Rearview Mounting Element With Adjustable Pivot Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of cameras and sensors on windshields reduces available space for rearview assembly mounting systems, and there is a need to remove existing components to accommodate additional features within the rearview assembly.
Innovation Solution
A mounting element for rearview assemblies featuring a pivot mechanism with a pivot ball, pivot cup, and coil spring, allowing adjustable pivot torque through a cover screw, enabling secure attachment to a vehicle surface while optimizing space within the rearview assembly for additional features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras and sensors are added to the windshield for enhanced vehicle safety features, then vehicle safety is improved, but available space for rearview assembly mounting systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting element with detachable spring for attachment, a pivot mechanism with pivot ball and cup for positioning, and a coil spring for tension. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates compact integration that preserves mounting space while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot cup is disposed within the tapered channel of the mounting element, and the coil spring is disposed within the mount. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact configuration, maximizing space utilization in the constrained mounting area while preserving all necessary mounting and adjustment functions.
2Volume of moving object
If existing components are removed from the interior of rearview assembly, then space for additional features is increased, but structural integrity and mounting stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be attached to and removed from the rearview assembly. The detach spring enables the mounting element to be securely attached to a vehicle surface while allowing the rearview assembly interior to be optimized for additional features. This extraction principle moves mounting functionality outside the assembly housing, freeing internal space while maintaining structural integrity through the dedicated mounting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is pre-loaded within the mounting element to provide initial tension and positioning force. This preliminary action ensures that the pivot mechanism is pre-positioned and the mounting element is ready for secure attachment, maintaining structural stability without requiring additional internal components that would consume valuable interior space.
3Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism with adjustable torque is implemented, then secure mounting and positioning control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism incorporates a coil spring that provides dynamic, adjustable torque control. The spring allows the pivot torque to be adjusted by changing its compression or tension, enabling easy control of positioning without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining precise positioning control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot torque is controlled by changing the physical state of the coil spring (compression/tension) rather than through complex mechanical adjustments. By varying the spring parameter (its deformation state), the system achieves adjustable positioning control with minimal additional complexity, maintaining ease of operation while avoiding elaborate adjustment mechanisms.
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
This solution allows for the removal of components from the rearview assembly housing, increasing space for additional features like driver monitoring and authentication modules, while maintaining functionality and enhancing vehicle safety by adjusting pivot torque for secure mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter that may be generally the same as the outer diameter of the generally flat annular surface of the pivot cup, the coil spring disposed within the mount and the first end of the coil spring pressing against the generally flat annular surface of the pivot cup
Implementation Method 2
the pivot cup being operable to at least partially accept the pivot ball and to exert a pivot torque on the pivot ball
Implementation Method 3
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
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.