Wing Mirror Hinge Actuator With Adjustable Stops for Manual Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge actuators for wing mirror units face challenges in defining a predetermined position during manual adjustment, requiring either powerful electric motors or insufficient resistance, which complicates the use of current limiting circuits and may lead to unintentional overfolding.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable auxiliary stops that can be moved between blocking and clearing positions by the drive, allowing for a well-defined manual adjustment with a lightweight drive, and incorporating a drive element with an operating cam or guide track for reliable adjustment, enabling a low-power electric motor and clear tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auxiliary stops are added to define the predetermined position in the second pivoting direction, then the position definition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is divided into two independent sets: stops for the first pivoting direction and auxiliary stops for the second pivoting direction. Each set operates independently to define positions in its respective direction, allowing precise position control without requiring a completely complex unified mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary stops are made adjustable rather than fixed. They can be positioned by the electric drive to clear the path during electric operation, but return to blocking positions during manual operation. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to serve different functions based on operational mode.
2Measurement precision
If the force required for overcoming the stops and extra stops is of the same order of magnitude, then the position definition is improved, but the power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary stops are designed to be movable rather than fixed. During electric operation, the drive positions them to clear the path, eliminating the need for high power to overcome them. During manual operation, they return to blocking positions to provide tactile feedback. This dynamic positioning allows position definition without permanently increasing power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary stops alternately block and clear the path depending on the operational phase. During electric adjustment, they are positioned to clear; during manual adjustment, they block to provide feedback. This periodic blocking/clearing behavior allows position definition only when needed without continuous power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the auxiliary stops are made adjustable by the drive, then the position definition during manual adjustment is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary stops are automatically positioned by the electric drive without requiring manual intervention. The drive moves them to clear positions during electric operation and they return to blocking positions during manual operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust the stops while still providing position definition benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary stops dynamically adapt their blocking behavior based on the operational mode. They are positioned to block during manual operation to provide tactile feedback, but are moved to clear positions during electric operation. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of manual operation while improving position definition when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge actuator comprising a first part which is pivotably connected with a second part, and an electric drive for pivoting the parts relative to each other. The first and the second parts include stops that cooperate in a first pivoting direction for defining a position of the actuator parts. A coupling is provided between the first and the second part, so that in a first position the first part and the second part are connected via the drive and, driven by the drive, can be pivoted relative to each other, and a second position in which the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other manually.