Rearview Device with Dual-Axis Actuation and Sealed Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear view devices for motor vehicles are complex, expensive to manufacture, and fail to provide a full and expansive field of view, particularly in terms of a wide angle view, due to their exposure to the outside environment, which leads to issues with dirt and debris entry and inadequate protection.
Innovation Solution
A compact rear view device design featuring a head section with a combined, single-piece polymeric substrate coated with a chromium-based reflective coating, where the housing and lid sections tightly seal the hollow area, allowing for an electronic unit to be placed without additional housing, and incorporating a dual-axis actuation mechanism for independent movement of the mirror head, enhancing visibility and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rear view devices are exposed to the outside environment, then they can provide a view of the side or rear area, but dirt or debris enters within the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a sealing mechanism that creates a protective barrier between the rear view device and the external environment. The housing and lid sections are designed to tightly seal the hollow area, preventing dirt and debris from entering while maintaining the device's operational visibility function.
2Reliability
If multiple assembly parts are used in rear view devices, then they can provide protection, but the device becomes complicated and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into an integrated housing structure. The housing and lid sections work together as a unified protective enclosure, reducing the number of separate assembly parts while maintaining comprehensive protection against environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, environmental protection, and structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If traditional rear view devices are designed with separate housing and lid sections, then they can protect electronic units, but additional housing is required for electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the electronic unit directly within the hollow area formed by the housing and lid sections. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate electronic component housing, as the main housing structure already provides the necessary protective enclosure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors are made up of many components, then they can provide functional features, but they are complicated and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rear view device into distinct functional modules: the housing structure, the lid section with rear view means, and the electronic unit. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining functional versatility.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-manufacture rear view device with improved protection against environmental factors, enhanced visibility through a wider field of view, and reduced complexity, while maintaining the functionality of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the lid section includes a polymeric substrate, which is coated with a chromium-based reflective coating in the region of the combined, single-piece component for providing the second rear view means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a rear view device for a motor vehicle, which includes a base assembly (10,1000) for arrangement on the motor vehicle, a moveable head assembly attached to the base assembly, and an actuation mechanism (30,3000), the actuation mechanism including a fixed part (3200) attached to the base assembly and a moveable part (3400) attached to the head assembly, where the actuation mechanism allows movement of the moveable part with respect to the fixed part in one or more axes. Further the actuation mechanism is configured to adjust the rear view device inwardly or outwardly and upwardly or downwardly so that movement inwardly or outwardly is capable of changing the field of view and placing the mirror in the park position using the same actuator, and, and the actuation mechanism allows a range of angular motion of the rear view device which is greater in the inwardly or outwardly direction than in the upwardly or downwardly direction.