Blind Spot Indicator Module Integrated into Mirror Reflector Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies face challenges in providing a blind spot detection indicator and turn signal indicator that is visible to the driver of the host vehicle without being visible to other drivers, while also ensuring the indicators are not obstructive to the reflective surface and comply with regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
An exterior rearview mirror assembly with a blind spot or lane change assist indicator and turn signal indicator integrated into the mirror reflector carrier or back plate, where the indicator module is sealed and attached to the mirror reflective element, allowing light to be directed towards the driver while shielding it from other viewers, using a housing with electrically conducting terminals and a diffuser element for uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the indicator module is integrated into the mirror reflector carrier, then the visibility of indicators to the driver is improved, but the complexity of the mirror assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator module is integrated into the mirror reflector carrier, combining the indicator function with the existing mirror structure. This merging approach improves visibility by positioning the indicator directly in the mirror assembly while managing complexity through shared structural elements between the indicator module and mirror carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror reflector carrier serves multiple functions: it supports the reflective element and now also houses the indicator module. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to provide both mechanical support and optical signaling, improving visibility without proportionally increasing overall assembly complexity.
2Loss of information
If the indicator is positioned to be visible to the driver, then the driver awareness of blind spots is improved, but the indicator may become visible to other drivers which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator module is positioned at a specific location on the mirror reflector carrier that optimizes visibility for the driver while limiting visibility to other drivers. This localized positioning strategy ensures the indicator provides necessary information to the driver without creating harmful visibility for surrounding traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator placement creates an asymmetric visibility pattern where the driver has clear view of the indicator while other drivers have limited or no view. This asymmetric arrangement resolves the contradiction by differentiating the viewing experience between the host vehicle driver and other road users.
3Reliability
If the indicator module is sealed and attached to the mirror reflective element, then the reliability of the indicator is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is integrated into the attachment process of the indicator module to the mirror reflective element. This merging of sealing and attachment functions improves reliability by ensuring the indicator is properly sealed while managing manufacturing complexity through a unified installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator module is designed to be pre-sealed before attachment to the mirror reflective element. This preliminary sealing action ensures reliability is established before installation, while the modular design allows this sealing process to be completed during manufacturing rather than requiring complex field sealing procedures.
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 provides enhanced visibility of indicators to the driver while maintaining an uninterrupted reflective surface, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and enhancing assembly processes by integrating the indicator module within the mirror reflector sub-assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator module includes a light emitting diode and housing
Implementation Method 2
The indicator module includes a diffuser element and indicia
Implementation Method 3
a mirror reflective element... light emitted by the light source or sources of the indicator module is transmitted through the reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror reflector, a mirror back plate, and indicator element. The indicator element includes a housing and a light source. The indicator element is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle and includes a diffuser that diffuses light emitted by the light source. An icon is established through a metallic reflector coating disposed at the glass substrate. The icon includes a light-transmitting aperture. When the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the vehicle, the icon is at an upper quadrant of the mirror reflective element. When the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the vehicle and when the light source is activated, the icon is illuminated and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle.