Integrally Coupled BSD Module in Vehicle Side Mirror

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle side mirrors with blind spot detection (BSD) modules are prone to moisture ingress and assembly issues due to exposed components and detachable assemblies, which compromise watertightness and ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

An integrally coupled BSD module is embedded within a mirror holder with a mounting groove, featuring a printed circuit board, LEDs, and a lens, along with dedicated grooves for the connector and wire, ensuring secure positioning and a watertight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the BSD assembly is detachably coupled to the mirror holder, then the BSD module can be installed and adjusted, but moisture can easily enter through the detachable connection points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidwatertightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The BSD assembly is integrally formed with the mirror holder as a single unified structure, eliminating detachable connections. The housing of the BSD assembly and the mirror holder are merged into one piece, preventing moisture ingress through connection points while maintaining ease of assembly as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of repair

If the BSD assembly is detachably coupled to the mirror holder, then the BSD module can be removed for maintenance, but the lighting unit may move out of position or come loose

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaintainabilityVSAvoidcomponent positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting unit, wire, and connector are integrally formed with the mirror holder in a single molded structure. This integration ensures that all components maintain their precise positions without moving out of alignment or becoming loose, while the entire assembly remains replaceable as one unit for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the BSD assembly is detachably coupled to the mirror holder, then the BSD module can be independently replaced, but joints are created that reduce ease of assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular replacement capabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The BSD assembly forms a single integrated structure with the mirror holder, eliminating multiple joints and connection points. This integration simplifies the overall assembly structure while maintaining the capability to replace the entire BSD module as one unit, reducing complexity without sacrificing modular replacement ability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 prevents the BSD module from shifting or detaching, enhances watertight performance, and simplifies assembly by eliminating gaps and joints, thereby improving reliability and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

a lens 25 through which light irradiated from the light sources 24 passes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUSRE49072E1Vehicle side mirror
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 SL MIRRORTECH
  • USRE49072E1 patent drawing
  • USRE49072E1 patent drawing
  • USRE49072E1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle side mirror is provided and includes a mirror and a mirror housing in which the mirror is installed. Additionally, a blind spot detection (BSD)-integrated mirror holder supports the mirror and includes a mounting groove formed in a front surface thereof that faces the mirror. A BSD module is configured to provide a warning regarding a danger in a blind spot on a rear lateral side of a vehicle and is disposed in the mounting groove.