a spring force
Implementation Method 3
a constant friction moment can be provided over the lifespan of the drive since the clearance occurring as a result of possible relaxation of the plastic material is compensated for
Implementation Method 4
a double cylinder V-guide for tolerance compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A drive for a component to be adjusted, in particular for an adjustable automotive vehicle mirror, having a housing which can be mounted on a stationary structure and has a central axis for receiving drive elements, and having an element which encompasses the housing at least partially and is connected to a carrier for the component. The encompassing element with the carrier is disposed pivotably relative to the housing. About the central axis, a pin-like sleeve for guiding through a mounting element is disposed in the housing and has a plate spring-like projection for support on the base of the housing. The plate spring-like projection forms a means for uniform distribution of the tension force caused by the mounting element for mounting on the stationary structure.