Foldable Exterior Mirror Step Structure for Gap Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-view exterior mirrors on motor vehicles experience noise emissions due to air flowing through gaps in the pivot joint, causing acoustic disturbances during driving.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recessed region between the base and head member bodies, forming a step that disrupts airflow and prevents air from hitting edges, reducing noise emissions by directing airflow along the base and head member bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If exterior mirrors are designed to be foldable with a pivot joint, then the mirror can be folded in to reduce vehicle width and take up less space, but air flowing toward the mirror strikes edges in the gap area causing acoustic emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating a recessed region that forms a step structure perpendicular to the airflow direction. This dimensional change allows the airflow to follow a stepped path rather than directly striking the edge, resolving the noise issue while maintaining the foldable design
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed region acts as an intermediary structure between the base member body and head member body. It mediates the airflow by providing a stepped surface that redirects air flow, preventing direct impact on edges while maintaining the functional gap for folding movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gap or joint is created to enable relative movement of the mirror face, then folding capability is achieved, but air flow along the base member body hits edges causing acoustic disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed region is pre-formed on the base member body to create a step structure before air flow occurs. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when air flows toward the mirror, it automatically follows the stepped path defined by the recessed region, preventing edge impact and noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the recessed region that creates a step in the vertical dimension, the patent transforms the airflow path from a direct horizontal strike to a stepped trajectory, enabling the gap to exist without causing noise
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
This configuration effectively reduces noise emissions by ensuring air flows smoothly over the observation apparatus, eliminating unwanted acoustic disturbances during vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
The base member body comprises at least one recessed region adjacent to the gap, such that a step is formed between the base member body and the head member body by the recessed region. As a result, the air flow is disturbed and detaches from the face.
Data Source
AI summary
An observation apparatus for a motor vehicle for observing the rear traffic events, comprising a base member with a base member body for fastening to a bodywork or an add-on part of the motor vehicle, as well as comprising a head member which is arranged hingedly at the base member with a head member body and an observation member arranged therein or thereon. The base member body and the head member body are adjacent to each other at at least one gap and the head member body adjacent to the gap comprises at least one recessed region such that a step is formed between the base member body and the head member body by the recessed region. Furthermore, a motor vehicle is provided that is equipped with an observation apparatus.