Rear-View Mirror Control Key With Orthogonal Rocking Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear-view mirror control interfaces for motor vehicles can accidentally be pivoted in undesired directions, leading to unintended commands or operation beyond their design capabilities due to the lack of restriction on rocking motions.
Innovation Solution
A control interface with a rocking control key that is constrained to pivot only in two orthogonal directions through the use of a gimbal and a cruciform guide template, preventing any rocking outside these defined axes, ensuring the key can only be moved in the intended up/down and right/left orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control key can be rocked in multiple distinct directions, then the control interface can accommodate more adjustment directions, but the control key may accidentally be pivoted in undesired directions such as diagonal directions
Solution Approach 1:
The control key is divided into multiple independent rocking segments, each capable of rocking only in a specific predetermined direction. The first control key segment rocks only in the first direction while the second control key segment rocks only in the second direction, preventing accidental diagonal pivoting while maintaining multi-directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Rocking control keys with intermediate bearing elements are introduced between the control key segments and the housing. These bearing elements guide and constrain the rocking motion to specific predetermined directions, acting as intermediaries that prevent unintended diagonal movements while enabling controlled multi-directional adjustment.
2Reliability
If the control key is constrained to two orthogonal directions using a gimbal and cruciform guide template, then accidental pivoting is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal mechanism and cruciform guide template are merged into a single integrated structural component. The guide template is formed as an integral part of the housing, combining the gimbal's rotational constraint function with the guide template's directional guidance function, thereby reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining the reliability benefit of preventing accidental pivoting.
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 ensures that the control key can only be pivoted in the intended orthogonal directions, preventing accidental or unintended movements and forcing the user to operate the interface within its designed parameters, enhancing the reliability and precision of rear-view mirror adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a gimbal (6) interposed between the control key (4) and the base (2) to define a first and a second orthogonal directions of rocking
Implementation Method 2
the first or the second pivot connection is formed by at least one journal and at least one bearing collaborating with one another
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control interface (1) for controlling at least one function of a unit of a motor vehicle, the control interface comprising a base, a control key tilting in two orthogonal directions, a gimbal interposed between the control key and the base in order to define a first and a second orthogonal tilting direction, a guide rod carried by the lower face of the control key arranged opposite the base and a cruciform guide matrix aligned in the two orthogonal tilting directions and carried by the base and arranged opposite the guide rod and cooperating with the free end thereof so as to prevent tilting of the control key in a direction other than the two orthogonal tilting directions.