U-Shaped Mirror Mounting Bracket for Fold-Away Interior Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of interior mirror assemblies in vehicles faces a challenge in accommodating both the fold-away mechanism and interior modules within the limited space available on the windshield or roof structure.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket with a bar-shaped support element and lever arms forming a U-shape, which provides a free space for additional interior components and integrates a fold-away mechanism for the interior mirror assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional mounting structure is used for the interior mirror assembly, then the mirror can be mounted on the windshield or roof structure, but there is insufficient space available for both the interior module and the fold-away mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into a bar-shaped support element with lever arms extending from its ends, forming a U-shape configuration. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: the support element provides structural backing while the lever arms accommodate the fold-away mechanism, thereby generating sufficient space for interior modules without compromising mounting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket transitions from a traditional linear or planar mounting structure to a three-dimensional U-shaped configuration. By extending lever arms from both ends of the support element and positioning them in parallel, the design utilizes spatial dimensionality to create volume for interior modules while maintaining a compact footprint on the windshield or roof structure
2Reliability
If space is allocated for the fold-away mechanism, then the mirror can fold away when impacted, but this reduces the available space for interior modules
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket merges the support function and the fold-away mechanism into a single integrated U-shaped structure. The bar-shaped support element provides structural support while the lever arms extending from its ends form the fold-away mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and mechanism housings, thereby maximizing the space available for interior modules while ensuring reliable fold-away functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped mounting bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts the interior mirror assembly to the vehicle structure, provides the fold-away mechanism for impact safety, and creates sufficient space for interior modules. The bar-shaped support element and lever arms are designed to fulfill all these functions within a compact configuration, making the structure universally applicable without sacrificing space
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket for an interior mirror assembly of a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a bar-shaped support element having a first end and a second end. A mounting interface for connecting the interior mirror assembly to the mounting bracket is connected to the support element. Moreover, a first lever arm extends from the support element and has a first pivot feature. A second lever arm extends from the support element and has a second pivot feature. The support element, the first lever arm and the second lever arm form a U-shape. Additionally, an interior mirror module includes an interior mirror assembly and such a mounting bracket. Furthermore, an interior module for a vehicle includes a console unit being configured for being connected to a windshield or to a roof structure of the vehicle. The interior module also includes a mounting bracket pivotably supported on the console unit.