Interior Rearview Mirror Tilt Actuator for Fast Glare Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirrors lack efficient mechanisms for automatically adjusting between daytime and nighttime viewing modes to address glare and enhance visibility, often requiring manual intervention or slow mechanical transitions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly with a toggle mechanism incorporating an electrically operable motor, torque element, and torsion spring that allows quick and automatic adjustment between daytime and nighttime orientations, utilizing a clutch assembly to store and release energy for seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual tab flip mechanism is used to switch between daytime and nighttime modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of adjustment and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual tab flip mechanical system with an electrically operable motor-driven toggle mechanism. The motor (28) drives a main gear (34) that engages with a torque element (36), converting electrical energy to mechanical rotation to pivot the mirror head (12) between daytime and nighttime orientations, thereby increasing adjustment speed while maintaining controlled complexity through integrated electrical-mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment system where the mirror head can be actively pivoted between orientations using an electric motor rather than relying on static manual manipulation. The toggle mechanism allows rapid transitions between daytime and nighttime modes through electrical actuation, making the system adaptive and responsive to changing lighting conditions.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-driven toggle mechanism is used to enable automatic adjustment, then the extent of automation and speed are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven toggle mechanism serves multiple functions: it automatically switches between daytime and nighttime modes, provides controlled pivoting motion, and integrates with the mirror head mounting system. The single motor assembly (28, 34, 36) performs both the actuation and positioning functions, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and justifying the added complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a torque element (36) as an intermediary between the motor's rotational output and the mirror head's pivoting motion. This torque element acts as a mediator that converts the motor's continuous rotation into controlled angular displacement of the mirror head, enabling precise orientation changes while protecting the motor from direct mechanical loads.
3Productivity
If rapid switching between orientations is implemented, then the productivity and response time are improved, but the generation of vibration and loss of time for mechanical transitions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous and smooth pivoting motion of the mirror head through the motor-driven gear mechanism. The main gear (34) continuously engages with the torque element (36) to provide uninterrupted rotational motion, eliminating jerky transitions and reducing vibration. This continuous action allows the mirror head to transition smoothly between orientations without mechanical shocks or interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque element (36) acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and dampens mechanical shocks during the pivoting transition. By providing a compliant torque transmission path, it reduces the impact forces and vibrations that would otherwise occur during rapid orientation changes, protecting the mirror head and mounting structure from harmful vibrations.
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
Enables rapid, vibration-free, and energy-efficient switching between daytime and nighttime viewing modes, reducing driver interaction and enhancing visibility by minimizing glare, while potentially replacing traditional tab flip mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically operable motor that drives a main gear
Implementation Method 2
a torque element having a biasing element
Implementation Method 3
reflections at the mirror reflector coating provide the rearward view for the driver
Implementation Method 4
The prismatic mirror reflective element comprises a wedge-shaped glass substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting base and a mirror head accommodating a mirror reflective element. An adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the mirror head between a first orientation and a second orientation. The adjustment mechanism includes an electrically operable motor that drives a main gear, a torque element, an output element coupled to the mirror head and a biasing element coupled to the torque element. With the mirror head in the first orientation, during a first stage of operation of the motor, the motor drives the main gear in a first direction and generates a biasing force at the torque element. During a second stage of operation of the motor, the motor drives the main gear further in the first direction and the biasing force imparts movement of the torque and output element to adjust the mirror head toward the second orientation.