Rearview Device Mounting Assembly Spring Clip Pre-Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview device mounting assemblies face challenges in providing a robust, rattle-free connection while allowing for ease of installation and maintaining the device at a desired elevation, with existing solutions often requiring complex adjustments and materials that are difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly featuring a spring clip with pre-loading posts and loading levers that engage with a mount, providing a secure and adjustable connection to a windshield bracket, which simplifies installation and reduces buzz, squeak, and rattle issues by pre-loading the spring clip during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust connection is provided to minimize buzz, squeak, and rattle, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is pre-loaded during assembly through the interaction between loading levers and pre-loading posts, creating initial compressive force that secures the connection before operational loads are applied. This preliminary action ensures robust connection stability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly utilizes elastic deformation of the spring clip legs, changing the mechanical state from rigid to flexible-preloaded. The spring legs deflect elastically to engage with the windshield bracket while maintaining constant pre-load pressure, minimizing vibration and rattle without increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If pre-loading features are incorporated to provide robust connection, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring clip with pre-loaded legs, the mount with loading levers, and the windshield bracket with engagement portions. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together to create the robust pre-loaded connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip structure is designed to automatically generate and maintain the pre-loading force through its own elastic properties and geometric configuration. The loading levers and pre-loading posts work together to self-generate compressive force during assembly, eliminating the need for external pre-loading mechanisms or complex manufacturing processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanisms are added to maintain desired elevation, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip legs are pre-deflected during assembly to engage with the windshield bracket at the correct elevation. This preliminary positioning action, combined with the elastic recovery of the spring legs, automatically maintains the desired elevation without requiring adjustable mechanisms or complex alignment procedures.
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 ensures a robust and secure connection between the rearview device and the mounting assembly, minimizing vibrations and making installation easier, while maintaining the device at a consistent elevation with reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A spring clip includes a base and a plurality of legs. Each leg includes an upright portion extending from the base. A connecting portion extends inwardly from the upright portion. An engagement portion extends upward away from the base. At least one loading lever extends laterally from the connecting portion. The at least one loading lever is configured to engage the at least one pre-loading post, which pushes the engagement portion away from the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for a rearview device. A windshield bracket defines a central aperture and includes internal ledges disposed about the central aperture. A mount is operably coupled with the rearview device. The mount includes pre-loading posts. A spring clip includes a base and a plurality of legs. Each leg includes an upright portion extending from the base. A connecting portion extends inwardly from the upright portion. An engagement portion extends upward away from the base. At least one loading lever extends laterally from the connecting portion.