Rear-view mirror joint securing element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror assemblies for motor vehicles face challenges in easy and cost-effective assembly of articulation arrangements, which affects the reliability and safety of the connection between the mirror base and the mirror head.
Innovation Solution
A joint arrangement is introduced that provides a non-positive and/or positive connection between the bearing bush and the bearing journal, with multiple bearing points on the bush and counter-bearing points on the journal, allowing for preload and tolerance compensation in the z-direction, enabling simple and quick assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional articulation arrangements with separate spring elements and latching mechanisms are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element, latching mechanism, and bearing function into a single integrated securing element. This element features a C-shaped cross-section with bearing surfaces on both legs, allowing it to simultaneously provide preload through spring force, latching through engagement with the journal, and bearing support for rotation. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a spring element for preload, a latching mechanism for securing the connection, and a bearing structure for supporting rotational movement. The C-shaped cross-section with bearing surfaces on both legs enables this universal functionality within a single element
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for articulation connection, then functional requirements are met, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single securing element with a C-shaped cross-section. The bearing surfaces on both legs of the C-shape allow it to simultaneously provide bearing support and latching functionality, while the spring properties provide preload. This integration enables assembly in a single operation rather than requiring multiple separate assembly steps
3Ease of manufacture
If simple connection methods are used, then assembly is easy and cost-effective, but tolerance compensation and preload capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spring properties of the securing element to dynamically adjust to tolerance variations. The spring force allows the element to deform slightly and accommodate dimensional tolerances in the bearing journal and bearing bush while maintaining constant preload. This parameter change capability enables simple assembly without requiring high manufacturing precision
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 design facilitates a secure, easy, and cost-effective assembly of the rearview mirror arrangement, ensuring reliable operation and safety by allowing for tolerance compensation and secure fixation of components.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element is designed here as a sleeve with locking tongues, which is inserted between the pin and the bearing bush in the joint socket. The design of the sleeve is such that the latching tongues on the one hand ensure reliable latching of the sleeve with the mirror carrier on the mirror base and at the same time act like a compression spring by which the sleeve is tensioned against the mirror base.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a exterior rear view mirror for a motor vehicle, having a mirror base (2) that can be secured to the vehicle body and a mirror head comprising a mirror support element (3). A joint connection (4) is provided between the mirror base (2) and the mirror head, said connection enabling the mirror base (2) and the mirror head to be pivotably mounted about a pivoting axis (A). Said joint connection (4) comprises a bearing bushing (6) and a bearing journal (5) which are interconnected in a positive and/or material fit by means of a securing element (7). The aim of the invention is to develop said exterior rear view mirror such that mounting the individual parts of the joint connection of the external rear view mirror can be performed in a simple and economical manner. This is achieved in that, in order to prestress in the direction of the pivoting axis (A) of the bearing bushing (6) against the bearing journal (5), the securing element (7) rests against a plurality of bearing points (6b) on the bearing bushing (6) and also, on a plurality of counter bearing points (5c) on the bearing journal (5). The securing element (7) is also designed such that a tolerance compensation in the direction of the axis (z-axis) and/or in the direction of the pivoting axis (A) is possible between the bearing journals (5) and bearing bushings (6).