Vehicle Mirror Module Assembly for Flush Sensor Surface Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle mirror devices face difficulties in aligning the outer surfaces of imaging and light projection devices with the attachment member and housing as a single design surface due to limitations in mounting methods, where the imaging device is recessed inward, making it challenging to achieve a flush alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle mirror device design featuring an attachment member with a plate-like shape that allows the imaging and light projection devices to be mounted in a direction different from the fastening direction, using screw receivers and guide portions to position and secure the devices flush with the housing's surface, enabling easy alignment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the imaging device is fixed with bosses attached in the direction along the inner surface of the under panel, then the imaging device can be mounted on the under panel, but the lens surface becomes recessed inward and cannot be aligned with the outer surface of the under panel as the same design surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting direction from the planar direction (along the inner surface) to the thickness direction (perpendicular to the surface). By attaching bosses to the outer surface and extending them in the thickness direction, the imaging device can be mounted such that its lens surface aligns flush with the outer surface of the under panel, resolving the surface alignment issue while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Device complexity
If the imaging device is mounted with the lens recessed inward, then the mounting structure is simple, but it is difficult to align the outer surface of the under panel and the lens surface as the same design surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by changing the dimensional approach of the mounting structure. Instead of using bosses that extend in the planar direction, the bosses extend in the thickness direction, allowing the imaging device to be positioned such that its lens surface is flush with the outer surface. This maintains structural simplicity while achieving precise surface alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light projection device is mounted using the same method as the imaging device, then the mounting process is standardized, but the infrared light emitting surface also becomes recessed and cannot be aligned with the housing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the same mounting structure (bosses attached to the outer surface and extending in the thickness direction) to both the imaging device and the light projection device. This universal mounting method standardizes the mounting process for different device types while ensuring that both the lens surface and the infrared light emitting surface align flush with the respective housing surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle mirror device includes a housing; an imaging device including an image light acquisition unit disposed in a lower surface of the housing in a vehicle-mounted state; a light projection device including an infrared irradiation unit disposed in the lower surface of the housing and disposed side by side with the image light acquisition unit in the left-and-right direction; and a plate-like attachment member including a surface on which the imaging device and the light projection device are mounted, and attached to the housing to hold the imaging device and the light projection device between the attachment member and the housing, the imaging device and the light projection device being fastened to the attachment member with screw members in a first direction. The attachment member is configured such that the imaging device and the light projection device are mountable thereon in a second direction different from the first direction.