Dual Side Mirror Assemblies with Switchable Reflectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding side mirror assemblies for vehicles are ineffective as they cannot be used when in the stored position, preventing drivers from utilizing the mirrors and missing out on aerodynamic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A dual side mirror assembly with a housing that pivots between unfolded and folded positions, featuring a primary and secondary mirror that switch between reflective and unreflective states, controlled by an electronic control unit, allowing the secondary mirror to face rearward in the folded position and the primary mirror to face inwardly, enabling rearview functionality while reducing vehicle width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the side mirror assembly is folded to reduce vehicle width, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the mirror becomes unusable for rearview
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into two separate mirrors: a primary mirror and a secondary mirror. This segmentation allows each mirror to serve different functions depending on the assembly position, resolving the contradiction between folded aerodynamic efficiency and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between primary and secondary mirrors based on the assembly position (unfolded or folded). This dynamic adaptation ensures that a functional mirror is always available regardless of the aerodynamic requirements, eliminating the trade-off between drag reduction and usability.
2Length of stationary object
If the primary mirror faces inward in folded position, then vehicle width is reduced, but reflections may occur into the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the mirror function into primary and secondary mirrors with different orientations, the system eliminates harmful reflections into the vehicle interior while maintaining the folded position width reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary mirror is specifically oriented to face rearward in the folded position, providing local optimization that prevents harmful reflections while the primary mirror faces inward to minimize overall width, thus resolving the contradiction between width reduction and reflection prevention.
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
Enables the use of side mirrors in the stored position, reducing aerodynamic drag and preventing reflections into the vehicle, while maintaining rearview visibility through the secondary mirror in the folded position.
Implementation Method 1
the primary mirror is in a reflective state and the secondary is in an unreflective state. In the folded position, the primary mirror is in the unreflective state and the secondary mirror is in the reflective state
Data Source
AI summary
A dual side mirror assembly, of a vehicle, includes a housing pivotally coupled to the vehicle between an unfolded position and a folded position. The housing includes a primary mirror coupled to the housing and a secondary mirror coupled to the housing. In the unfolded position, the primary mirror is in a reflective state and the secondary is in an unreflective state. In the folded position, the primary mirror is in the unreflective state and the secondary mirror is in the reflective state.