Vehicle Direction Indicator and Rearview Mirror Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle direction indicator structures, where the indicator is integrated into the rearview mirror housing, are prone to being obscured by irradiation light from sunshine or opposing vehicle headlights, making the indicator difficult to recognize, especially for pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
The direction indicator and rearview mirror structure features a mirror housing that angularly supports the mirror body and partially overlaps the direction indicator, with a recessed portion acting as an eaves to shield light and a heat sink design that uses wind for cooling, allowing increased visibility and reduced vehicle width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the direction indicator is integrated into the rearview mirror housing, then the vehicle structure is compact and manufacturing is simplified, but the direction indicator becomes obscured by irradiation light from sunshine or opposing vehicle headlights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the direction indicator from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement on the rearview mirror housing. This dimensional change allows the indicator to be positioned above the mirror glass, where it is not obscured by irradiation light reflecting off the mirror surface, while maintaining integration with the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a recessed portion in the mirror housing that preliminarily shields the direction indicator from irradiation light before the light can reach the indicator. This preliminary shielding action prevents the harmful effect of light obscuration while maintaining the integrated structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror housing is positioned to shield the direction indicator from light, then visibility improves, but the vehicle width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the direction indicator above the mirror glass and creating an overlapping arrangement where the mirror housing extends vertically to shield the indicator. This vertical arrangement provides light shielding without increasing the horizontal vehicle width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the direction indicator within the vertical profile of the mirror housing, where the housing overlaps the indicator in both plan and side views. This nesting arrangement allows the housing to shield the indicator while maintaining a compact overall vehicle width.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the direction indicator is positioned to overlap with the mirror housing, then light shielding is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mirror housing to serve multiple functions: supporting the mirror glass, providing structural mounting for the direction indicator, and shielding the indicator from irradiation light through the overlapping arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the direction indicator mounting structure with the mirror housing structure, where the housing itself provides the shielding and support functions. This combining of functions simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate shielding components and mounting structures.
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
This configuration enhances the visibility of the direction indicator by shielding it from irradiation light and reduces the vehicle's width, while actively cooling the heat sink to increase LED light emission, thus improving recognition and reducing wear on the angle adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A direction indicator lens surface has a wedge shape splitting traveling wind into upper and lower streams, and is configured so as to allow the traveling wind introduced through the space between the eaves portion and the direction indicator lens surface to be discharged to the rear through the space between the direction indicator and the recessed portion thereby cooling the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
The direction indicator includes a heat sink which is exposed on a rear side of the direction indicator with respect to the vehicle body
Implementation Method 3
at least one light source is placed in the direction indicator at a position overlapping the mirror housing in a plan view
Data Source
AI summary
A direction indicator and rearview mirror structure for a vehicle includes a direction indicator and a rearview mirror having a mirror housing. The direction indicator angularly and adjustably supports the mirror housing. The mirror housing is mounted with at least a part thereof disposed above and in front of the direction indicator. In a plan view, the mirror housing overlaps the direction indicator at least partially and covers the direction indicator from above. A recessed portion housing an upper part of a vehicle-widthwise outer part of the direction indicator is formed in a lower part of the mirror housing. In a side view, a front part of the recessed portion with respect to a vehicle body protrudes forward and downward with respect to the vehicle body and serves as an eaves portion covering a front upper part of the direction indicator.