Rear-View Mirror Spherical Shell Positioning to Prevent Shaking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear-view mirrors experience shaking and distortion during up and down adjustments, affecting user comfort.

Innovation Solution

An actuator spherical shell structure with a positioning structure and damping mechanism is introduced, guiding the relative rotation between the actuator and housing to prevent shaking, and providing continuous damping force for smooth angle adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional spherical shell structure is used for up and down adjustment, then the mirror surface can be adjusted to different angles, but shaking and distortion occur during the adjustment process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemirror angle adjustmentVSAvoidmirror surface stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning structure with positioning guide raised lines and positioning guide grooves is introduced as an intermediary between the actuator and the mirror assembly. This positioning structure guides the relative rotation between spherical shells, ensuring the mirror surface adjusts along a predetermined trajectory without shaking or distortion, thus solving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If front and rear folding adjustment is implemented, then the mirror surface can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemirror adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a spherical shell structure where the actuator spherical shell and housing spherical shell rotate relative to each other. This spherical geometry simplifies the adjustment mechanism by allowing rotation around a fixed point, reducing the complexity compared to traditional folding mechanisms while maintaining multi-directional adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If positioning guide raised lines and grooves are added to guide rotation, then shaking is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment stabilityVSAvoidpositioning structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure utilizes the existing spherical shell geometry, with raised lines and grooves formed as curved features on the spherical surfaces. This integration of positioning features into the spherical design minimizes additional complexity while effectively guiding the rotation and reducing shaking during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 solution effectively prevents mirror surface shaking and distortion during angle adjustments, enhancing user comfort and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a damping ring 500, which is adapted to provide friction between the actuator spherical shell surface 142 and the housing spherical shell surface 420 when the actuator spherical shell 140 and the housing spherical shell 400 rotate relative to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4491459B1Actuator spherical shell structure, rear-view mirror and vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 NINGBO SMR HUAXIANG AUTOMOTIVE MIRRORS LTD
  • EP4491459B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4491459B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4491459B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an actuator spherical shell structure, comprising an actuator spherical shell surface (142) located inside a housing and a housing spherical shell surface (420) located outside the actuator (200) and rotating in coordination with the actuator spherical shell surface. The actuator is connected to the housing for driving, and a positioning structure is provided between the actuator and the housing. Under the guidance of the actuator's driving and positioning structure, the housing flips the rear-view element (300) installed along the set direction via the housing spherical shell surface around the actuator spherical shell surface. A rear-view mirror and a vehicle comprising the above actuator spherical shell structure are also disclosed. The present disclosure has the beneficial effects below: the positioning structure can guide the relative rotation between the actuator spherical shell surface and the housing spherical shell surface; compared with traditional spherical shell structures, it can effectively avoid shaking of the rear-view element during angle adjustment, improving user comfort.