Vehicular Rearview Wire Cover and Connector System
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of electronic features in vehicular rearview assemblies increases, so does the complexity of wiring, making it difficult to hide and manage the associated wires during installation, which complicates the installation process for both manufacturers and consumers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a wire cover and connector system that routes wiring through the mount and stem, using interlocks and connectors to secure the wire harness out of sight, along with features like ambient light sensors and illuminators, to simplify installation and enhance the rearview assembly's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electronic features in rearview assemblies is increased, then the functionality and versatility of the assembly is improved, but the complexity of wiring and difficulty of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wiring functions into a single integrated connector assembly that houses both the electrical connector and wire cover. This merging of components reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall wiring system, allowing multiple electronic features to be connected through one unified interface rather than requiring separate wiring for each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, conceals wiring within its housing, and enables quick disconnection. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address several concerns (electrical connectivity, aesthetic appearance, installation ease) without requiring additional separate components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more wires are added to support additional electronic features, then the functionality is improved, but the visibility and manageability of wires during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual wires are bundled and concealed within a single wire cover that is integrated into the connector housing. This combining of multiple visible wires into one concealed unit simplifies wire management during installation, as the installer deals with a single managed cable rather than multiple separate wires that need to be individually routed and hidden.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire cover acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the multiple internal wires and the external environment. It provides a unified interface that conceals the complexity of multiple wires while maintaining access to all electrical connections, thereby simplifying the installation process by hiding the wiring complexity from view.
3Reliability
If traditional wiring connections are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector and wire cover are merged into a single pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for installers to separately connect multiple wires and then separately manage their appearance. This combined component can be installed as one unit, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity through the integrated connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire cover and connector are pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing, with all wiring already routed and concealed within the housing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming wire routing and concealment steps during installation, as the wiring management has already been completed in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides improved vehicular rearview assemblies and components for incorporation into rearview assemblies.