Motor Vehicle Mirror Head Assembly with Articulation Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external rear view devices for motor vehicles are limited in terms of size reduction, functionality enhancement, and cost efficiency, particularly in their articulation mechanisms and integration of camera systems for improved visibility and impact protection.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base assembly with a spherical seat and frame means providing independent articulation axes for the mirror head, a camera unit secured within the base or head assembly, and a bezel system for adjustable glass elements, allowing for compact size, enhanced packaging, and improved aero performance while maintaining user functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the mirror head is made rigidly fixed to the base assembly, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and visibility adjustment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror head assembly is made dynamically adjustable through an articulation mechanism with two independent articulation axes. The first articulation axis allows adjustment in the first direction (e.g., up/down), and the second articulation axis allows adjustment in the second direction (e.g., left/right). This dynamic structure enables the mirror head to be positioned at multiple orientations to provide optimal visibility for different driving conditions and driver preferences, while the articulation mechanism itself is designed for manufacturability using standard mechanical components.
2Shape
If the mirror size is reduced by 30%, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but structural strength and impact protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror housing is constructed using composite materials that combine lightweight properties for aerodynamic performance with high-strength characteristics for impact protection. The housing incorporates reinforced structures and impact-absorbing materials that maintain structural integrity even at reduced size, allowing the mirror assembly to achieve both aerodynamic efficiency and adequate protection against impacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a camera system is integrated into the mirror assembly, then functionality is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is integrated into the mirror head assembly, merging the imaging function with the existing mirror structure. The camera unit is positioned within the mirror head and shares the same housing and mounting mechanisms, allowing it to capture images from the same perspective as the mirror provides visibility. This integration approach adds the imaging functionality while utilizing existing structural elements, thereby reducing the overall complexity increase compared to having separate mirror and camera systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An external rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a fixed base assembly provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle and a moveable head assembly attached to the base assembly via an articulation assembly. The rear view device may include a camera located within the base assembly or within the head assembly. The rear view device may include a cassette bezel that tilts and closes the rear view device. The rear view device may also include a fixed frame which supports downward load that is applied to the mirror and the articulation assembly of the mirror, and the articulation assembly may be configured to adjust the rear view device between an outboard drive condition, a standard drive condition, a park condition, and positions therebetween.