Rearview Mounting Element With Adjustable Pivot Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of cameras and sensors in rearview assemblies for vehicle safety features reduces available space for traditional rearview assembly mounting systems, necessitating a solution to accommodate additional components like driver monitoring and authentication modules.
Innovation Solution
A mounting element with a detachable spring mechanism that adjusts pivot torque by modifying the position of a cover plate and coil spring, allowing for secure attachment to a vehicle surface while optimizing space within the rearview assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras and sensors are added to rearview assembly for enhanced vehicle safety features, then vehicle safety is improved, but available space for mounting systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot torque is made adjustable through a mechanism that allows the coil spring pre-load to be modified. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the mounting system to adapt to different space constraints while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between safety requirements and space limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of pivot torque by allowing adjustment of the coil spring pre-load. This parameter change enables the same mounting system to work with different rearview assembly configurations, accommodating both traditional and enhanced safety feature versions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional features like driver monitoring and authentication modules are included in rearview assembly, then functionality is improved, but space for traditional mounting systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable pivot torque, allowing it to serve both traditional mounting requirements and new configurations with additional features. The adjustable mechanism ensures compatibility across different rearview assembly types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pivot torque is increased to secure mounting, then stability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the installer to temporarily reduce pivot torque during installation for ease of assembly, then increase it afterward to achieve secure mounting. This resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable pivot torque mechanism allows preliminary installation at lower torque, followed by subsequent adjustment to achieve the required stability. This preliminary action approach facilitates easier installation while maintaining final mounting stability.
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 adjustable pivot torque, enabling secure mounting of rearview assemblies with additional features by reallocating space within the assembly for new components without compromising stability or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring extending from the mount and configured to abut the pivot cup, the coil spring configured to pivot the pivot ball within the pivot cup
Implementation Method 2
a detach spring disposed at least partially within a cavity defined by the second end of the mount and configured to abut the second end of the coil spring, the detach spring configured to secure the mounting element to a surface of a vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 2
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A mounting element for a rearview assembly may comprise a mount capable of being removably attachable to a button and having a tapered channel in a first end; a pivot comprising a first end capable of supporting the rearview assembly and a pivot ball; a pivot cup disposed at least partially within the tapered channel of the mount, having fingers extending from a first end and an annular surface having an outer diameter at a second end, the pivot cup being operable to at least partially accept and to exert a pivot torque on the pivot ball; and a coil spring having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter similar to the diameter of the annular surface of the pivot cup, the coil spring disposed within the mount, the first end of the coil spring pressing against the annular surface of the pivot cup.