Powerfold Rearview Mirror Assembly With Integrated Dual-Axis Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms to adjust the rearward field of view of the driver, particularly in providing a powerfold adjustment that allows the mirror head to pivot relative to the vehicle side, which is essential for optimal visibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
The exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporates a dual-actuator system with motors and gears that enable the mirror head to pivot both horizontally and vertically, allowing for adjustable positioning and a powerfold function, ensuring the mirror head can be extended or folded relative to the vehicle side for enhanced visibility and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a powerfold adjustment mechanism is added to allow the mirror head to pivot relative to the vehicle side, then the driver's field of view and convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the powerfold pivot function and the mirror adjustment function into a single integrated actuator unit. The actuator housing contains both motors (first motor for pivot adjustment, second motor for mirror element adjustment) and their respective gears, which engage with common arcuate flanges on the mounting arm and adapter plate. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while providing multiple adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both powerfold pivoting of the mirror head relative to the vehicle side and adjustment of the mirror reflective element. The single actuator unit with dual motors provides multiple adjustment functions (horizontal pivot, vertical pivot, and mirror element positioning) that would traditionally require separate mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dual-actuator system with motors and gears is implemented for horizontal and vertical pivoting, then the mirror head positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the horizontal and vertical pivot adjustment mechanisms into a single actuator housing, with each motor driving a gear that engages with a toothed arcuate flange. This integrated design provides precise dual-axis positioning while reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed arcuate flanges serve as intermediary elements between the motors/gears and the mirror head mounting. These flanges translate the rotational motion of the gears into controlled pivoting motion, providing precise positioning while simplifying the mechanical linkage between the actuator components and the mirror head.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aperture in the mirror casing allows movement during actuator operation, then the adjustability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror casing is designed with an aperture that dynamically opens to allow movement during actuator operation and closes when adjustment is complete. This dynamic design enables the casing to transition between a rigid stable structure and a flexible adjustable structure, providing both structural stability and adaptability as needed during different operational phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm and a mirror head having a mirror reflective element. An electrically-operated actuator includes a first attachment element that attaches at an actuator-mounting bracket of the mounting arm and a second attachment element that attaches at the mirror head. The actuator is electrically operated to cause adjustment of the mirror head relative to the mounting arm about first and second pivot axes. A mounting post of the mounting arm passes through an opening of the mirror head, the opening providing clearance between the mirror head and the mounting arm to allow movement of the mirror head relative to the mounting arm during electrical operation of the actuator when the base mounting portion of the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at a side of a vehicle.