Vehicle Mirror Cover Spring Mechanism Space Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices for motor vehicles have complex drive-technological structures with multiple components and motors, which complicate the movement of cover elements and increase installation space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a mirror that moves between stowed and use positions via a first cover element coupled to an electromechanical drive, and a second cover element prestressed by a spring element, eliminating the need for additional drives or kinematics for the second cover element, allowing for automatic opening and reduced installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple motors and drive components are used to move cover elements, then the mirror can be positioned accurately, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddrive structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the drive mechanism for the second cover element by using a spring element instead of a motor, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining positioning capability through the coupling relationship between cover elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the positioning function of multiple cover elements into a single drive system where the first cover element's movement automatically positions the second cover element through their coupling relationship, reducing the number of independent drives needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple motors and drive components are used to move cover elements, then the mirror can be positioned accurately, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes additional motors and drive components by using a spring-based mechanism, significantly reducing the installation space required for the display device while maintaining positioning functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a compact arrangement where the second cover element is coupled to the first cover element, allowing nested movement patterns that reduce the overall space required for the mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If additional drives or kinematics are added for the second cover element, then the cover elements can be positioned precisely, but the drive technology becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover element positioningVSAvoiddrive technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically positions the second cover element without requiring additional drives or complex kinematics, achieving precise positioning through the self-service mechanism of the spring and coupling system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the drive technology, reduces the number of components and installation space, and enables independent movement of cover elements, facilitating a more compact and efficient design.

Implementation Method 1

the second cover element is prestressed by a spring element at least in the stowed position in order to minimize the installation space required by the display device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element prestress: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3140146B1Display device for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for operating a display device
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP3140146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3140146B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3140146B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a display device (1) for a motor vehicle, having a mirror (2) which is arranged so as to be movable between a stowage position and a position of use, a first movably arranged cover element (3), which is coupled to an electromechanical drive for movement between a stowage position and a position of use and a second movably arranged cover element (4), wherein the display device (1) has a stowage position in which the mirror (2), and the two cover elements (3, 4) are arranged in a respective associated storage position, and a position of use in which the mirror (2) and the two cover elements (3, 4) are arranged in a respective associated position of use, and in the stowage position, the two cover elements (3, 4) at least partially cover the mirror (2), wherein the second cover element (4) is prestressed by a spring element, at least in the stowage position, in order to save installation space.