Exterior Rearview Mirror Assembly Dual-Axis Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior rearview mirror assemblies have limitations in adjusting the rearward field of view, particularly in providing a powerfold adjustment mechanism that efficiently moves the mirror head relative to the vehicle side, while maintaining optimal visibility and aerodynamic design.
Innovation Solution
The exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporates two actuators with non-coaxial pivot axes, allowing for independent and cooperative movement of the mirror head to adjust the rearward field of view, with the option to operate at different speeds, and a control system that ensures smooth and accurate adjustment, including a memory system for saving preferred mirror settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single actuator is used within the mirror housing to adjust the mirror reflective element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustability and visibility of the rearward field of view are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuator from the mirror housing and relocates it to the vehicle body. This allows the mirror head to be pivoted by a separate actuator mounted on the vehicle, enabling greater adjustment range and visibility while reducing constraints imposed by housing integration. The actuator is taken out of the traditional location to achieve better field of view adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning the actuator on the vehicle body rather than within the mirror housing. This dimensional repositioning allows the mirror head to pivot about an axis that provides enhanced rearward visibility while maintaining a compact overall structure. The actuator operates from a different spatial location to achieve superior adjustment capabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror head is made compact to improve aerodynamics, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the space for conventional actuators within the mirror housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the mirror housing and relocated to the vehicle body, eliminating the need for internal actuator space within the compact mirror head. This allows the mirror housing to be optimized for aerodynamic performance without compromising actuator functionality, as the actuation mechanism is positioned externally where it does not interfere with aerodynamic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is segmented into separate functional components: the compact mirror head optimized for aerodynamics and the actuator mounted on the vehicle body. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized - the mirror head for aerodynamic efficiency and the actuator for functional performance - without mutual interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis is positioned at the rear of the mirror head to improve visibility, then the rearward field of view is enhanced, but the mirror head becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivot support structure as an intermediary between the actuator and the mirror head. This intermediary component provides stable support for the pivot axis while allowing the mirror head to pivot effectively. The pivot support acts as a mediator that maintains mirror head stability even when the pivot axis is positioned at the rear to maximize rearward visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a non-movable portion, a movable portion and a mirror head. The non-movable portion is configured for attachment at an exterior portion of a vehicle and the movable portion is movable relative to the non-movable portion. The mirror head is movable relative to the movable portion, and a mirror reflective element is fixedly attached at the mirror head. A first actuator is operable to move the movable portion relative to the non-movable portion about a first axis and a second actuator is operable to move the mirror head relative to the movable portion about a second axis. The first and second actuators are cooperatively operable to move the movable portion about the first axis and to move the mirror head about the second axis, and the mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head.