Windshield Mirror Mount Wedge and Spring for Vibration and Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview assemblies for vehicles face challenges in secure fastening to windshields, particularly with increased weight, vibration resistance, and compliance with safety regulations during impacts, such as occupant head collisions.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus using a wedge, mount, and spring with bent legs and lobes, which secures the rearview assembly directly to the windshield, providing retention and allowing detachment under impact conditions, with a locating feature for precise positioning and a spring design for robustness and compliance with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional button or adapter piece is used to secure the rearview assembly, then the assembly can be attached to the windshield, but the increased weight of the rearview assembly causes excessive vibration and risk of falling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-mounted wedge system transitions from a static attachment to a dynamic one, where the spring allows controlled movement and absorption of vibrations. The wedge can deflect under vibration loads while maintaining attachment, preventing the excessive vibration problems that plague rigid mounting systems with heavy rearview assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the button (anchoring element), the spring (energy absorption element), and the wedge (securing element). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function - the button provides fixed anchoring, the spring manages vibration and force, and the wedge provides secure retention, collectively handling the challenges of heavy assembly mounting.
2Reliability
If the rearview assembly is securely fastened to resist vibration, then image distortion is prevented, but the assembly may not detach under impact conditions such as occupant head collision
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-mounted wedge creates a dynamic attachment system that adapts to different force conditions. Under normal vibration, the spring maintains secure attachment through controlled deflection. Under extreme impact forces like head collisions, the system can detach through the spring's excessive deflection or wedge disengagement, satisfying both reliability and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters (force, position, engagement state) based on the magnitude of applied loads. The spring constant and wedge geometry are designed so that under normal conditions the attachment parameters maintain secure fastening, while under impact conditions the parameters shift to allow detachment, achieving both reliability and conditional adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring legs are rigid, then the mount provides stable support, but the installation process becomes difficult and may damage the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The spring legs are designed to be flexible during installation, allowing the mount to be positioned and secured without excessive force. Once installed, the spring's elastic properties provide stable support by maintaining consistent contact pressure and absorbing vibrations, thus achieving both ease of installation and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring legs change their mechanical state from a flexible, easily deformable condition during installation to a stable, vibration-resistant state during operation. The spring material and geometry are selected so that the legs can be easily compressed or bent into position, then maintain stable elastic deformation that provides robust support without damaging the windshield.
4Ease of operation
If the spring is designed for easy installation, then the mounting process is simplified, but the retention force between the mount and wedge may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring design allows easy installation through controlled flexibility, where the legs can be compressed or bent to fit into position. Once installed, the spring's elastic recovery provides strong retention force, maintaining secure connection between the mount and wedge. The dynamic elastic properties enable both easy installation and strong retention simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's mechanical parameters are optimized so that during installation the force required is low (easy installation), but during operation the retained force is high (strong retention). This is achieved through selecting appropriate spring constants, leg dimensions, and material properties that create a favorable force-displacement curve: easy compression for installation, but strong elastic recovery for retention.
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
The apparatus ensures secure attachment and stability of rearview assemblies, resisting vibration and ensuring safe detachment during impacts, while meeting regulatory requirements for safety and weight considerations.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may comprise at least two legs with bent surfaces, the legs configured to deflect outward from one another upon installation
Implementation Method 2
The lobes may be configured to contact and grip the wedge when the spring may be in an installed position, thereby securing the spring to the wedge
Implementation Method 3
The lobes may be configured to guide the spring and to serve as a ramp for the spring during installation
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus for attaching a rearview assembly to a windshield may comprise a wedge; a mount configured to support the rearview assembly, the mount in contact with the wedge on at least one surface; and a spring comprising two legs with bent surfaces and configured to deflect outward from one another upon installation and having a lobe at the end of each leg, the spring configured to secure the mount to the wedge. The wedge may be configured to support the spring.