Vehicle Display Mirror Assembly Bi-Modal Switch Glare Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview display mirror assemblies face challenges in providing optimal visibility and minimizing glare from headlights, especially during nighttime driving, due to the integration of display modules with partially reflective and transmissive elements, which can lead to interference with the reflective mirror image.
Innovation Solution
A display mirror assembly design featuring a bi-modal switch that adjusts the display module's activation state and the mirror's pitch between 2 and 7 degrees, allowing the user to toggle between optimal and non-optimal viewing positions, thereby reducing glare and enhancing visibility by actuating the display on or off in conjunction with the mirror's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display module is integrated with a partially reflective, partially transmissive element in a rearview mirror assembly, then information display capability is improved, but glare and unwanted reflections from headlights increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a bi-modal switch that dynamically adjusts the mirror assembly between two distinct operational states: a first mode where the display is visible and the mirror surface is optimized for display viewing, and a second mode where the mirror surface is optimized for reflective viewing. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its optical properties based on whether information display or glare-free reflection is the priority, rather than attempting to simultaneously optimize both static configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the mirror assembly by adjusting the pitch angle between 2 and 7 degrees depending on the operational mode. In the first mode, the mirror is positioned at an angle that minimizes direct reflection of headlights into the driver's eyes while maximizing display visibility. In the second mode, the mirror returns to a conventional viewing angle optimized for reflective imaging. This parameter adjustment resolves the technical contradiction by decoupling the conflicting optical requirements through temporal separation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bi-modal switch is added to adjust mirror and display positioning, then visibility and glare reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-modal switch is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both the mirror pitch angle adjustment and the display module activation/deactivation in a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving glare reduction and visibility improvement. The switch integrates several control functions into one operational element.
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 bi-modal switch effectively reduces unwanted reflections and glare, improving visibility in both day and night driving conditions by dynamically adjusting the display and mirror alignment, thus optimizing the viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a partially reflective, partially transmissive element mounted on the first side
Implementation Method 2
a partially reflective, partially transmissive element mounted on the first side
Implementation Method 3
The bi-modal switch is adjustable to a first position that rotates the mirror assembly to optimize visibility of an image and which simultaneously moves the display switch to the off state
Implementation Method 4
a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof
Implementation Method 5
a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield.