Toggle Mechanism Actuator for Vehicle Mirror Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror systems face challenges in adjusting the viewing angle of vehicle mirrors to mitigate glare from headlights, particularly during nighttime driving, and in seamlessly integrating display functionality without interfering with the reflective field of view.
Innovation Solution
A toggle mechanism actuator assembly is introduced, comprising a pivot plate and support bracket rotationally coupled to a toggle switch, allowing for smooth adjustment of the mirror's viewing angle and activation/deactivation of the display module to prevent glare interference, utilizing a rotational damper for controlled motion and a sensor for position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a toggle mechanism is used to adjust the mirror viewing angle, then the mirror can be positioned to reduce glare from headlights, but the mechanism may produce jarring motions that affect user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
A rotational damper is integrated into the toggle mechanism to provide damping force during mirror adjustment. This cushioning effect reduces jarring motions and provides a smoother, more comfortable adjustment experience while maintaining the ability to position the mirror to reduce glare
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational damper acts as an intermediary element between the toggle switch and the mirror assembly. It mediates the motion transmission, allowing smooth controlled movement while still enabling the mirror to be positioned at glare-reducing angles
2Loss of information
If a display module is integrated into the rearview mirror assembly, then additional information can be provided to the driver, but the display may interfere with the reflective field of view and cause glare
Solution Approach 1:
The display module is configured to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to be activated or deactivated based on driving conditions. This enables the display to provide necessary information while being turned off when it would interfere with the reflective field of view or cause glare
Solution Approach 2:
The display module is positioned and designed to occupy only a specific portion of the mirror assembly, leaving the reflective field of view largely intact. This local placement ensures that information is provided without significantly interfering with the driver's ability to see reflections
3Measurement precision
If a toggle mechanism with multiple rotational degrees of freedom is used, then the mirror can be precisely positioned, but the mechanism becomes more complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a toggle switch for initiating adjustment, a rotational damper for controlling motion, and a pivot plate for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function, achieving precise mirror positioning while keeping the overall mechanism manageable and controllable
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 solution effectively adjusts the mirror's angle to reduce glare and toggles the display on/off as needed, ensuring clear visibility of the reflective field while minimizing jarring motions and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational damper configured to provide a damping force to the toggle mechanism in response to the toggle mechanism rotating about the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly is configured to adjust a viewing axis of a vehicle mirror. The assembly comprises a toggle switch and a pivot plate. The pivot plate comprises a pivoting member and a slider component configured to receive the pivoting member. The pivot plate is rotationally coupled to the toggle switch proximate a first axis. The assembly further comprises a support bracket rotationally coupled to the pivot plate via the pivoting member along a second axis. The support bracket is further rotationally coupled to the toggle switch along the first axis. The support bracket is configured to support the vehicle mirror such that a rotation of the toggle switch is configured to move the pivot plate relative to the support bracket to adjust a viewing angle of the vehicle mirror.