Mirror Device Stopper Mechanism Worm Rotation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mirror devices have limited rotational freedom, restricting the pivoting range of the worm mechanism, which hampers the degree of control over the mirror's rotational position.

Innovation Solution

A mirror device with a stopper mechanism that includes a rotating member coaxially arranged with the worm, featuring a first contact portion to receive force from the worm and a second contact portion locked by the holding member, allowing the worm to rotate by more than one rotation, thereby increasing the rotational range and freedom of the mirror.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional stopper mechanism is used to restrict the rotation range of the worm, then the mirror's rotational position can be controlled within a limited range, but the degree of freedom in controlling the rotational position is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegree of freedom in controlling rotational positionVSAvoidrotation range restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper mechanism is segmented into multiple independent contact portions (first contact portion and second contact portion) that can independently interact with different features of the worm. This segmentation allows the worm to rotate through more than one full rotation while still maintaining controlled stop positions, thereby increasing the degree of freedom without requiring a completely different mechanism design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating member acts as an intermediary between the worm and the holding member. It translates the worm's rotational motion into controlled angular positions through its contact portions, enabling the worm to achieve a rotation range exceeding one full rotation while maintaining precise positional control. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both freedom of movement and controlled restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rotation range of the worm is expanded to exceed one rotation, then the degree of freedom in controlling the mirror's rotational position is improved, but the complexity of the stopper mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation rangeVSAvoidstopper mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stop positions through its contact portions, enables rotation beyond one full rotation, and maintains mechanical coupling between the worm and the mirror assembly. This multi-functionality allows the mechanism to achieve expanded rotation range without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component performs multiple critical roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper mechanism transitions from a static restriction to a dynamic system where the rotating member can rotate relative to both the holding member and the worm. This dynamic capability allows the worm to achieve rotation ranges exceeding one full rotation while the contact portions dynamically engage and disengage to provide controlled stop positions, adapting to the expanded rotation requirement without requiring a completely complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the degree of freedom in controlling the mirror's rotational position by expanding the pivoting range of the worm, allowing for a wider rotation range and improved accuracy of rotational position control, while minimizing deformation and vibration.

Implementation Method 1

a first contact portion that is provided on the rotating member and comes in contact with the worm to receive force in the rotation direction from the worm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a second contact portion that is provided on the rotating member and is locked by the holding member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a worm that meshes with the gear teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11402606B2Mirror device

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A mirror device includes: a mirror including a rotation shaft; a gear unit having gear teeth and coupled to the rotation shaft; a worm that meshes with the gear teeth; a holding member that supports the worm; a motor configured to rotationally drive the rotation shaft via the worm and the gear teeth; and a stopper mechanism (16) that has a rotating member disposed coaxially with the worm, and restricts a rotation range of the worm, in which the stopper mechanism includes: a first contact portion that is provided on the rotating member and comes in contact with the worm to receive force in the rotation direction from the worm; and a second contact portion that is provided on the rotating member and is locked by the holding member, the stopper mechanism being configured to allow the worm to rotate relative to the holding member by more than one rotation.