Display Mirror Assembly Glare Reduction via Partially Transmissive Glass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror systems face challenges in minimizing glare from headlights of trailing vehicles, which can obstruct the visibility of the display for drivers, especially during nighttime driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A display mirror assembly featuring a partially reflective, partially transmissive glass element with a display module, supported by front and rear shields, includes a glare sensor to detect and mitigate glare by adjusting the mirror's orientation and potentially turning off the display when necessary, ensuring clear visibility of the display through the glass element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the mirror is made fully reflective to improve rearview visibility, then the display visibility is reduced due to glare from trailing vehicles' headlights
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element employs different optical properties in different regions or contexts: it is fully reflective for rearview imaging but includes a partially transmissive portion that allows display light to pass through. This local differentiation of optical characteristics enables simultaneous achievement of glare reduction in the display area while maintaining rearview visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the mirror's orientation using an actuator in response to glare detection by a sensor. When glare is detected, the mirror rotates to an anti-glare position that redirects reflected light away from the driver's line of sight, thereby adaptively resolving the contradiction between rearview visibility and glare interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror orientation is adjusted to reduce glare, then display visibility is improved, but rearview imaging may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a fully reflective portion for rearview imaging and a partially transmissive portion for display visibility. This segmentation allows the system to maintain rearview imaging capability while simultaneously providing a glare-reduced display viewing area, even when the mirror is oriented for glare reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The partially transmissive glass element acts as an intermediary between the display module and the external environment. It allows display light to pass through to the driver while maintaining the mirror's primary reflective function, serving as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of display visibility and rearview imaging.
3Loss of information
If the display is always visible through the mirror, then driver information access is improved, but glare from trailing vehicles obstructs the display
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element employs different optical properties in different regions or contexts: it is fully reflective for rearview imaging but includes a partially transmissive portion that allows display light to pass through. This local differentiation of optical characteristics enables simultaneous achievement of glare reduction in the display area while maintaining rearview visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the mirror's orientation using an actuator in response to glare detection by a sensor. When glare is detected, the mirror rotates to an anti-glare position that redirects reflected light away from the driver's line of sight, thereby adaptively resolving the contradiction between rearview visibility and glare interference.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a support structure is added to hold the display module, then structural stability is improved, but the overall assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure for the display module is merged with the existing mirror assembly components, specifically utilizing the front shield and rear shield that already form part of the mirror housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures, thereby providing structural stability while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front shield and rear shield serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the glass element, support the display module, and form part of the mirror housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated support components, thereby maintaining structural stability while minimizing assembly complexity.
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 effectively reduces glare interference, allowing drivers to view the display without distraction, enhancing visibility and safety during nighttime driving by adjusting the mirror's orientation and controlling the display's visibility based on detected glare levels.
Implementation Method 1
a partially reflective, partially transmissive glass element
Implementation Method 2
a partially reflective, partially transmissive glass element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A display mirror assembly for a vehicle having a front shield including 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 front shield, display module, and rear shield.