Confusion-Proof Mirror Mounting Using Asymmetric Angle Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly systems for motor vehicle exterior mirrors often result in incorrect mounting of mirror heads due to the risk of misalignment and mix-up of angle plates between right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, leading to suboptimal observation of rear traffic.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system using identical angle plates with coding elements that ensure correct orientation and alignment, reducing the risk of confusion by allowing only one orientation for each type of drive vehicle, and allowing the use of the same components for both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If identical angle plates are used for both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, then the number of components to be kept ready for assembly is reduced, but the risk of incorrect mounting orientation and misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing angle plates with different wedge angles for right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles. Specifically, angle plates for right-hand drive vehicles have a first wedge angle, while angle plates for left-hand drive vehicles have a second wedge angle that is different from the first. This asymmetric design ensures that the correct angle plate can only be properly mounted on the corresponding holding arm type, preventing incorrect orientation and misalignment while maintaining a limited set of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different geometric properties (wedge angles) to specific parts of the angle plates based on their intended use. The holding arms also have corresponding local differences in their mounting surface geometries. This localized differentiation ensures that each angle plate is uniquely suited for its designated vehicle type, preventing confusion and incorrect assembly while keeping the overall component set manageable.
2Reliability
If different angle plates are kept ready for different vehicles, then correct mounting orientation is ensured, but the number of components to be managed and assembled increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by using asymmetric wedge angles to create inherently distinguishable angle plates. Instead of requiring multiple identical angle plates with different orientations or additional coding features, the design uses fundamentally different wedge angles (first wedge angle for right-hand drive, second wedge angle for left-hand drive) that make the components self-identifying. This approach ensures mounting orientation accuracy while minimizing the number and variety of components that need to be managed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wedge-shaped angle plates are used to provide different basic positions, then adjustability for different seating positions is achieved, but the risk of mix-up and incorrect alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy by using asymmetric wedge angles in the angle plates. The first wedge angle for right-hand drive vehicles and the second wedge angle for left-hand drive vehicles are specifically designed to provide the correct basic positions for mirror adjustability. The asymmetry ensures that each angle plate can only be correctly mounted in its intended orientation, eliminating the risk of mix-up and ensuring precise alignment for optimal rear traffic observation from different seating positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The mounting system has a right holding arm (1) and a left holding arm (2), where arms have mounting surfaces (3,4). Two identical left-hand drive angle plates (20) or two identical right-hand drive angle plates (10) are provided, where each plate has a front side, a back side, a narrow boundary side and an oppositely arranged wide boundary side. The plates are mounted at the mounting surfaces of the both holding arms by the rear sides and are mounted at the front sides of the mirror heads. An independent claim is also included for a holding unit for a left vehicle side mirror of a left hand drive vehicle.