Dual-Mirror Side Mirror Control for Blind Spot Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side mirror devices lack the capability to enable corotation about horizontal axes and counterrotation about vertical axes using a single side mirror controller, and they do not incorporate a curved convex design for the bottom mirror.
Innovation Solution
A side mirror device comprising a shell with a top mirror and a bottom mirror attached to actuators, where the first actuator is configured for corotation and counterrotation about their respective horizontal and vertical axes, respectively, using a single side mirror controller, and the bottom mirror is curved convexly between its opposing ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single side mirror controller is used to control both top and bottom mirrors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and coordination between mirrors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single side mirror controller is segmented into two independent control modules: a first control module for controlling the top mirror and a second control module for controlling the bottom mirror. Each module independently manages its respective mirror's rotation and positioning, enabling precise control while maintaining a unified controller structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller enables dynamic coordination between the top and bottom mirrors through corotation about horizontal axes and counterrotation about vertical axes. This dynamic control allows the mirrors to work together seamlessly, achieving precise positioning and wide field of view coverage without requiring multiple separate controllers.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed angle mirrors are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to eliminate blind spots deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mirrors are designed with movable and adjustable angle capabilities, allowing them to rotate about horizontal and vertical axes. This dynamic adjustability enables the mirrors to adapt to different driving conditions and eliminate blind spots effectively, while the adjustment mechanism maintains manufacturing feasibility through standardized actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror device provides multiple functions through a single system: the top and bottom mirrors can independently adjust their angles, corotate together, and counterrotate to cover different viewing zones. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive blind spot elimination while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated control.
3Ease of manufacture
If planar bottom mirror is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the field of view coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom mirror is designed with a curved convex surface instead of a planar shape. This curvature expands the field of view by reflecting light from a wider angular range, allowing the mirror to cover more area including blind spots. The convex curvature is fabricated using standard molding techniques, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving view coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiview side mirror device for eliminating blind spots includes a shell that is mountable to a vehicle so that a front face of the shell, which is open and substantially planar, faces a rear of the vehicle. First and second mirrors are operationally engaged to first and second actuators, respectively, which are attached to and positioned in the shell and operationally engageable to a side mirror controller of the vehicle. The first mirror is substantially planar while a front facet of the second mirror curves convexly between its opposing ends. The first and second mirrors are positioned in an upper and lower portions of the front face, respectively. The side mirror controller can selectively actuate the first and second actuators to corotate the first and second mirrors, respectively, about their respective horizontal axes, and to counterrotate the first and second mirrors, respectively, about their respective vertical axes.