Blind Spot Indicator on Mirror Backing Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face difficulty in detecting objects in blind spots without turning their head, as existing side rear view mirror systems do not provide adequate visual indicators within the driver's peripheral vision.
Innovation Solution
A side rear view mirror assembly with a blind spot indicator secured to the backing plate, communicating with sensors to alert the driver through a light source and Fresnel lens, ensuring the indicator is always within the driver's line of sight during mirror adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blind spot indicators are placed in conventional positions, then the driver can see the indicator, but the indicator is not always within the driver's peripheral vision and line of sight during mirror adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The blind spot indicator is merged with the mirror assembly structure, specifically positioned on the mirror housing or backing plate. This integration ensures the indicator moves with the mirror and remains within the driver's field of view during adjustment, solving the problem of indicator visibility while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is positioned in a three-dimensional space that maintains constant angular relationship with the driver's line of sight. By mounting the indicator on the mirror assembly rather than the fixed body, the system creates a dynamic positioning solution that adapts to mirror movement, ensuring continuous visibility without blocking the mirror view.
2Reliability
If the blind spot indicator is mounted on the mirror assembly, then the indicator remains visible during mirror adjustment, but the mirror assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mounting is merged with existing mirror assembly components such as the backing plate or housing structure. This approach avoids adding separate mounting mechanisms and utilizes the existing movable structure of the mirror assembly to carry the indicator, thereby minimizing additional complexity while ensuring the indicator moves with the mirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly structure serves dual functions: providing the mirror support and carrying the blind spot indicator. By making the mirror assembly a multi-functional component that houses both the mirror and indicator, the design avoids creating a separate dedicated indicator mounting system, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the indicator blocks the mirror view, then the indicator is highly visible to the driver, but the mirror's field of view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is positioned in a specific local area of the mirror assembly where it does not interfere with the mirror's optical path. Typically, the indicator is placed on the backing plate or housing periphery, utilizing spaces that do not block the mirror surface or its field of view, thus maintaining both indicator visibility and mirror functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is positioned in a three-dimensional location that is visible to the driver through peripheral vision or slight glances, rather than directly in the mirror's optical path. This spatial arrangement allows the indicator to be seen without obstructing the mirror view, as the driver can perceive the indicator from angles that do not block the reflected image.
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
Enhances driver awareness of blind spot occupancy by providing a visual alert within the driver's peripheral vision, reducing the need for head turns and improving safety by ensuring the indicator is always visible and attention-grabbing.
Implementation Method 1
A side rear view mirror assembly with a blind spot indicator secured to the backing plate, communicating with sensors to alert the driver through a light source and Fresnel lens
Implementation Method 2
alert the driver through a light source and Fresnel lens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A side rear view mirror assembly (24,26) is used in conjunction with a motor vehicle (10) equipped with a blind spot sensor (16,18) designed to detect objects in blind spots of the motor vehicle (10). The side rear view mirror assembly (24,26) includes a base (38) fixedly secured to the motor vehicle (10). A mirror case (40) is movably secured to the base (38). The mirror case (40) defines a housing (42) and a mirror opening (44) facing rearward. A backing light (64) is operatively connected to the mirror case facing rearward. The backing plate (46) is movable with respect to the mirror case. A mirror glass (54) is fixedly secured to the backing plate (46) and movable therewith in a manner allowing an operator of the motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle. The side rear view mirror assembly also includes a blind spot indicator (62) fixedly secured to the backing plate (46) and in communication with the blind spot sensor (16,18) to receive signals from the blind spot sensor (16,18) and to indicate to the operator of the motor vehicle when an object is in a blind spot of the motor vehicle. The blind spot indicator is directed at the operator when the operator moves the backing plate to adjust the mirror glass.