Rear View Mirror Retainer Assembly for Harness Routing and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view devices face challenges in securely guiding and sealing harnesses from the vehicle interior to the exterior rear view device, particularly due to the metallic nature of the base frame and the need for accurate datum systems.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly is introduced, comprising a retainer means that is mounted between the base assembly of the rear view device and the vehicle. This assembly includes guiding projections, sealing portions, and datum structural elements to securely route and seal the harness, while accommodating variations in camera harnesses and cleaning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic base frame is used for the rear view device, then structural strength is improved, but harness guidance and sealing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is segmented into a metallic base frame and a separate retainer assembly. The retainer assembly is further divided into a retainer body and a retainer cover, creating distinct functional zones for harness guidance and sealing while maintaining the structural integrity of the metallic frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly acts as an intermediary component between the metallic base frame and the harness. It provides dedicated guiding projections and sealing portions that facilitate harness routing and sealing without requiring modifications to the metallic base frame itself.
2Reliability
If a retainer assembly with guiding projections and sealing portions is added, then harness routing and sealing are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer body and retainer cover are designed to be assembled together to form a complete retainer assembly. This merging of components allows the harness guidance and sealing functions to be integrated into a single assembly unit that attaches to the base frame, reducing the number of separate operations needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly is pre-assembled with the harness routed through its guiding projections and sealed by its sealing portions before attachment to the base frame. This preliminary action ensures proper harness positioning and sealing is achieved before final assembly, simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Measurement precision
If datum structural elements are accommodated through the retainer means, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the retainer design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer means is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the harness, seals the harness, and accommodates datum structural elements for positioning accuracy. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of the retainer body and cover that incorporates all these features without requiring separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~4c
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a retainer assembly (300) adapted to be installed between a base assembly (100) of an exterior rear view device (1) and a vehicle (2) to which the exterior rear view device (1) is mounted, the retainer assembly (300), comprising a retainer means (301) adapted to be mounted on one side to a door attachment portion (115) of a base frame (110) of the base assembly (100) and on the opposite side to a door panel (605) of the vehicle (2), wherein the retainer means (301) is provided with at least one opening (322, 351) for allowing at least one datum structural element of the door attachment portion (115) of the base frame to pass thereto, and at least one guiding projection (122) and/or at least one guiding channel portion (123) for providing at least part of a guiding channel (420) for routing and/or guiding at least one harness (400, 410) from the vehicle to an electric component (210, 700, 710) of the rear view device (1), and/or at least one sealing portion (310) for covering at least a portion of the at least one harness (400, 410). It also refers to a exterior rear view device (1) with such a retainer assembly (300), a method for assembling such a rear view device (1) and a vehicle (2) with such a rear view device (1).