Vehicle Rear View Device Pivot Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view devices for motor vehicles experience mechanical stress and wear due to vibrations, leading to increased freedom of movement and wear at the pivot joint, which complicates assembly and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A rear view device design featuring a pivot joint with a sequence of base plate parts, a spring, and a bearing part, where the spring applies an axial force to secure the second base plate part against the bearing part, translating the axial force into a radial force for a tight fit, and a detent ramp for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pivot joint is used in the rear view device, then the device can be assembled, but mechanical stress and wear increase due to vibrations, leading to increased freedom of movement and wear at the pivot joint
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint is divided into multiple functional components: a first component with a first opening, a second component with a second opening, and a centering element with a conical centering portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (alignment, centering, securing) independently, improving reliability while keeping the overall assembly process manageable through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element is pre-installed in the first component before final assembly. The conical centering portion is positioned to engage with the second component in advance, ensuring proper alignment and reducing wear during the assembly process. This preliminary positioning action prevents misalignment and reduces mechanical stress during operation
2Reliability
If the pivot joint is secured tightly to reduce wear, then reliability improves, but assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element is pre-installed in the first component with its conical portion positioned to engage the second component. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment is achieved before final tightening, making the assembly process easier while ensuring reliable, tight securing of the pivot joint
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element acts as an intermediary component between the first and second components. It mediates the alignment and centering process, making assembly easier by providing a guided path for the second component, while simultaneously ensuring tight fitting and reducing wear through its conical geometry
3Reliability
If wear-resistant materials and designs are used, then reliability improves, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry of the centering element converts the harmful effect of vibrations and mechanical stress into a beneficial self-centering action. The conical surface distributes loads and reduces wear through friction-based centering, providing wear resistance through simple geometric design rather than expensive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component with a conical geometry that can be easily manufactured from common materials. Rather than using expensive wear-resistant materials throughout the entire pivot joint, the invention uses a simple conical element that provides wear resistance through its geometry, reducing overall manufacturing costs
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 design reduces vibrations and wear, simplifies assembly, and maintains a secure fit even with wear, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a sequence of a first base plate part, a second base plate part and a spring, which is preferably arranged coaxially around the bolt between the base portion and the arm portion; wherein the spring applies an axial force to the second base plate part pressing the same against the first base plate part
Implementation Method 2
wherein the first base plate part applies a radial spreading force against at least one radial outer wall portion of the second base plate part, holding the second base plate part against the bearing part
Data Source
AI summary
A rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a base portion mountable to the motor vehicle, an arm portion for carrying a head with at least one of a reflective element, a display element, and a camera, the arm portion being pivotable relative to the base portion around a bolt, the bolt providing a pivot axis, extending through an opening of the base portion and an opening of the arm portion, and fixed within the base portion, a sequence of a first base plate part, a second base plate part, and a spring, and a bearing part which is inserted into the opening of the arm portion.