Mirror systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mirrors are stationary, making them cumbersome for users to change the viewed area, and their rotatable members are difficult to manufacture, leading to high costs and limited application customization.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable mirror system with a hinge assembly that allows independent vertical movement of rotatable members, enabling users to reposition the mirrors for optimized viewing and reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing gaps between mirror components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mirrors are made stationary and attached to a surface, then the mirror structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the user must move to change the viewed area making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary mirror into an adjustable system. The mirror assembly is coupled to the base mirror through an adjustable hinge system that enables movement. Rotation of adjustment screws causes the mirror assembly to move relative to the base mirror, allowing users to change the viewed area without moving their bodies. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mirror system into distinct components: a base mirror and a separate adjustable mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes multiple mirror segments (first mirror, second mirror, third mirror) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions and enables flexible adjustment without requiring the entire mirror structure to be complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable members are added to allow mirror rotation, then viewing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable hinge system provides dynamic rotation capability through screw mechanisms rather than complex rotary joints. The adjustment screws engage with threaded holes in the brackets, allowing controlled rotation of the mirror assembly to various angles. This approach achieves viewing angle flexibility while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of precision rotary mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses brackets as intermediary components between the base mirror and the adjustable mirror assembly. The first bracket, second bracket, and third bracket serve as mediators that facilitate the connection and enable adjustment functionality. These intermediary brackets simplify the overall structure by breaking down the rotation mechanism into manageable, easily manufactured components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirror segments are added to show multiple surfaces, then viewing capability is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror system is segmented into multiple functional mirror segments (first mirror, second mirror, third mirror) arranged in an L-shaped configuration. Each segment serves a specific viewing purpose, allowing users to view multiple surfaces simultaneously. The segmentation principle enables enhanced viewing capability while keeping each individual mirror segment simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mirror assembly serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at various angles, it includes multiple mirror segments for different viewing angles, and it can be adjusted to accommodate different user needs. This multi-functionality is achieved through the universal adjustable hinge system that controls all mirror segments, reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror system includes a base mirror assembly and an adjustable mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly is coupled to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly includes an adjustable hinge system that facilitates movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable hinge system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a hinge, and a third bracket. The first bracket is coupled to the base mirror assembly. The second bracket is coupled to the first bracket. The hinge is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. The third bracket is coupled to the hinge and the second bracket. The third bracket is coupled to the second bracket via a first screw such that the base mirror assembly is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. Rotation of the first screw causes movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly.