Modular Rearview Housing With Sealed Light Module Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view devices face challenges in providing a compromise between diverse vehicle designs while maintaining cost-effective production by using identical components, and they are prone to water ingress due to external light modules, affecting durability.
Innovation Solution
A modular design comprising a first module with a partially transparent element and a second module for the light producing or camera device, where the first module has a shoulder and arm structure for mechanical coupling, allowing for interchangeable and aesthetically versatile rear view devices with improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with external light modules is used to achieve diverse vehicle designs, then adaptability is improved, but water ingress resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear view device is divided into a housing module and a separate light module that can be coupled together. The light module is detachably connected to the housing via a coupling mechanism, allowing different light modules to be exchanged while maintaining water protection when properly coupled. This segmentation enables design versatility while preserving durability through proper sealing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the housing and the light module. This coupling includes sealing elements that prevent water ingress at the interface between modules. The coupling mechanism ensures that even though modules are separate for design flexibility, the connection maintains water resistance through integrated sealing structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If identical components are used for cost-effective production, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to diverse vehicle designs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and coupling mechanism are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple types of light modules. The standardized coupling interface allows the same housing to work with different light module designs, enabling cost-effective production of the main housing while offering versatility through interchangeable light modules that match different vehicle aesthetic requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external light modules are used for aesthetic versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the light module from the main housing, the system achieves aesthetic versatility through interchangeable modules while keeping the main housing structure simple and standardized. The complexity is confined to the detachable light modules rather than the entire device, simplifying manufacturing and assembly of the primary components.
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 cost-effective production of rear view devices suitable for various vehicle designs with reduced water ingress, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Adjacent to the contact surface of the at least partially transparent element, a part of the light producing device having a surface via which light exits the light producing device is arranged in such a manner that the exiting light is guided through the at least partially transparent element to the outer exit surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an external rear view device (1, 1', 101', 101", 201), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (12, 14), and at least one light emitting and/or receiving device, comprising at least one light producing device (10; 50; 70) and/or at least one camera device arranged within said housing (12, 14) and at least one at least partially transparent element (16) closing an opening provided by said housing (12, 14), wherein the at least partially transparent element (16) is provided in form of a first module attached to the housing (12, 14), and the light producing device (10; 50; 70) and/or the camera device is provided in form of a second module attached to the first module. Further the first module is formed with a main body and an extension, wherein either the main body provides a shoulder from which an arm (16-1) forming the extension extends, and the arm (16-1) provides a head at its free end, with the second module being arranged between the shoulder and the head, or the extension provides a recess or cavity into which the second module is at least partly inserted. The invention also relates to a vehicle with at least one such external rear view device.