Adjustable Rearview Mirror With Triggered Retainer Rods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rearview mirrors in vehicles are not adjustable to be removed from the driver's or passenger's view, limiting the experience during activities like watching a film at a drive-in theater or enjoying scenic views.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rearview mirror system with a housing and pivotally secured mirror arm, featuring retainer rods that can be extended or retracted using a trigger, allowing the mirror arm to be locked in various positions, enabling the mirror to be withdrawn from view when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rearview mirror is fixed in position, then the mirror provides continuous viewing coverage, but the mirror obstructs the view when not needed (e.g., during scenic drives or drive-in theater)
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror arm is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between multiple positions. The retainer rods provide discrete locking positions while the trigger mechanism enables easy transition between locked and unlocked states, making the system dynamically adaptable to different viewing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete components: the mirror arm, retainer rods, and trigger mechanism. The retainer rods are individually positioned to provide specific locking points, allowing the mirror to be segmented into distinct viewing positions rather than continuous adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the mirror arm is made freely adjustable, then the mirror can be positioned optimally, but the mirror cannot be securely locked in position
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer rods are spring-loaded to automatically engage with the mirror arm when triggered, providing self-locking functionality. The bias members automatically return the retainer rods to their extended locked position after the trigger is released, eliminating the need for manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer rods act as intermediary elements between the trigger mechanism and the mirror arm. When the trigger is actuated, the retainer rods move to engage or disengage from the mirror arm, providing a mechanical intermediary that transfers the triggering force to achieve secure locking or free adjustment.
3Reliability
If retainer rods are extended to lock the mirror arm, then the mirror position is stable, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer rods serve multiple functions: they lock the mirror arm in position, provide mechanical leverage for adjustment, and work with the bias members to enable automatic return to locked position. The trigger mechanism universally controls both the extension and retraction of the retainer rods through a single actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and adjustment functions are merged into a single mechanism. The trigger simultaneously controls the retainer rods to either lock or unlock the mirror arm, combining what could be separate operations into one integrated system that reduces overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable rearview mirror which allows the rear view mirror to be adjusted out of the viewing field of the windshield area to improve the driver and passenger experience in the motor vehicle. The adjustable rearview mirror generally includes a central slot in which a mirror arm is pivotally secured. A pair of retainer rods may be selectively extended across and retracted from the central slot with a trigger. When the retainer rods are retracted from the central slot, the mirror arm may be freely adjusted into various positions. When the retainer rods are extended across the central slot, the mirror arm may be locked into a particular position. Thus, the rearview mirror may be withdrawn from view when it is not necessary so as to allow an unobstructed view of the area surrounding the vehicle.