Vehicle Mirror Locking Bracket for Theft-Proof Glass Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mirror assemblies for vehicles face issues with theft prevention measures that compromise visibility or rely on unreliable adhesive fixation due to varying materials used by OEMs.

Innovation Solution

A mirror assembly with a locking bracket that mechanically secures the mirror glass, using clips and anchors to connect the housing and support bracket, ensuring visibility and secure attachment without adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive fixation is used to secure the mirror glass, then the mirror assembly can be assembled, but the fixation becomes unreliable due to variations in materials used by OEMs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial variability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive (chemical) fixation system with a mechanical locking system consisting of clips, retainers, and a locking bracket. This mechanical system provides reliable fixation without depending on material compatibility or adhesive quality, directly resolving the reliability issue caused by OEM material variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If countermeasures are placed on the mirror glass to prevent theft, then theft deterrence is achieved, but visibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the anti-theft countermeasure from the two-dimensional surface of the mirror glass to a three-dimensional structural element (locking bracket) positioned behind the housing. This spatial relocation eliminates visual obstruction while maintaining theft prevention functionality through mechanical engagement with the support bracket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the housing is directly connected to the support bracket, then assembly is simple, but the connection is insufficient to prevent theft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structural arrangement where the locking bracket is positioned about the housing, which itself is connected to the support bracket. The locking bracket's clips engage with both the housing retainers and the support bracket clips, creating a layered, nested connection system that enhances security without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12594904B2Mirror assemblies for vehicles including an anti-theft countermeasure
Publication Date: 2026.04.07 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • US12594904B2 patent drawing
  • US12594904B2 patent drawing
  • US12594904B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed that includes: a support bracket with first clips; a mirror glass that is supported by the support bracket; a housing with retainers that are configured for engagement with the first clips to thereby connect the housing and the support bracket; and a locking bracket that is configured for positioning about the housing. The locking bracket includes second clips that are configured for engagement with the retainers and the first clips to thereby securely connect the housing to the support bracket. The second clips extend outwardly from the locking bracket along radial axes.