Power-Extending Rearview Mirror Shutoff and Position Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable and retractable exterior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles lack an efficient mechanism to automatically deactivate the adjustment mechanism when the mirror head reaches its fully extended or retracted position, and they do not provide a means to store and recall a preselected position for the mirror head.
Innovation Solution
The exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporates a shutoff module with a plunger and a circuit element, featuring micro switches or electrically conductive traces, which automatically deactivates the adjustment mechanism when the mirror head reaches the extreme positions, and an optional memory module that allows the mirror head to be extended or retracted to a preselected stored position using metal wipers and carbon ink traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror head is made extendable and retractable to enhance rearward viewing, then the viewing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustment mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger automatically engages with the circuit element to deactivate the adjustment mechanism when the mirror head reaches its extended or retracted positions, eliminating the need for external sensors or complex control systems to detect mirror position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection systems with a simple plunger-circuit element interaction, where the plunger's physical movement along the circuit element directly controls the adjustment mechanism's activation state
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism is continuously active to allow position changes, then the ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases and unintended movement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when needed and automatically deactivated when the mirror head reaches its position limits, as detected by the plunger's engagement with the circuit element
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger-circuit element system provides automatic feedback about the mirror head's position, deactivating the adjustment mechanism when the plunger reaches the end of the circuit element, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and unintended movement
3Device complexity
If no position detection system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to inability to stop at precise positions
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger serves as an intermediary between the mirror head's mechanical movement and the circuit element, providing reliable position detection through direct physical contact without requiring complex electronic sensors or detection systems
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head having a mirror reflective element, a support structure configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, and an adjustment mechanism operable to move the mirror head relative to the support structure between a retracted position and an extended position. A shutoff module includes a body and a plunger movably disposed at the body. The body is attached at one of the mirror head or the support structure and an outer end of the plunger is attached at the other of the mirror head or the body. As the mirror head moves relative to the support structure, an inner end of the plunger moves relative to and along a circuit element of the body. The adjustment mechanism is deactivated responsive to the inner end of the plunger reaching either end of the circuit element.