Pivot Joint Torsion Spring for Automatic Rear View Mirror Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear view device pivot joint systems require manual resetting and can be damaged when the head is forced out of the driving position, making it time-consuming and potentially damaging to return to the original position after an impact.

Innovation Solution

A pivot joint system with a torsion spring mechanism that automatically returns the head to the driving position using torsional and compressive forces, eliminating the need for manual resetting, where the spring is locked into both the head and base components, allowing it to act under torsion when the head is displaced, and compression assists in returning it to the original position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the head is forced out of the driving position due to impact, then the head can be displaced to a knocked out position, but manual resetting is required and damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return functionVSAvoidmanual resetting requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot joint system incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically returns the head to the driving position after impact without requiring manual intervention. The spring is locked into both the head and base components, enabling it to act under torsion when the head is displaced and automatically restore it to the original position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is pre-loaded and positioned to immediately counteract the displacement force when impact occurs. The spring is预先 locked into both components so that when the head is knocked out, the spring automatically engages to return the head to the driving position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the head is forced out of position, then displacement occurs, but the system may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact damage riskVSAvoidstructural durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the energy from impact forces before they can cause damage to the structural components. The spring is locked into both the head and base, creating a protective mechanism that mitigates harmful effects of impact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism converts the harmful impact force that knocks the head out of position into a beneficial restoring force. When the head is displaced, the spring engages and uses the displacement itself to generate the force needed to return the head to the driving position, turning the harmful impact into a self-correcting mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Extent of automation

If a spring mechanism is locked into both head and base components, then automatic return is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return capabilityVSAvoidspring locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is integrated into the existing pivot joint structure by locking it into both the head and base components. This merging of the spring system with the existing components enables automatic return functionality while utilizing the existing structural elements, thereby reducing the overall complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system allows for automatic self-alignment and return of the head to the driving position after impact, reducing the risk of damage and eliminating the need for physical or electrical resets, enhancing the reliability and durability of the rear view device.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mechanism created to provide torsional and, if applicable, also compressive forces to automatically return the head back to the drive condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

The spring is locked into both the head and base components, allowing it to act under torsion when the head is displaced, and compression assists in returning it to the original position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11142127B2Pivot joint system and rear view device therewith

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SMR PATENTS S A R L

AI summary

A pivot joint system of a rear view device includes a base to be fixed to a vehicle and a head rotatable relative to the base, the pivot joint system acting between two components that rotate with respect to one another around an axis to control rotation from a first set position to at least one second set position, with each of the two components including a cylindrical section and a resilient means being arranged within a cylindrical space between said cylindrical sections to act between the two components.