Vehicle Mirror Spherical Seat Articulation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external rear view devices for motor vehicles lack enhanced functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining user convenience and safety, particularly in terms of size, weight, and aero performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fixed base assembly with a moveable head assembly and articulation assembly featuring two independent articulation axes, a camera unit, and a unique casing structure that allows for rotational movement and support, including a cradle system and additional bracket for enhanced support and protection, along with a bezel for housing various components like lights and heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional rigid mirror structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but size and weight are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spherical seat articulation mechanism that allows the mirror head to rotate dynamically around two independent axes. This dynamic structure replaces traditional rigid mounting, reducing overall system weight while maintaining structural integrity through the spherical seat design that distributes mechanical loads efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror system is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed base assembly, a moveable head assembly, and an articulation assembly with spherical seats. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing total weight while maintaining overall structural strength through precise mechanical connections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a compact mirror design is used, then aero performance is improved, but adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical seat articulation assembly enables a compact mirror design that can dynamically adjust its orientation. The two independent rotation axes provide extensive adjustment range within a compact form factor, optimizing aero performance while maintaining full adjustability for different driving conditions and driver preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement in multiple dimensions through the spherical seat mechanism. Instead of linear adjustment, the mirror head rotates around two independent axes, providing comprehensive adjustment range within a compact space, thereby improving aero performance without sacrificing versatility.
3Volume of moving object
If a moveable head assembly is used, then packaging efficiency is improved, but mechanical complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable head assembly utilizes a spherical seat mechanism with two rotation axes, providing efficient packaging within reduced volume. The dynamic articulation allows compact storage when not in use while maintaining full functionality during operation, balancing space efficiency with mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation assembly with spherical seats serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables dynamic positioning, and allows compact packaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall system volume while managing mechanical complexity through integrated design.
4Productivity
If traditional mirror mounting is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic spherical seat articulation mechanism enables a lighter, more aerodynamic mirror assembly that improves fuel efficiency. While the manufacturing process is slightly more complex due to the precision required for spherical seats and rotation mechanisms, the overall system weight reduction and aero performance gains result in improved fuel economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction in the mirror housing and articulation components, combining materials to optimize strength-to-weight ratio. This approach improves fuel efficiency by reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized composite material processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to an external rear view device for a motor vehicle, comprising: a fixed base assembly (12) provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle; a moveable head assembly (60) attached to the base assembly; an articulation assembly (30), the articulation assembly comprising a fixed part (32) attached to the fixed base assembly and a moveable part (34) attached to the head assembly; and a camera unit (50,62,73), in particular immovably, secured within at least one of the fixed base assembly or the moveable head assembly, wherein the articulation assembly comprises two articulation axes, the direction vectors of the articulation axes being independent of each other.