Two-Component Pivot Seal for Rear View Device Cable Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear view devices face challenges in securely attaching and guiding cables, particularly for camera systems, which can lead to damage due to excessive bending and require complex assembly processes, while maintaining a watertight seal against environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A two-component pivot seal with a hard component and a soft component, featuring clips for attachment and cable guidance, is concentrically arranged around the pivot axis, allowing for secure cable management and easy assembly, while the soft component engages the base cover to ensure a conical or ring-shaped seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sealing means are used without integrated attachment means, then the sealing function is provided, but cable management becomes complex and cables are susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable managementVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function with cable attachment and guidance functions into a single integrated sealing means. The hard component includes attachment means (clips or lugs) that secure cables, while the soft component provides the sealing barrier. This merging eliminates the need for separate cable management components and simplifies the overall assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides environmental sealing, attaches and secures cables, guides cable routing, and protects against excessive bending. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies assembly while improving cable management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If complex assembly processes are used to secure cables and maintain seals, then reliable attachment is achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing means is designed as an integrated component that combines sealing, attachment, and cable guidance functions. The hard component includes pre-formed attachment means (clips or lugs) that securely hold cables, while the soft component provides sealing. This integration allows all functions to be achieved in a single assembly step, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment means are pre-formed as integral parts of the sealing means during manufacturing. The clips or lugs are already shaped and positioned correctly before assembly, allowing for quick and reliable cable attachment without requiring complex assembly operations or additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If cables are not properly guided and protected, then the assembly is simpler, but cables are damaged due to excessive bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable guidance structureVSAvoidcable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing means integrates cable guidance functionality into its structure. The hard component includes features that guide and position cables, preventing excessive bending while the soft component provides protection. This integration achieves cable protection without adding separate guidance structures, maintaining simplicity while ensuring cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used for sealing and cable attachment, then each component can be optimized, but the overall assembly becomes more complex and harder to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing component with cable attachment and guidance functions into a single integrated sealing means. The hard component provides structural support and attachment features, while the soft component provides the sealing barrier. This integration simplifies assembly to a single operation while maintaining effective sealing through the preserved soft component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11479164B2Sealing means, base assembly with such a sealing means and rear view device with such a base assembly

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS CO LTD

AI summary

A sealing means of a pivot joint system between a base assembly and a head assembly of a rear view device, including a two-component pivot seal including a hard component including at least one of one or more attachment and holding means for at least one of attachment of the sealing means to the base assembly and holding at least one cable, and a soft component. A base assembly and a rearview device are also described.