Vehicle Rear View Adjustment Unit Using Radial Bending Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view device adjustment units for vehicles are complex and space-inefficient, relying on mechanical actuators driven by electromotors, which can be costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A compact and simple adjustment unit utilizing bending actuators with their primary dimensions aligned radially through the pivot, allowing for tiltable movement of the carrier, and powered by stimuli such as voltage or temperature, arranged in a cross-like or star-like pattern for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical actuators driven by electromotors are used for adjustment, then the adjustment function is reliable, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators driven by electromotors with bending actuators that utilize stimuli-responsive materials. These bending actuators directly convert electrical, thermal, or chemical stimuli into mechanical bending motion, eliminating the need for complex motor mechanisms, gear trains, and linkages while maintaining reliable adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs bending actuators whose operational state is controlled by changing physical or chemical parameters such as voltage, temperature, or pH levels. By adjusting these parameters, the actuators bend to specific angles to achieve precise positioning of the rear view device, replacing complex mechanical control systems with simpler parameter-based control.
2Strength
If traditional mechanical actuators are used, then the adjustment mechanism is robust, but the space occupation and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes bulky mechanical actuator assemblies with compact bending actuators made from stimuli-responsive materials. These bending actuators achieve the same robust adjustment function in a significantly reduced space by directly converting energy into bending motion without intermediate mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite stimuli-responsive materials that combine structural integrity with actuation functionality. These composite materials enable the bending actuators to maintain robustness and reliability while occupying minimal space, as the material itself provides both mechanical strength and actuation capability.
3Device complexity
If multiple bending actuators are arranged radially through the pivot centre, then the design becomes compact and simple, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric radial arrangement of bending actuators around the pivot centre, with each actuator positioned at specific angles to achieve desired motion characteristics. This asymmetric configuration simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for symmetric pairs of actuators while maintaining functional effectiveness, though it requires precise positioning during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the bending actuators to be functionally identical or similar in structure and material composition, allowing them to serve multiple purposes: providing actuation force, defining geometric relationships through their radial arrangement, and serving as standardized replaceable components. This universality simplifies manufacturing despite the precision requirements for their spatial arrangement.
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 solution enables a cost-effective, space-saving, and automatic adjustment of the rear view device, reducing the number of parts and enhancing kinematics with a compact design that effectively tilts the carrier using electroactive materials and stimuli-responsive actuators.
Implementation Method 1
powered by stimuli such as voltage or temperature, arranged in a cross-like or star-like pattern for efficient operation
Implementation Method 2
powered by stimuli such as voltage or temperature, arranged in a cross-like or star-like pattern for efficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment unit for a rear view device for a vehicle includes a pivot and a carrier. The carrier is tiltably mounted to the pivot. The adjustment unit includes at least one first bending actuator, which has its largest dimension in a first direction and which is bendably adjustable in an angular or crosswise direction relative to the first direction. The first bending actuator has a first end fixed to a first fastening means and a second end fixed to the carrier. At least one second bending actuator has its largest dimension in a second direction oriented angularly or crosswise relative to the first direction and is bendable angular or crosswise relative thereto. The second bending actuator has a first end fixed to the first fastening means or a further fastening means and a second end fixed to the carrier. The adjustment unit is characterized in that the first direction of the first bending actuator and/or the second direction of the second bending actuator run through the center of the pivot.