Exterior Mirror Head Flexible Mounting for Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirrors experience significant vibrations due to wind forces, which are not effectively mitigated by rigid connections between the mirror housing and carrier.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connection between the mirror housing and carrier is established through a partially movable attachment point, allowing the mirror housing to move relative to the carrier in one direction, reducing vibration excitation. This is achieved by a screw connection with a fastening part and a biasing element, such as a compression spring, ensuring the mirror housing is securely attached while allowing for elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mirror housing is rigidly connected to the mirror carrier, then the connection strength is improved, but the vibration excitation due to wind forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mirror housing connection to the mirror carrier movable rather than rigid. The mirror housing is designed to be able to move relative to the mirror carrier in at least one degree of freedom, allowing it to dynamically respond to wind forces and vibrations. This dynamic connection reduces vibration excitation while maintaining adequate connection strength through the movable joint design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mirror housing is connected to the mirror carrier at multiple attachment points, then the connection stability is improved, but the complexity of the fastening structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection function into two parts: a movable connection that allows relative movement between the mirror housing and mirror carrier, and a separate fastening structure that provides stable attachment. This segmentation enables the use of a single attachment point with a movable joint rather than multiple rigid attachment points, reducing fastening structure complexity while maintaining connection stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror housing is made movable relative to the mirror carrier, then the vibration reduction is improved, but the connection strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the connection parameters between the mirror housing and mirror carrier. Specifically, it changes from a rigid connection (zero degrees of freedom) to a movable connection (at least one degree of freedom). This parameter change allows the connection to accommodate wind forces and vibrations while maintaining adequate connection strength through the designed movable joint structure.
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 flexible connection effectively decouples the mirror housing from the carrier, significantly minimizing vibrations caused by wind forces, ensuring a stable and clear view without excessive oscillation.
Implementation Method 1
the screw is surrounded by at least one pretensioning element in the area between the base and its head. It ensures that the fastening part on the mirror housing side is pulled with a corresponding force against the bottom of the fastening part on the mirror support side. The biasing element can be a helical compression spring or an elastically deformable sleeve that sits on the screw.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mirror head for an exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles, comprising a mirror housing (3), which is fixed to the mirror support (4). To minimise vibrations caused by the force of the wind or similar, the mirror housing (3) has a partial flexibility in relation to the mirror support (4). By subjecting the mirror housing (3) to an appropriate force, said housing can be displaced in relation to the mirror support (4). A flexible connection between the mirror housing (3) and the mirror support (4) permits the vibrations at least to be minimised. The mirror head is designed for use as an exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles.