Exterior Rearview Mirror Assembly with Nested Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles often compromise on aerodynamics and aesthetics due to the need for larger mirror casings to accommodate actuators and internal components, which can obstruct the driver's view and increase wind resistance.
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 a reduced mirror casing size while maintaining adjustable reflective elements and providing a powerfold function, thus enhancing aerodynamics and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror casing is enlarged to accommodate actuators and internal components, then the adjustable function and powerfold capability are achieved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates and the aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the actuator and internal components inside the mirror casing in a compact, space-efficient arrangement. The shroud extends from behind the reflective element to conceal these components, effectively nesting them within the existing mirror head structure rather than requiring external accommodation, thus maintaining aerodynamic performance while achieving adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the reflective element to be disposed outboard of the mirror head, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than increasing the forward-protruding size of the mirror casing. This dimensional rearrangement allows the actuator to be positioned within the mirror head without increasing the aerodynamic footprint, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and aerodynamic performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror casing is enlarged to accommodate actuators and internal components, then the adjustable function and powerfold capability are achieved, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud extends from behind the reflective element to conceal the actuator and internal components within the mirror head, creating a clean, streamlined appearance. This nesting approach hides the mechanical components that would otherwise mar the aesthetic appeal, while still providing the necessary adjustability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the aesthetic burden by separating the functional components (actuator, internal mechanisms) from the visible mirror casing structure. By positioning these components inside the mirror head and concealing them with the shroud, the design extracts the ugliness of mechanical parts while retaining their functional benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror casing is enlarged to accommodate actuators and internal components, then the adjustable function is achieved, but the driver's view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the reflective element outboard of the mirror head, utilizing the lateral dimension to accommodate the adjustment mechanism without increasing the forward projection of the mirror casing. This dimensional rearrangement prevents obstruction of the driver's view while maintaining the adjustable function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a power-adjustable mirror system where the mirror head can be dynamically repositioned relative to the vehicle body through an actuator. This dynamic capability allows the mirror to be adjusted electrically rather than requiring manual adjustment, achieving the adjustable function without increasing the static footprint that would obstruct the driver's view.
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an exterior side portion of a vehicle includes a mounting portion, a mirror head and an electrically-operated actuator. The mounting portion is configured for attachment at an exterior side portion of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element. The mirror head is attached at the electrically-operated actuator. With the mounting portion of the exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the exterior side portion of the vehicle, the electrically-operated actuator is electrically operable to move the mirror reflective element and the mirror casing together in tandem to vertically and horizontally adjust a field of view of a driver of the vehicle who is viewing the mirror reflective element.