Active Material Rear View Mirror for Silent Anti-Glare Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatically adjustable rear view mirrors in vehicles are bulky due to numerous mechanical parts, causing noise and distraction when adjusting the reflective element to reduce glare from following vehicles' headlamps.

Innovation Solution

A rear view mirror design utilizing a sandwich-like construction with a support element and a frame element containing active material, such as shape memory alloy, to move the reflective element relative to a stationary support arm, reducing mechanical parts and noise by using a control module to activate the active material for smooth and silent adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical gears are used to move the reflective element, then the mirror can be adjusted to anti-glare position, but the device becomes bulky and noisy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of mechanical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear system with an electromechanical actuator that uses a lead screw mechanism. The motor-driven lead screw converts rotational motion into linear motion to move the reflective element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gears while achieving the same anti-glare adjustment function. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical parts and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a lead screw mechanism which functions similarly to hydraulic/pneumatic systems by converting rotational motion into precise linear displacement. The threaded engagement between the lead screw and nut provides mechanical advantage and controlled movement without requiring multiple gears, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automatic adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If mechanical gears are used to adjust the reflective element, then positioning is achieved, but noise is generated that may distract the driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic adjustmentVSAvoidnoise during adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces noisy mechanical gear engagement with a motor-driven lead screw mechanism. The continuous rotational motion of the lead screw engages smoothly with the nut, eliminating the clicking and grinding noises associated with gear teeth engagement. This substitution maintains automatic positioning capability while significantly reducing noise generation during adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple mechanical parts are used for adjustment, then the mirror can be positioned accurately, but the housing must be larger to accommodate all components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidhousing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple separate mechanical positioning components with an integrated motor-driven lead screw mechanism. The lead screw and nut assembly provides precise linear positioning in a compact form factor, eliminating the need for multiple gears, linkages, and mounting brackets. This integration achieves accurate positioning while minimizing the housing volume required to accommodate the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the motor, lead screw, and positioning mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The motor shaft directly drives the lead screw, which in turn moves the reflective element through threaded engagement with the nut. This merging of components reduces the overall space required compared to separate mechanical subsystems, allowing for a more compact housing design while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution results in a compact, quiet, and efficient rear view mirror that automatically adjusts the reflective element with fewer mechanical parts, minimizing noise and distraction, while effectively reducing glare from headlamps.

Implementation Method 1

the frame element comprises active material to move the rear view mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10427605B2Moveable rear view mirror comprising active material

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SMR PATENTS S A R L

AI summary

A rear view mirror for use in a motor vehicle includes a support element having a reflective element attached to a first side; and a frame element detachably attached to a second side of the support element which is located opposite the first side. The frame element includes an adjusting element that is adapted to connect the rear view mirror to a stationary support arm holding the rear view minor. The frame element is adapted to move the rear view minor relative to the stationary support arm and comprises active material to move the rear view mirror.