Telescoping Vehicle Mirror Pivot Assembly for Wider Viewing Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power telescoping mirrors face challenges in supporting the weight of the mirror head and accessories when fully extended, and they have limited pivoting adjustment, which restricts the field of vision.
Innovation Solution
A power telescoping mirror pivot assembly comprising a base frame, upper bracket, central shaft, first and second telescoping arm assemblies, and powerfold motors, with a detent manual fold arm for enhanced pivoting and support, allowing for greater adjustment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the mirror head is extended to increase field of vision, then the viewing area is improved, but the weight support requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror support structure is divided into multiple telescoping arm assemblies (first and second telescoping arm assemblies) that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the mirror head to reach extended positions for wider field of vision while distributing the weight support across multiple mechanical stages rather than requiring one structure to handle the full extended weight
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping arm assemblies use a nested structure where inner arms are housed within outer arms, allowing compact retraction and extended deployment. This nesting mechanism enables the mirror to achieve extended positions for improved field of vision while maintaining a compact form when retracted, and the nested stages progressively support the mirror head weight at different extension levels
2Area of moving object
If the telescoping structure is added to extend the mirror, then the field of vision is improved, but the pivoting range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly incorporates powerfold motors that enable dynamic pivoting of the telescoping arm assemblies about the central shaft. This dynamic capability allows the mirror to be positioned at various angles beyond the fixed pivoting range of conventional telescoping mirrors, providing adaptability for different viewing conditions while maintaining the extended field of vision benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The central shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotational axis for pivoting the telescoping arm assemblies, provides structural support for the extended mirror head, and enables both power-fold and manual fold operations. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to achieve both extension for field of vision and pivoting for adaptability
3Ease of operation
If the mirror is designed to pivot the mirror head, then the adjustment is simplified, but the field of vision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pivoting the mirror head itself for adjustment, this invention pivots the entire telescoping arm assembly about the central shaft. This inversion of the pivot point allows the mirror head to maintain its optimal orientation while the arm assembly provides the angular adjustment, thereby preserving both ease of operation and an extended field of vision through the telescoping mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping mirror pivot assembly comprises a telescoping frame assembly, a central shaft, and a mirror head. The telescoping frame assembly may include a first end and a second end. The central shaft may be coupled to the first end of the telescoping frame assembly. The central shaft may include a detent manual fold arm. The detent manual fold arm may comprise a first detent and a second detent. The first detent may be configured to mechanically secure the telescoping frame assembly in a first position. The second detent may be configured to mechanically secure the telescoping frame assembly in a second position. The mirror head may be coupled to the second end of the telescoping frame assembly. The telescoping frame assembly may be configured to transition from the first position to the second position when a first force is applied in a first direction to the mirror head.