Bezelless Rearview Mirror Assembly With Rounded Edge Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rearview mirror assemblies often have a bezel portion that encompasses the perimeter edge and front surface of the reflective element, which can obstruct the view and create aesthetic issues, while also potentially compromising safety during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A bezelless rearview mirror assembly design where the reflective element is attached to the casing without a bezel, with a rounded perimeter edge that provides a smooth transition between the reflective element and the casing, enhancing visibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bezel portion is used to encompass the perimeter edge and front surface of the reflective element, then the structural support and protection are improved, but the driver's rearward field of view is obstructed and aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional bezel portion that surrounded the reflective element, extracting the harmful obstructing element while retaining the essential support function through alternative means (mounting structure attached to vehicle windshield or dashboard). This eliminates the view obstruction problem while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional bezel frame surrounding the mirror to a three-dimensional mounting structure that positions the reflective element directly against the mounting surface. This dimensional change allows the reflective element to be supported without lateral obstruction, improving the driver's field of view.
2Strength
If a bezel portion is used to encompass the perimeter edge of the reflective element, then protection during collisions is improved, but safety during head impact collisions deteriorates due to increased hard surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bezel portion that created extensive hard surface area, extracting the source of head impact danger. The reflective element is mounted directly without surrounding hard structures, significantly reducing the hard surface area that could injure occupants during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protective qualities selectively - the reflective element itself provides necessary optical function and localized protection, while eliminating unnecessary hard surfaces (bezel) that created safety hazards. The mounting structure provides support without adding harmful hard surfaces around the perimeter.
3Shape
If the perimeter edge of the reflective element is rounded or ground, then aesthetic quality and smooth transition are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the rounding of perimeter edges into the initial manufacturing process of the reflective element, rather than requiring post-manufacturing modification. This preliminary action integrates the aesthetic shaping step into the base manufacturing流程, reducing overall complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting structure, a plastic mirror casing, and a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes a periphery surface extending between a planar first surface and a planar second surface and spanning a thickness dimension of the glass substrate. The mirror casing includes a central mounting portion and spaced apart attachment portions. The mirror reflective element is adhesively attached the spaced apart attachment portions. The central mounting portion includes a first pivot element and the mounting structure includes a second pivot element, the first pivot element and the second pivot element forming a pivot joint. The periphery surface of the glass substrate includes a curved outer surface that provides a rounded transition between the planar first surface of the glass substrate and a less-curved outer surface of a side wall of the mirror casing.