Modular Vehicle Mirror Assembly with Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exterior mirrors do not offer a convenient method to integrate forward-facing accessory lights without requiring a complete new mirror and light assembly, limiting customization and accessory options.
Innovation Solution
A modular exterior mirror design with multiple attachment points allows for the mounting of forward-facing lights, such as headlights or cameras, using fasteners like threaded studs or screws, enabling easy integration without replacing the entire mirror assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete new mirror and light assembly is purchased to add forward-facing lights, then the lighting functionality is improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is divided into separate functional modules: the mirror housing, the mounting plate with attachment points, and the accessory light components. This segmentation allows the light accessories to be independently mounted or removed without replacing the entire mirror assembly, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple attachment points that can accommodate various types of forward-facing accessories (lights, cameras, sensors). This universal mounting interface enables a single mirror assembly to serve multiple functions across different vehicle configurations without increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory lights are integrated into the mirror assembly, then customization options are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mounting system is designed as a separate module (mounting plate with attachment points) that can be manufactured independently and then integrated with the mirror housing. This segmentation allows standardization of the mounting interface, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling extensive customization options for accessory configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachment points are added to the mirror, then the accessory mounting flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates multiple attachment points in a standardized configuration that can accommodate various accessory types and positions. This universal mounting structure provides high flexibility for accessory installation without requiring complex individual mounting solutions for each accessory, thereby maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular vehicle mirror assembly includes a mirror module and an accessory module. The mirror module includes a mirror mounting plate having attachment points to allow a mirror to be removably mounted to the mirror module in a rearward-facing position. The accessory module includes an accessory mounting plate having accessory attachment points to allow an accessory to be removably mounted to the accessory module in a forward-facing position. The mirror module and the accessory module are releasably held together. The assembly allows the user to temporarily, releasably, and interchangeably mount a selected member of a group of accessories, such as headlights, fog lights, driving lights, pencil beam headlights, and cameras.