Rearview Mirror Mounting Clip for Secure Release in Collisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle rearview device mounting systems lack a secure and efficient mechanism to attach the rearview device to a windshield bracket, particularly during collision events when forces are applied, leading to potential detachment and loss of visibility for the driver.

Innovation Solution

A rearview device mounting assembly that includes a spring clip with multiple legs engaging an internal clip engagement wall of a bracket, applying an outward radial force to secure the device housing to the bracket, and featuring a pivot mechanism that disengages during collision to allow the device to detach and rotate, ensuring safety by preventing injury from a detached rearview device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring clip with multiple legs is used to engage the bracket, then the attachment security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip is divided into multiple legs that can independently engage with the bracket's retention surfaces. This segmentation allows each leg to provide individual engagement points, distributing the attachment forces and improving overall security without requiring a single complex locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring clip utilizes its own elastic properties to automatically adjust and maintain engagement with the bracket. The spring mechanism self-regulates the engagement force, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If the mount is rigidly fixed to the device housing, then the attachment strength is improved, but the safety during collision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinjury risk during collision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is designed with pivotable connections that allow it to dynamically respond to collision forces. Instead of rigid fixation, the mount can rotate and detach under excessive force, transforming the static strong attachment into a dynamic system that maintains strength during normal use but releases during dangerous conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed to fail safely by converting the harmful effect of collision forces into a beneficial detachment mechanism. The spring clip and pivot connections are engineered to detach at specific force thresholds, turning the potentially harmful rigid attachment into a protective feature that prevents injury while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the spring clip applies high outward radial force, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the detachment ease during collision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddetachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip is designed with specific elastic properties and force-deflection characteristics that allow it to maintain high engagement force under normal conditions while enabling controlled detachment when force thresholds are exceeded. The parameters of the spring material and geometry are optimized to provide both strong attachment and safe release capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a secure attachment of the rearview device to the windshield bracket while ensuring detachment during collisions, reducing the risk of injury from a detached device and maintaining visibility for the driver, with a force vs. deflection curve showing effective detachment at approximately 350 Newtons, indicating a controlled and safe release mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

A spring clip is coupled with the rearview device housing and includes a plurality of legs that apply an outward radial force on the internal clip engagement wall of the bracket to secure the rearview device housing to the bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A mount is pivotally coupled with the device housing. The plurality of legs couple the bracket to the mount

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS8925891B2Reverse detach mounting system

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A rearview device mounting assembly configured for use with a vehicle including a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, a mount abutment surface, an internal clip engagement wall, and an external peripheral wall. A spring clip is coupled with a rearview device mount and includes a plurality of legs adapted for engagement with the internal clip engagement wall.