Exterior Mirror Actuator Using Gear and Limiting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies with vertically arranged discs and positioning pins result in increased weight and thickness due to the configuration of the actuator, which is inefficient for adjustable mirror heads.
Innovation Solution
The use of a gear element with a teeth portion and a missing teeth region, driven by a unit that includes a rotary motor, and a limiting element to control the rotation of the gear element, allowing for pivotal movement of the mirror head while reducing weight and size through a more efficient actuator design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a disc with positioning pins and springs is used to position the mirror head, then the mirror head can be adjusted relative to the vehicle, but the overall weight and thickness of the actuator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the disc component from the actuator assembly and replaces it with a gear element having a teeth portion and a missing teeth region. This extraction of the disc eliminates the need for vertical arrangement with positioning pins, thereby reducing the actuator's weight and thickness while maintaining the mirror head's adjustability through the gear's rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical disc-positioning pin-spring system with a gear-driven rotational system. The gear element with its teeth portion and missing teeth region engages with a driving unit to provide controlled pivotal movement of the mirror head, replacing the old mechanical arrangement with a more compact and lighter mechanism that achieves the same positioning function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a disc with positioning pins and springs is used to position the mirror head, then the mirror head can be adjusted relative to the vehicle, but the overall thickness of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the disc component from the actuator assembly and replaces it with a gear element having a teeth portion and a missing teeth region. This extraction of the disc eliminates the need for vertical arrangement with positioning pins, thereby reducing the actuator's weight and thickness while maintaining the mirror head's adjustability through the gear's rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement (disc with pins extending vertically) to a rotational arrangement (gear element rotating about an axis). This dimensional change allows the actuator to achieve the same positioning function with a reduced thickness profile, as the gear's rotation occurs within a plane rather than requiring vertical space.
3Reliability
If the bottom of the disc has inclined sliding grooves matched with positioning pins, then the mirror head can be positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the disc component from the actuator assembly and replaces it with a gear element having a teeth portion and a missing teeth region. This extraction of the disc eliminates the need for vertical arrangement with positioning pins, thereby reducing the actuator's weight and thickness while maintaining the mirror head's adjustability through the gear's rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical disc-positioning pin-spring system with a gear-driven rotational system. The gear element with its teeth portion and missing teeth region engages with a driving unit to provide controlled pivotal movement of the mirror head, replacing the old mechanical arrangement with a more compact and lighter mechanism that achieves the same positioning function.
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
This solution enables adjustable exterior rearview mirrors with reduced weight and size, improving the actuator's efficiency and effectiveness in pivoting the mirror head while maintaining precise control over its position.
Implementation Method 1
The gear element has a teeth portion and a missing teeth region. The driving unit is configured to drive the gear element to pivot the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion.
Implementation Method 2
The limiting element is located to corresponding to the missing teeth region and configured to contact an end of the teeth portion when the mirror head portion pivots relative to the mounting portion at an angle.
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior mirror assembly with an actuator is provided. The actuator comprises: a gear element, a driving unit and a limiting element. The driving unit is configured to impart a rotation of the gear element. The limiting element is adjacent to a circumference of the gear element. The gear element has a teeth portion with a first end and a second end and the teeth portion extends along the circumference of the gear element. The limiting element leans against the first end or the second end of the teeth portion when the driving unit drives the gear element to rotate by an angle.