Deformable Vehicle Rear-View Mirror for Blind Spot Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle rear-view mirrors have a fixed size and shape, creating a blind spot that can lead to accidents as pedestrians or obstacles in this area cannot be seen by the driver, especially during turns.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle rear-view mirror with a flexible base substrate and a deformable reflective layer that can change its shape to expand the viewing angle, combined with a control system that detects turning states and ambient brightness to adjust the mirror's display accordingly, including a flexible display layer to show images from a camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the rear-view mirror uses a fixed size and shape, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the viewing angle is limited creating blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rear-view mirror panel deformable rather than fixed. The mirror panel can dynamically change its shape and curvature to expand the viewing angle and eliminate blind spots during vehicle turns, while returning to its original shape when not needed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the mirror to adapt its geometry dynamically without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the curvature and shape parameters of the mirror panel. By changing the geometric parameters of the mirror surface (from flat to curved, or to different curvature radii), the viewing angle is expanded to cover blind spots while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that can be manufactured with standard materials and actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rear-view mirror uses glass specular reflection, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the image region is fixed and cannot adapt to turning conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static glass specular reflection mirror with a dynamic flexible display panel that can change its displayed image region adaptively. The flexible display can show different portions of the captured environment based on vehicle turning conditions, providing adaptability while using modern manufacturing techniques for flexible displays and cameras, which have become increasingly standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional optical-mechanical mirror system with an electronic display system. Instead of relying on physical mirror orientation and shape changes alone, the system uses a flexible display panel to electronically present images from cameras, replacing part of the mechanical mirror function with electronic image processing and display technology.
3Reliability
If the rear-view mirror panel is made flexible and deformable, then the viewing angle can be expanded to reduce blind spots, but the structural complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic deformation of the flexible mirror panel to improve safety by expanding the viewing angle and eliminating blind spots during turns. The driving mechanism includes actuators that control the panel shape in real-time based on vehicle turning detection, creating a dynamic safety system that adapts to driving conditions while managing complexity through targeted actuation rather than full system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting vehicle turning states and automatically adjusting the mirror panel shape accordingly. The system monitors turning conditions and provides appropriate mirror deformation feedback, ensuring safety improvements are achieved only when needed (during turns) rather than requiring continuous complex actuation, thus managing system complexity through event-driven control.
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
Enhances the driver's field of view by dynamically adjusting the mirror's shape and display to include previously blind spots, reducing the risk of accidents by providing a wider view of the surroundings, especially during turns and in low light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior mirrors of the automobile mostly use the glass specular reflection to provide the driver with the external environment image of the automobile
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle rear-view mirror and a method for control the same and a control system thereof are provided. The method for control the vehicle rear-view mirror includes: detecting a turning state of the vehicle; in the case that the vehicle is turning, controlling the driving mechanism to drive the deformable region of the rear-view panel to deform towards the driving mechanism.