Blind Spot Monitor Visor Lens Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blind spot monitor units (BSM units) struggle to be visually recognized by drivers or occupants of other vehicles due to the placement of indicators on the side portion of the mirror casing, making it difficult for them to notice the existence of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A BSM unit is attached to the side surface of a visor on an outer mirror, featuring a light source and lens that protrudes from the visor, allowing the indicator to be displayed at a location distinct from the mirror's reflection, thus enhancing visibility to both the driver and other road users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the indicator is displayed on the side portion of the mirror casing, then the driver of the own vehicle can visually recognize the icon, but the driver or like of another vehicle cannot visually recognize the icon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the indicator display from a two-dimensional surface (side portion of mirror casing) to a three-dimensional protruding structure (lens extending outward from the visor). This dimensional change allows the indicator to be visible from multiple angles and directions, enabling both the driver of the own vehicle and drivers of other vehicles to visually recognize the icon simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If the indicator is displayed on the mirror of the outer mirror, then the structure is compact, but the indicator is displayed together with the scenery reflected on the mirror or sunlight making it difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indicator display function from the mirror surface and relocates it to the visor structure. By separating the indicator (lens) from the reflective mirror surface, the indicator can be displayed independently without being obscured by reflected scenery or sunlight, thereby improving visibility while maintaining structural compactness.
3Device complexity
If the lens is flush with the side surface of the visor, then the structure is smooth and compact, but the emitting direction of light is limited to the driver side of the own vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the lens from a flush-mounted two-dimensional configuration to a protruding three-dimensional structure. This dimensional extension allows the lens to emit light in multiple directions including toward the rear side of the vehicle, expanding the adaptability and versatility of the light emission range beyond just the driver side.
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 enables the indicator to be easily recognized by drivers and passengers of other vehicles, improving awareness of the vehicle's presence and reducing anxiety by providing a wider emission range beyond the driver's side, including the rear side.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to be attached to the housing and emit light from the light source to the outside of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A BSM unit according to an embodiment is attached to a side surface facing the vehicle body of a visor of an outer mirror provided to a vehicle body of a vehicle. The BSM unit includes a light source; a housing configured to accommodate the light source; and a lens configured to be attached to the housing and emit light from the light source to the outside of the housing, in which at least a portion of the lens protrudes from the side surface of the visor in an out-of-plane direction of the side surface.