Ball-Joint Mirror Support With Hidden Wire Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror supports are complex in structure, difficult to assemble, and require separate components for wire installation, which complicates the appearance and increases material costs.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly with a ball shaft, ball housings, and springs that allow for easy wire installation through a wire receiving groove, covered by a wire cover, and simplified assembly with integrated components made of different materials to reduce the need for additional friction sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional mirror support structure is used, then the mirror can be supported, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into integrated assemblies. The ball shaft integrates the shaft, balls, and wire receiving groove into a single component. The ball housing integrates the housing, spring mounting, and ball receiving portion. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the mirror, provides a wire receiving groove for cable management, and enables rotational movement through the ball joints. The ball housing provides both structural support and spring mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate wire installation components are used, then wires can be installed, but the appearance becomes complicated and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wire receiving groove is integrated directly into the ball shaft component, eliminating the need for separate wire management components. The wire cover is a simple cap that attaches to the ball housing, providing a clean appearance without complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire receiving groove extracts the wire management function from separate components and incorporates it into the existing ball shaft structure. This removes the need for additional wire conduits or channels that would complicate the appearance.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can perform its function, but the number of parts increases and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into fewer components. The ball shaft combines shaft, balls, and wire receiving groove. The ball housing combines housing, ball receiving portion, and spring mounting features. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite construction by making one component metal (ball shaft) and the other plastic (ball housing), optimizing each material for its specific function while reducing the need for additional friction sockets through the material combination.
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 provides a simple structure with easy assembly, hidden wires, reduced parts, and lower material costs, while maintaining reliable support and frictional forces for the mirror.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of springs mounted on the ball housing and pressurizing the ball to the ball receiving portion
Implementation Method 2
The ball receiving portion may comprise a curved surface making surface contact with the ball
Data Source
AI summary
Abstract: The present embodiment may include; a ball shaft having a pair of balls connected by a shaft and having a wire receiving recess which accommodates a wire; a pair of ball housings having formed therein ball receiving portions which accommodate the balls; a pair of springs which are mounted in the ball housing and press the balls into the ball receiving portions; and a wire cover covering the wire receiving recess.