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Magnesium mirror base with countermeasures for galvanic corrosion

a technology of mirror base and magnesium mirror, which is applied in the direction of machine supports, instruments, other domestic objects, etc., can solve the problems of exacerbated inherent corrosion problems, reduced use of magnesium in automobiles, and metals including dissimilar metals, so as to prevent galvanic corrosion

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-05-12
HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention is directed toward an improved folding automobile side mirror assembly that is formed, at least partially, from magnesium. The present invention is further directed toward an improved hinge assembly for a folding automobile side mirror assembly that limits water intrusion and retention within the mirror assembly. The present invention is further directed toward such an improved hinge assembly that permits use of dissimilar metals, such as magnesium and steel, while minimizing risks associated with galvanic corrosion.
[0014] In further accordance with the present invention, the spring is disposed around the inner cylindrical wall and is in engagement with the radially extending flanges of the upper and lower washer members. The inner base is formed from a first metal and the spring is formed from a second metal, with the first and second metals being dissimilar and subject to galvanic corrosion. Preferably, magnesium or an alloy thereof is used as the first metal and steel is used as the second metal. The upper washer member is disposed between inner base and the spring and prevents galvanic corrosion therebetween.

Problems solved by technology

Assemblies including dissimilar metals, such as those having magnesium parts in combination with steel parts, suffer from galvanic corrosion.
This inherent corrosion problem is exacerbated when the assembly is used in a wet environment.
Due to these problems, the use of magnesium in automobiles has been rather limited, despite the weight savings and manufacturing efficiencies that could result from its implementation.
Due in part to these problems, magnesium parts have not been incorporated into folding automobile side mirrors of the design illustrated in FIG. 6.

Method used

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  • Magnesium mirror base with countermeasures for galvanic corrosion
  • Magnesium mirror base with countermeasures for galvanic corrosion
  • Magnesium mirror base with countermeasures for galvanic corrosion

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a folding automobile mirror assembly 100 is shown to include an outer base 102 and a mirror housing 104. The mirror housing 104 is pivotally secured to the outer base 102 such that the mirror housing 104 may be manually moved from an outwardly extended or normal position to a folded or storage position. The storage position is illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 3. Conventionally, the mirror housing 104 will move vertically upward slightly from a normal vertical position to a raised vertical position as the mirror housing 104 pivots from the normal position toward the storage position. The mirror housing hinge assembly includes a spring that biases the mirror housing toward the normal vertical position and away from the raised vertical position so as to provide resistance to the pivoting movement. The folding automobile side mirror assembly disclosed to this point is conventional in appearance and function, and will be described hereinafter as it ...

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Abstract

A folding side mirror for an automobile having a hinge structure with dissimilar metals while avoiding problems associated with galvanic corrosion. The hinge structure includes a spring and an inner base. The spring and inner base are formed from dissimilar metals, such as steel and magnesium, respectively. The spring is isolated from the inner base by a washer member, which is preferably formed from plastic.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally pertains to a folding side mirror structure and, more particularly, toward improved folding side mirror structure that permits use of dissimilar metals. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Assemblies including dissimilar metals, such as those having magnesium parts in combination with steel parts, suffer from galvanic corrosion. This inherent corrosion problem is exacerbated when the assembly is used in a wet environment. Due to these problems, the use of magnesium in automobiles has been rather limited, despite the weight savings and manufacturing efficiencies that could result from its implementation. [0005] Folding automobile side mirrors are a particular application wherein galvanic corrosion resulting from the interaction of magnesium and steel has prevented the introduction of magnesium parts. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, a conventional folding automobile side ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60R1/06
CPCB60R1/06
Inventor BINFET, MICHAEL
Owner HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
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