Mirror Mounting Assembly with Backing Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side view mirrors on buses and trucks experience increased vibration due to elongated mounting arms, which are fixed to vibrating body panels, leading to rust and corrosion issues, and detachable mirrors are prone to theft and vibration amplification.
Innovation Solution
A mirror mounting assembly with a mounting bracket, top support bracket, and back support bracket that conform to the vehicle's structure, using multiple connection areas and devices to secure the mirror firmly, reducing vibration and preventing rust, while allowing for secure attachment without drilling through the fender.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mounting arms are fixed to the body panels of the vehicle, then the mirror can be securely mounted, but the vibration of the mirror increases due to the vibrating body panels
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration isolation element is introduced as an intermediary component between the mounting bracket and the mirror mounting arm. This element absorbs and dampens vibrations from the vehicle body panels before they reach the mirror, reducing mirror vibration while maintaining secure mounting through the mounting bracket that attaches to the body panel.
2Strength
If holes are drilled in the body panels for mounting, then the mirror assembly can be attached, but rust and corrosion develop in the mounting hole area exposing bare metal to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
A removable mounting bracket is used instead of permanent drilling into body panels. The bracket can be attached and removed without drilling through the fender, avoiding exposure of bare metal to moisture. This disposable or temporary mounting solution prevents rust and corrosion while providing secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary between the mirror assembly and the vehicle body, allowing attachment without drilling through the fender. By mounting to the body panel surface rather than drilling through, the bare metal is protected from moisture exposure that causes rust and corrosion.
3Ease of operation
If detachable mirrors are used with clamps and rubber elements, then the mounting is flexible and easy to install, but the device is easily removed and subject to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses a dynamic design where the mounting bracket can be easily installed and removed, but the mirror mounting arm provides secure attachment. The vibration isolation element and multi-component design create a balanced system that is flexible for installation yet resistant to unauthorized removal through the integrated mounting mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror to a vehicle, includes a mounting bracket including a mirror pivot mechanism for pivotally mounting a mirror mounting arm carrying the mirror to the mirror mounting bracket, and a top support bracket configured to connect to a top side of a first structural portion. The assembly also includes a back support bracket configured to connect to at least one of the top support bracket and the top side of the structural portion of the vehicle, and configured to connect to the mounting bracket while being supported by at least one of the first structural portion and at least a second structural portion of the vehicle.