Vehicle Viewing Mount With Dual-Axis Joint and Low-Wear Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision device arrangements for motor vehicles, such as mirrors and cameras, have complex and multi-part constructions that result in high manufacturing and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified device design featuring a base part, mounting frame, and support frame with a first joint axis for rotational movement and a second joint axis for pivoting, utilizing a rod end bearing arrangement and a sliding ring to reduce complexity and wear, allowing for adjustable viewing angles without additional actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-part construction with numerous interconnected components is used to allow pivoting and adjustment of the vision arrangement, then the adaptability and adjustment range are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated support frame structure. The support frame integrates both the first joint arrangement (rod end bearing) for rotation about axis A1 and the second joint arrangement (rocker bearing) for pivoting about axis A2, eliminating the need for separate interconnected components for each adjustment function. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining full adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables rotation about the first joint axis through the rod end bearing, enables pivoting about the second joint axis through the rocker bearing, and incorporates protective elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If protective devices and overload clutches are incorporated to prevent damage to the sighting system, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective elements are integrated directly into the joint arrangements themselves. The rod end bearing and rocker bearing structures incorporate protective features as inherent parts of their design, rather than as separate add-on components. This integration maintains reliability while reducing the total component count.
3Ease of operation
If multiple bearing arrangements and joint components are used to enable rotation and pivoting movements, then the ease of operation is improved, but the wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod end and rocker bearing arrangements act as intermediary elements that enable smooth rotational and pivoting movements while distributing mechanical stresses. These bearing structures provide the necessary movement capability while their design inherently manages wear through proper load distribution and contact surface geometry.
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
The simplified design reduces manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining durability and functionality, enabling cost-effective and efficient adjustment of vision devices with reduced wear and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the first joint arrangement comprises a rod end bearing arrangement with a rod end on the base part and a ball joint socket on the support frame, wherein the rod end is received by the ball joint socket
Implementation Method 2
the second joint arrangement comprises a rocker bearing arrangement, with at least one bearing means arranged on the mounting frame and at least one complementary counter bearing means arranged on the support frame, which are in sliding guidance with each other
Implementation Method 3
at least one sliding ring is arranged between the joint head and the intermediate socket, which forms a sliding bearing between the joint head and the intermediate socket, over which the mounting frame is slidably rotatable
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for adjusting a viewing means assembly, comprising a base part (10), an installation frame (30), and a support frame (50). The installation frame (30) and the support frame (50) are arranged on the base part (10) by means of a first joint assembly such that the installation frame can be rotated relative to the base part (2) only about a first pivot axis (AI), and the installation frame (30) is arranged on the support frame (50) by means of a second joint assembly such that the installation frame can be pivoted relative to the support frame (50) only about a second joint axis (A2), which is transverse to the first joint axis (AI). The first joint assembly comprises a joint body bearing assembly, comprising a joint head (12) on the base part (10) and a joint socket (51) on the support frame (50), and the second joint assembly comprises a counter bearing assembly, comprising at least one bearing means (32) which is arranged on the installation frame (30) and at least one complementary counter bearing means (52) which is arranged on the support frame (50), said bearing means and counter bearing means being guided together in a sliding manner such that the installation frame (30) can be pivoted relative to the support frame (50) only about the second joint axis (A2).