Plastic Rear View Mirror Clipping and Adhesive Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for attaching plastic-based mirror panes in rear view mirror assemblies for motor vehicles are complex and costly, lacking a simple and effective solution.

Innovation Solution

A rear view mirror assembly design featuring a plastic mirror pane with variable thickness and a carrying element, utilizing injection molding for production, with clipping means such as flanges and pressure tabs for secure attachment, and adhesive pads for reinforcement, allowing for a single-step assembly process and enhanced mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current attachment methods are used for plastic mirror panes, then the mirror pane can be attached to the support structure, but the attachment process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple attachment functions into a single clip structure. The clip combines mechanical engagement features (shoulders, engagement surfaces) and adhesive application capabilities in one component, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining secure bonding of the mirror pane to the support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical support, structural alignment, and adhesive bonding. It features engagement surfaces for mechanical attachment, shoulders for positioning, and integrated adhesive application capabilities, allowing one component to perform multiple attachment functions that would otherwise require separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Weight of moving object

If plastic material is used for mirror pane, then weight is reduced and impact resistance is improved, but attachment difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemirror pane weightVSAvoidattachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clip features localized engagement surfaces and shoulders positioned at specific locations on the mirror pane. These local structural features concentrate the attachment forces at optimal points, providing secure mechanical bonding while accommodating the plastic material's properties. The localized design allows easy attachment without requiring complex overall restructuring of the mirror pane

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2821284B1Rear view mirror assembly for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 FICO MIRRORS SA
  • EP2821284B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2821284B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Rear view mirror assembly comprising a mirror pane (10), a mirror pane carrying element (20), a cover (60), and supporting means (61) associated with the carrying element (20) and the cover (60) that comprise of supporting elements (65) formed on an inner surface (62) of the cover (60) extending perpendicular to an inner surface of the mirror pane (10). It also includes reinforcing ribs (16) in portions of the mirror pane (10) to be received into slots (50) of the carrying element (20). Clipping means are provided for coupling the mirror pane (10) to the carrying element (20) which comprise a number of flanges (31) and a number of corresponding openings (33) whose plane is mutually perpendicular.