Blind Zone Warning Signal Integrated in Rearview Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rearview mirrors have limited field of view, leading to blind zones during lane changes, which can cause collisions, and existing solutions either distort images or distract drivers with external cameras and displays.
Innovation Solution
A warning signal controlling device is integrated inside the rearview mirror, using a PMMA opaque lens, transparent light guide mirror, LED lamps, and a PCB board with a control circuit connected to the vehicle's Body Controller Module, providing adjustable alarm signals and illumination patterns to alert drivers of vehicles in blind zones without distracting them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the radius of curvature of the rearview mirror is decreased to increase field of view, then the blind zone coverage is improved, but image distortion increases causing wrong judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary warning signal device that projects light patterns onto the rearview mirror surface to indicate blind zone vehicle presence. This mediator conveys critical safety information without requiring the mirror itself to provide a wide-angle view, thus avoiding image distortion while still alerting drivers to blind zone hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of using curved mirrors to expand field of view with an electronic warning signal system. Instead of physically altering the mirror's curvature to increase coverage, the system uses LED projections and light guides to provide blind zone awareness, eliminating the trade-off between field of view and image quality.
2Reliability
If external cameras and display devices are installed to eliminate blind zones, then blind zone detection is improved, but driver distraction increases due to requiring simultaneous observation of multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the warning signal system directly with the existing rearview mirror structure. The warning LEDs, light guides, and control circuits are integrated into the mirror assembly, combining blind zone detection and warning functions into a single familiar component that drivers already observe, thereby eliminating distraction while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rearview mirror is given multiple functions: it continues to provide normal rearward visibility while simultaneously displaying blind zone warning signals through integrated LED projections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external display devices, reducing complexity and driver distraction while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring.
3Reliability
If warning signals are made bright and prominent to ensure visibility, then alert effectiveness is improved, but driver distraction increases due to excessive visual stimulus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic flashing or pulsing warning signals rather than continuous bright illumination. This periodic action captures driver attention effectively when vehicles are detected in blind zones, while the intermittent nature of the signals prevents excessive visual stimulus and driver distraction during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The warning signals are projected as localized light patterns at specific positions on the rearview mirror surface corresponding to the direction of detected vehicles. This local quality ensures that alerts are visible and effective without creating excessive overall visual stimulus, as the bright signals are confined to specific relevant areas rather than illuminating the entire mirror.
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 device enhances driving safety by providing clear, focused alerts within the driver's field of view, reducing the risk of collisions by illuminating blind zones without interfering with other vehicles and maintaining driver focus.
Implementation Method 1
LED lamps
Implementation Method 2
a mirror utilizing a light guide made of PMMA which is transparent
Implementation Method 3
the base assembly is secured to the lens by ultrasonic welding
Data Source
AI summary
A warning signal controlling device for blind zones when vehicles making a lane change is provided. The device is disposed inside each inner side of each rearview mirror of the vehicle, and comprises a lens masked by PMMA which is black and opaque, a mirror utilizing a light guide made of PMMA which is transparent, and a base assembly consisting of LED lamps, a PCB board and a base. The lens and the mirror are obtained by two-color molding, the PCB board is secured to the base, LED lamp holders are provided on the PCB board, the LED lamps are secured in the corresponding LED lamp holders and the base assembly is secured to the lens by ultrasonic welding.