Removable Rearview Mirror Head with SMA Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview devices lack a convenient and secure mechanism for selectively using or removing a combination of camera, illumination, and reflective/display devices, which limits flexibility and user control.
Innovation Solution
A locking system using a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire actuated by a driver, allowing manual, electrical, remote, or voice control to switch between locked and unlocked states, enabling the removable head with a camera and/or illumination device to be securely attached to the base, and communicate with a display element within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a removable head mechanism is implemented to allow selective use of camera and illumination devices, then flexibility and user control are improved, but device complexity increases due to the locking system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a shape memory alloy wire-based locking system. The SMA wire changes its shape or dimensions in response to temperature changes, enabling the locking and unlocking of the head to the base through thermal actuation rather than complex mechanical mechanisms. This reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the removable head functionality for flexibility.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to ensure reliable attachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of locking and unlocking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with a shape memory alloy wire-based system that can be actuated by temperature changes. This allows for reliable locking through the inherent properties of SMA materials while simplifying operation, as the locking and unlocking can be achieved through simple thermal actuation rather than complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy wire provides self-locking and self-unlocking functionality through its inherent shape memory effect. When exposed to specific temperatures, the SMA wire automatically changes shape to lock or unlock the head, eliminating the need for complex external actuating mechanisms and simplifying user operation while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a shape memory alloy wire locking system is used to simplify the mechanism, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the sensitivity of SMA actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a shape memory alloy wire-based system. While SMA materials require specific manufacturing processes, they eliminate the need for precision mechanical assemblies, tolerances, and multiple moving parts. The thermal actuation mechanism is inherently simpler to manufacture, and the sensitivity of SMA can be managed through standard material specifications and actuation protocols.
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 SMA wire-based locking system provides a strong, reliable, and cost-effective mechanism for controlling the attachment and detachment of the head, enhancing user convenience and flexibility while ensuring secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
A locking system using a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire actuated by a driver
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior rearview device includes a base suited to be fixed to a vehicle, a head mounted on the base, at least one of a mirror and a display attached to the head and at least one of a camera and an illumination device attached to the base, a locking system with a locked state and an unlocked state, where the head is removable from the base in the unlocked state, and the locking system is suited to be actuated by a driver of the vehicle to switch between the locked and the unlocked state, and vice versa. A vehicle includes the at least one exterior rearview device.