Vehicle Rearview Mirror Moveable Rim for Collision Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirrors with pivotable mirror housings face restrictions in movement due to contact with installed components, particularly when the pivot axis is tilted, leading to potential wedging and injury risks during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A moveable rim portion is configured relative to the mirror housing, which can recede, break off, or disengage upon collision, ensuring unhindered evasive movement and preventing wedging between the mirror glass and the rim portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mirror housing is made rigid and fixed to the mirror base, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the evasive movement capability during collision is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The rim portion is segmented from the mirror housing as a separate moveable component. This segmentation allows the rim portion to move independently relative to the mirror housing during collision, enabling evasive movement while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the mirror housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim portion is configured as a moveable component that can dynamically change its position relative to the mirror housing during collision. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to impact forces by permitting controlled movement, thereby improving reliability during collision events.
2Ease of manufacture
If the rim portion is made fixed and rigid, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the safety during collision is worsened due to potential wedging
Solution Approach 1:
The rim portion is divided as a separate moveable component from the mirror housing, allowing it to move independently during collision. This segmentation prevents the rim portion from creating wedging effects against the mirror glass or carrier, thereby eliminating injury risks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The potentially harmful rim portion is extracted as a separate moveable component that can be independently controlled. By taking the rim portion out as a distinct element, the patent allows it to move away from the mirror glass during collision, preventing wedging and associated harmful effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror housing is made pivotable with a tilted axis, then the adjustment flexibility is improved, but the movement restriction during collision is worsened due to contact with installed components
Solution Approach 1:
The rim portion is segmented as a moveable component that can move independently relative to the mirror housing. This segmentation allows the mirror housing to pivot with a tilted axis for adjustment flexibility while the rim portion can simultaneously move to prevent contact with installed components during collision, maintaining movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim portion is configured as a dynamic moveable component that adapts its position based on collision conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the mirror housing to maintain its tilted pivot axis for adjustment flexibility while the rim portion dynamically moves to prevent contact with mirror glass or carrier during collision events.
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 allows for reliable and safe evasive movement of the mirror housing, preventing injuries and maintaining the mirror's functionality during collisions, while complying with legal requirements for pendulum impact testing.
Implementation Method 1
Said part of the rim portion can e.g. be configured elastically resilient, so that said part can perform an evasive movement in case of a collision e.g. with the mirror glass or with the mirror glass carrier.
Implementation Method 2
It is also possible to connect part of the rim portion to the mirror housing through an elastomeric intermediary layer, so that the segment can bend away relative to the mirror housing through the elastomeric intermediary layer during a collision.
Data Source
AI summary
The rear-view mirror comprises a mirror housing, in which a mirror glass is disposed. It is surrounded by a rim portion, wherein at least a part of the rim portion is configured moveable relative to the mirror housing. Said part can be configured elastically resilient, linked with the mirror housing, or it can be provided detachable. When the mirror housing touches its installed elements during an evasive movement, the corresponding part of the rim portion can move, whereby an additional travel distance for the mirror housing is provided.