Back Plate Unit With Integrated Light Guide For Blind Spot Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear view mirror assemblies for motor vehicles require multiple components, including a separate blind spot indicator module, increasing assembly complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A backing plate unit with integrated functions such as a logo pattern, attachment means for a light source and actuator, and a light filter, formed through injection molding, which reduces the number of parts needed and eliminates the need for a separate blind spot indicator module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate blind spot indicator module is used, then the indicator function is achieved, but the assembly complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindicator functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blind spot indicator function is merged with the backing plate by integrating a light guide structure directly into the backing plate. The light guide is formed as an integral part of the backing plate through injection molding, eliminating the need for a separate indicator module while maintaining the blind spot indication function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backing plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, displays the logo pattern, and integrates the blind spot indicator function through the incorporated light guide. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions (logo display, blind spot indication, structural support) are combined into a single integrated backing plate component. The injection molding process allows all these features to be formed in one manufacturing step, improving productivity while maintaining functional optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backing plate is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The light guide is integrated into the backing plate structure, allowing the same component to serve both structural and indicator functions, thereby reducing assembly time and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a separate blind spot indicator module is used, then the indicator can be independently adjusted, but the component count and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindicator adjustmentVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The blind spot indicator is merged with the backing plate through the integrated light guide structure. The light guide is formed as an integral part of the backing plate, reducing the component count while maintaining the ability to adjust and optimize the indicator function through the molding process parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3458309B2Backing plate unit, method for producing such a backing plate unit and rear view device for a motor vehicle with such a backing plate unit
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 SMR PATENTS S A R L
  • EP3458309B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3458309B2 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3458309B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention refers to a backing plate unit for a rear view device for a motor vehicle, comprising: • at least one opening passing from a rear side (112, 212) of a backing plate (100, 200) to a front side (224) thereof to form a logo pattern (122, 222) by itself, • first attachment means on the rear side (112, 212) of the backing plate (100) for a light source (500), and • light filter means and/or at least one extension (220), which is extending from the front side (224) of the backing plate (220), in the region of the logo pattern (122, 222). The invention also refers to a method for producing such a backing plate unit and a rear view device with such a backing plate unit.