Multi-Pivot Rearview Mirror Mounting Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single-pivot rearview mirror mounting assemblies provide limited range of motion and occupy significant windshield space, making them unsuitable for varying windshield angles and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A multi-pivot mirror mounting assembly with a housing connector, extension tube, windshield bracket, and sensor assembly, which includes a first and second pivot member, a mount with a sensor receiving area, and a spring clip for secure attachment to the windshield, allowing for a larger range of motion and reduced bulkiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-pivot mounting assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited and windshield space occupation is significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidrange of motion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is divided into multiple pivot members (first pivot member and second pivot member) that segment the motion path, allowing independent rotation at each pivot point to achieve comprehensive angle adjustment and expand the range of motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly transitions from single-plane rotation to multi-dimensional motion by adding a second pivot member that enables rotation in a different axis, creating multi-degree-of-freedom motion capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single-pivot mounting assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the windshield space occupied is significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidwindshield space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is divided into multiple pivot members (first pivot member and second pivot member) that segment the motion path, allowing independent rotation at each pivot point to achieve comprehensive angle adjustment and expand the range of motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly incorporates movable pivot members that can dynamically adjust their positions and rotation angles, allowing the system to adapt to different windshield configurations and reduce the overall space footprint on the windshield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-pivot assembly is used, then the range of motion increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of motionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second pivot members are integrated into a unified mounting assembly structure, sharing common mounting points and structural elements, which reduces overall complexity compared to separate single-pivot assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9573525B2Mirror mounting assembly
Publication Date: 2017.02.21 GENTEX CORP
  • US9573525B2 patent drawing
  • US9573525B2 patent drawing
  • US9573525B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mirror mounting assembly for a rearview mirror, including a housing connector having a first pivot member operably connected with an extension tube. A mount includes a windshield bracket and a sensor assembly. The windshield bracket is proximate to the sensor assembly and supports the sensor assembly against the vehicle windshield. A second pivot member includes a first end operably connected with the extension tube and a second end operably connected with the mount.