Rear View Actuator Ball-Joint Structure for Stable Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators for vehicle rear view devices suffer from variable spring forces that decrease over time, leading to inconsistent damping and increased vibrations, especially at higher speeds, and are difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a housing with a bowl-shaped upper portion, a holder with a ball joint, and a driving mechanism powered by dual motors, utilizing glass-reinforced polymer ribs for damping and easy assembly, with a holder connected to drive gears for smooth operation and vibration reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damping spring is used to provide damping, then vibrations can be reduced, but the spring force decreases over time leading to inconsistent damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the damping function from the traditional spring-based system and implements it through a separate damping element that works in conjunction with the holder. The damping element is designed to provide consistent damping force without the degradation issues of springs, separating the damping function from the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is constructed using composite materials, specifically glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), which provides both structural support and consistent damping properties. The composite structure maintains its mechanical properties over time, avoiding the force degradation characteristic of traditional springs.
2Reliability
If complex bearing means are used to support the auxiliary spring, then the damping performance can be improved, but the assembly becomes elaborate and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into distinct functional modules: the holder assembly, the damping element, the drive gear, and the motor. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together. The holder with integrated damping features can be pre-assembled as a unit, simplifying the final assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping function is merged with the holder structure through the use of composite materials and integrated damping elements. This combination eliminates the need for separate complex bearing mechanisms to support auxiliary springs, as the holder itself provides both structural support and damping functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional damping springs are used, then vibrations can be dampened, but friction increases leading to reduced smoothness of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based damping system with a damping element that operates on different principles, reducing mechanical friction. The drive gear system with motor power provides smooth, controlled movement that minimizes friction-related operational issues while maintaining effective vibration damping.
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 actuator provides consistent damping, reduces vibrations, and facilitates easy assembly by using glass-reinforced polymer ribs for structural integrity and stability, ensuring smooth operation and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of ribs is made from glass reinforced polymers with 0-30% of glass reinforcement. The plurality of ribs further comprises a damping surface configured to be in contact with the holder and are unevenly spaced apart throughout the outer surface of the upper portion.
Implementation Method 2
The holder is disposed to partially surround the outer surface of the upper portion forming a ball joint
Implementation Method 3
The driving mechanism comprises at least one drive gear configured to rotationally move along a part of the accommodation space of the actuator housing. The holder is configured to operatably connect to the at least one drive gear
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an actuator (100) for a rear view device (10) of a vehicle (1) comprising an actuator housing (120), wherein the actuator housing (120) is configured with an upper portion (120a) having an accommodation space (121) formed inside and having a bowl shape on an outside surface. The actuator housing (120) further is configured with a lower portion (120b) having a substantial circular segment. The actuator (100) further comprises a holder (180) disposed to partially surround the outer surface of the upper portion (120a) forming a ball joint, an upper cover (160) shielding at least partially the actuator housing (120), a connection element (190) having two edges, wherein the connection element is rotatably connected to the upper cover (160) and the two edges further connected to the holder (180) and a driving mechanism (200) disposed in the accommodation space (121) and configured to operate the holder (180) along an outer surface of the upper portion (120a) of the actuator housing (120). The upper portion (120b) is further configured to have a plurality of ribs (140) on the outer surface extending vertically from the lower portion (120b).