Steering Unit Side Mirror Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering units for vehicles, particularly electric scooters, face challenges in achieving a compact folding design while ensuring the side mirror remains securely attached, as ball joints can loosen or change position when driving over uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A steering unit with a side mirror housing connected to a holding arm that is rotatably attached to the handle, allowing the mirror to pivot and fold from a lower to an upper position, using a swivel joint with half-shells and a prestressed screw connection to maintain stability and prevent unintentional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball joint is used to connect the side mirror to the handlebar, then the side mirror can be easily adjusted and installed, but the side mirror becomes loose or changes position when driving over uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connection system where the holding arm can rotate relative to the handlebar via a swivel joint, allowing the mirror to adapt to vibrations and terrain changes while maintaining secure attachment. The rotatable connection absorbs dynamic forces from uneven terrain, preventing the mirror from becoming loose while still allowing intentional adjustment when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the side mirror is positioned in the traditional location above the handlebar, then the mirror provides good viewing angle, but the packing size increases when folding the scooter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the side mirror from the traditional horizontal position above the handlebar to a vertical position below it, utilizing the vertical dimension for mirror placement. This dimensional change allows the mirror to be folded inward along with the handlebar, significantly reducing the packing volume when the scooter is folded for storage or transport.
3Reliability
If the holding arm is made rigid to prevent mirror movement, then the mirror position remains stable, but the mirror cannot adapt to vibrations from uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a swivel joint as an intermediary element between the handlebar and the holding arm. This intermediary component serves as a buffer that absorbs vibrations from uneven terrain through controlled rotational movement, while still maintaining sufficient stability to prevent the mirror from becoming loose during normal operation.
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 design allows for a space-saving folded position and prevents the side mirror from loosening or changing position, ensuring it remains functional and securely attached during folding and operation, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a swivel joint with half-shells and a prestressed screw connection to maintain stability and prevent unintentional movement
Implementation Method 2
a swivel joint with half-shells and a prestressed screw connection to maintain stability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering unit (10) for a vehicle, said steering unit comprising two handles (25) and at least one side mirror (30) having a mirror housing (35) which is connected to a supporting arm (40). According to the invention, the supporting arm (40) is fixed in a rotatably moveable manner to one of the two handles (25) such that the side mirror (30) can be pivoted and/or folded from a folded-in first position below the horizontal longitudinal axis (HL) of the handle (25) into a folded-out second position above the horizontal longitudinal axis (HL) of the handle (25).