Rearview Mount Interface With Flex Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview device mount interfaces require high installation force and lose retention force after initial installation, leading to inefficient and unreliable attachment to mounting buttons.
Innovation Solution
A rearview device attachment assembly featuring a base with opposing flex members and protrusions that pre-load and deflect during installation, reducing the effort needed for secure engagement with a mounting button while maintaining retention force through a flexible yet non-deforming design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing rigid mount interfaces are used, then structural strength is maintained, but installation force becomes excessively high (450 Newtons) and retention force is lost after initial installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mount interface from rigid to flexible by using elastomeric material. This parameter change allows the mount to deform elastically during installation, reducing the peak installation force from 450 Newtons to approximately 270 Newtons, while maintaining consistent retention force across multiple installation cycles through elastic recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the mount interface through elastomeric material with specific durometer ranges (40-70 Shore A). This allows the mount to dynamically adapt its stiffness during installation and operation, providing initial compliance to reduce installation force while maintaining structural integrity for consistent retention force
2Ease of operation
If high installation force is applied, then secure engagement is achieved, but the mount deforms permanently and loses retention force after initial installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates beforehand cushioning by designing the mount with elastomeric material that absorbs installation forces through elastic deformation. This cushioning effect prevents permanent deformation and material fatigue, allowing the mount to maintain its retention force capability across multiple installation and removal cycles without degradation
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid mounting structures are used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the mount cannot accommodate variations in mounting button positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells by constructing the entire mount from elastomeric material with specific durometer properties. This flexible shell design allows the mount to elastically deform and accommodate variations in mounting button positions and windscreen contours, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple mounting options
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 minimizes installation effort and maintains exceptional retention force across multiple cycles, reducing the initial installation force from 450 Newtons to approximately 270 Newtons and maintaining a consistent detachment force, preventing deformation and ensuring reusability.
Implementation Method 1
first and second opposing flex members extending from the base... forcing the first and second opposing flex members at least partially away from the base
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview device having a rearview display. A rearview device attachment assembly is connected with the rearview display and includes a mount and an attachment clip coupled to the mount. The attachment clip includes a base and first and second opposing flex members extending from the base, each including an arcuate flex portion extending from the base. A connecting portion extends from the arcuate flex portion at an angle toward the base. An engagement portion extends away from the connecting portion at an angle away from the base. First and second protrusions project from the mount, each extending through first and second slots, respectively, in the base. The first and second protrusions are in abutting contact with the engagement portion of the first and second opposing flex members, respectively, thereby forcing the first and second opposing flex members at least partially away from the base.