Vehicular Mirror Assembly with Nested Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles often have limitations in adjusting the rearward field of view and aerodynamic design, as they require larger mirror casings to accommodate actuators and internal components, which can compromise visibility and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporates dual actuators and a shroud or inner casing that conceals the actuator and internal components, allowing for adjustable mirror reflective elements and a reduced mirror casing size, enhancing the rearward field of view and aerodynamics while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional exterior rearview mirror assemblies use larger mirror casings to accommodate actuators and internal components, then the actuators can adjust the mirror reflective element, but the visibility and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the actuator inside the mirror reflective element structure. The actuator is positioned within the reflective element assembly, allowing it to adjust the mirror angle without requiring additional external space. This nested configuration enables the mirror casing to maintain a compact size while still accommodating the adjustment mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If conventional exterior rearview mirror assemblies use larger mirror casings to accommodate actuators and internal components, then the actuators can adjust the mirror reflective element, but the aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within the mirror reflective element assembly, allowing it to be hidden from external view. This configuration maintains a clean, streamlined mirror casing appearance without visible mechanical components, thereby preserving aesthetic appeal while retaining full adjustment functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the mirror reflective element is disposed outboard of the mirror head, then the rearward field of view is improved, but the internal component arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator with the mirror reflective element assembly by positioning the actuator inside the reflective element structure. This integration combines the adjustment mechanism and the reflective element into a unified assembly, simplifying the internal component arrangement despite the outboard positioning of the reflective element for improved field of view.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm, a mirror head and an electrically-operated actuator. The mounting arm includes a base mounting portion that is configured for attachment at an exterior side portion of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly. The actuator is secured at an actuator-mounting bracket of the mounting arm. With the mirror assembly mounted at an exterior portion of a side door of a vehicle, electrical operation of the actuator moves the mirror head to adjust a rearward view provided by the mirror reflective element to the driver of the vehicle viewing the mirror reflective element. A mounting post of the mounting arm passes through an opening of the mirror head that provides clearance between the mirror head and the mounting arm to allow movement of the mirror head relative to the mounting arm during electrical operation of the actuator.