Adjustable Side Mirror Assembly for Vehicle Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side mirror assemblies for vehicles are obstructive to the driver's view and compromise aerodynamics, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A side mirror assembly with a dual-mirror configuration that allows for adjustable spacing between mirrors, enabling a secondary position with increased visibility through a see-through opening and a primary position for improved aerodynamics by closing or reducing the opening, utilizing a spacer actuator and control unit to automatically switch between positions based on vehicle speed and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the mirrors are positioned close together in a fixed configuration, then aerodynamics is improved, but direct view obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the axial spacing between mirrors can be adjusted. The spacer actuator enables the mirrors to move between a first axial spacing (for aerodynamics) and a second axial spacing (for visibility), allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and resolve the contradiction between fuel efficiency and driver visibility.
2Loss of energy
If an opaque front lid is used to house the mirrors, then aerodynamics is improved, but driver field of view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The front lid transitions from a static opaque structure to a dynamic structure with variable transparency. By adjusting the axial spacing between mirrors, the system can create see-through openings that allow the driver to view through the front lid, thereby reducing view obstruction while maintaining aerodynamic benefits when the mirrors are in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front lid is effectively segmented into multiple regions by the adjustable mirror positions. When mirrors are spaced apart, they create distinct see-through openings that segment the visual field, allowing selective visibility through specific portions of the front lid while maintaining overall aerodynamic efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-mirror configuration is used, then rear view coverage is improved, but direct view obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-mirror assembly incorporates dynamic spacing adjustment that allows the mirrors to optimize their relative positions. When maximum rear view coverage is needed, mirrors are positioned at greater axial spacing; when direct view is prioritized, mirrors are positioned closer together, creating see-through openings that reduce obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds the dimension of axial spacing adjustment to the traditional dual-mirror configuration. By controlling the distance between mirrors along the axial dimension, the system can modulate both the rear view coverage and the direct view obstruction, transforming a static two-dimensional mirror arrangement into a dynamic three-dimensional configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side mirror assembly (1) for a ground vehicle, the side mirror assembly (1) comprising two mirrors (5, 6) distributed parallel to a main axis (Z12) of the side mirror assembly (1), and both configured to be secured to the ground vehicle. The side mirror assembly (1) comprises a spacer actuator (20) for moving the two mirrors (5, 6) relative to each other, between a primary position, wherein the mirrors (5, 6) are at a first distance from each other along the main axis (Z12), and a secondary position, wherein the mirrors (5, 6) are at a second distance (Zd2) from each other along the main axis (Z12), the second distance (Zd2) being greater than the first distance. At least when the mirrors (5, 6) are in the secondary position, at least one empty see-through opening (22, 24) is provided along the main axis (Z12), between the mirrors (5, 6), so that a user may see beyond the side mirror assembly (1) through said at least one see-through opening (22, 24).