Vehicle Side Mirror Replacement Using Camera and HUD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side mirrors on vehicles create wind drag and are necessary for safety, but they are not aerodynamically efficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle side viewing system using side view cameras and heads-up displays (HUDs) to replace traditional side mirrors, providing a reduced wind drag profile while maintaining essential visibility features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional side mirrors are used, then rearward visibility is provided, but wind drag increases and aerodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical side mirror system with an electronic imaging system consisting of cameras mounted on the vehicle and display devices positioned to show camera feeds to occupants. This substitution eliminates the physical mirror structures that create wind drag while maintaining the essential function of rearward visibility through electronic image transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of the rearward view by using cameras to capture images and displaying them on display devices positioned within the vehicle. These electronic copies provide the same information as traditional mirrors would, allowing occupants to see behind the vehicle without requiring physical mirrors that interfere with aerodynamics.
2Loss of energy
If side mirrors are removed to improve aerodynamics, then wind drag is reduced, but rearward visibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with electronic imaging and display components. Cameras capture the rearward scene and transmit images to display devices positioned strategically within the vehicle interior, preserving access to rearward view information while eliminating the energy losses associated with traditional mirror structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cameras and display devices as intermediary components between the rearward scene and the vehicle occupants. These intermediaries capture and reproduce the rearward view, allowing information to be transmitted without requiring direct line-of-sight mirrors that create aerodynamic drag.
3Shape
If cameras are used instead of mirrors, then aerodynamics improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cameras and display devices that serve multiple functions: capturing rearward images, providing visibility to multiple occupants through strategically positioned displays, and potentially integrating with other vehicle systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering enhanced capabilities beyond what traditional mirrors provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the two-dimensional surface of traditional mirrors to a three-dimensional electronic system involving cameras positioned at various points on the vehicle and display devices positioned throughout the interior space. This dimensional expansion allows for more flexible information distribution while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle side viewing system that can replace side view mirrors of the vehicle and provide improved vehicle aerodynamics. The vehicle side viewing system can be part of a vehicle that has a driver's side and a passenger's side as is known to those skilled in the art. The vehicle side viewing system has a driver's side view camera and a passenger's side view camera. The vehicle side viewing system also has a driver's side heads up display (HUD) and a passenger's side HUD. The driver's side HUD is operable to display a camera view from the DSV camera and the passenger's side HUD is operable to display a camera view from the PSV camera.