Telescoping Rearview Mirror Motorized Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle mirror assemblies that move between extended and retracted positions often experience wear and tear due to unnecessary forces applied during manual adjustment, especially when towing large loads, as they are not designed to provide an unobstructed view beyond cargo without diverting attention from the vehicle's direction.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping external rearview mirror assembly with a pivotally secured arm and case frame, utilizing a motor and worm gear mechanism for controlled longitudinal movement, allowing the mirror to adjust between retracted and extended positions without manual intervention, and featuring a friction barrel retainer for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mirror assembly is moved further away from the motor vehicle to provide a view beyond cargo, then the operator can view areas behind the vehicle without diverting attention from the direction of travel, but the mirror assembly experiences wear and tear due to unnecessary forces applied during manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor and worm gear mechanism automatically position the mirror assembly at the desired extended position, eliminating the need for manual manipulation that applies unnecessary forces to the mechanism. This substitution reduces wear and tear on the mechanical components while maintaining the ability to adjust the mirror for viewing areas behind the vehicle.
2Extent of automation
If a rack and pinion assembly is used to move the mirror between extended and retracted positions, then remote actuation is achieved, but unnecessary forces are applied to the mechanism accelerating wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the mirror assembly by introducing a motor-driven system that controls the extension and retraction movements. The motor provides controlled, gradual movement with precise force application, changing the dynamic parameters of the system from manual abrupt adjustments to automated controlled movements. This parameter change reduces stress on the rack and pinion components, decreasing wear and tear while maintaining remote actuation capability.
3Loss of information
If the mirror assembly is extended manually to view beyond cargo, then the operator can see areas behind the vehicle, but the operator must repeatedly adjust the mirror position and return to normal operation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a memory function that stores the desired mirror position when the mirror is manually adjusted. The system detects the position and automatically returns the mirror to this stored position after the towing operation is complete, eliminating the need for the operator to manually re-adjust the mirror. This preliminary action of storing the position information saves time and prevents loss of the adjusted setting.
Data Source
AI summary
An external rearview mirror assembly is fixedly secured to a motor vehicle. The external rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. An arm is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket. The arm defines an elongated channel having an upper arm surface, a lower arm surface, and an intermediate arm surface disposed between the upper and lower arm surfaces. A case frame extends between a bracket and a distal end. The case frame defines an elongated channel for receiving the elongated channel therein. A mirror is movably secured to the distal end of the case frame to provide a view rearward of the motor vehicle.