Retractable Work Vehicle Mirror With Detent-Actuated Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicle mirror assemblies are either costly and cumbersome or lack efficient automatic adjustment capabilities, necessitating a cost-effective solution for automatically extending and retracting mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly featuring a detent joint with a rotatable detent bracket and a linear actuator that translates linear motion into rotational movement of the mirrors, allowing for automatic adjustment and reset functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic mirror adjustment is implemented using conventional actuators and linkage mechanisms, then the mirrors can be automatically extended and retracted, but the device becomes costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is divided into modular components: a mirror head containing the mirror element, a support arm for positioning, and a detent mechanism for controlled movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
A detent mechanism acts as an intermediary between the linear actuator and the mirror support arm. The detent mechanism includes detent elements that engage with detent surfaces to convert linear actuator movement into controlled rotational movement of the support arm, thereby automatically adjusting the mirror position without requiring complex direct linkage mechanisms
2Productivity
If manual mirror adjustment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational efficiency and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly performs self-adjustment through the detent mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on actuator movement. The detent elements and surfaces are designed to automatically lock at specific positions during extension and retraction, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror support arm is designed with rotational freedom about a pivot axis, allowing dynamic adjustment between extended and retracted positions. The detent mechanism provides controlled dynamic movement while maintaining stability at predetermined positions, balancing operational efficiency with manageable device complexity
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 cost-effective, automatically adjustable mirror assembly that can extend and retract mirrors upon operator command and reset to their original position after unintended movement, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator that translates linear motion into rotational movement of the mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly for a work vehicle includes an elongated support beam, a detent joint connected to the elongated support beam, at least one support arm rotationally connected to the detent joint, at least one mirror connected to the at least one support arm, and an actuator for adjusting a position of the at least one mirror relative to the elongated support beam. The detent joint includes a detent bracket which is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The actuator is connected in between the elongated support beam and the detent bracket such that the at least one support arm is rotatable about the axis of rotation by the actuator.