Electrochromic Rearview Mirror Assembly With Notched Glass Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror assemblies face challenges in minimizing the offset between the front and rear glass substrates of electrochromic mirror reflective elements, which affects the alignment and electrification of the mirror, leading to increased complexity and reduced aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The design minimizes the offset between the front and rear glass substrates by using notched portions and corresponding extensions, with electrically conductive coatings and connectors, allowing for a flush alignment and reduced protrusion of the reflective band, enabling a more streamlined and efficient electrical connection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the front and rear glass substrates are aligned with minimal offset, then the aesthetic appeal and alignment of the mirror is improved, but the electrical connection complexity increases due to the need for notched portions and conductive connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The rear glass substrate is segmented with notched portions that allow the front glass substrate to extend beyond it, creating separate regions for electrical connection. This segmentation enables the electrical connectors to be positioned in the notched areas without disrupting the overall flush alignment of the mirror surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetic alignment and electrical connection accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrically conductive connectors are introduced as intermediary elements that bridge the electrical connection between the front and rear glass substrates through the notched portions. These connectors are positioned within the notched regions where they do not interfere with the external appearance, allowing electrical functionality to be achieved without compromising the minimal offset alignment of the mirror surfaces.
2Length of stationary object
If the offset between front and rear glass substrates is reduced, then the reflective band protrusion is minimized, but the electrical connection path becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The rear glass substrate is divided into regions by introducing notched portions, which create dedicated spaces for electrical connectors. This segmentation allows the electrical connection path to be routed through the notched areas where connectors can access both substrates without requiring significant offset, thus maintaining a streamlined appearance while enabling electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection path is moved from a direct through-substrate path to a path that utilizes the notched portions and extends along the edges of the glass substrates. This dimensional reconfiguration allows electrical connectors to be positioned in the notched regions, providing adequate connection path length without requiring increased offset between the front and rear glass substrates.
3Ease of manufacture
If notched portions are added to the rear glass substrate, then electrical connection is facilitated, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear glass substrate is segmented with notched portions that create accessible regions for electrical connectors. While this adds structural complexity, it significantly simplifies the implementation of electrical connections by providing dedicated spaces for connectors to access both the front and rear substrates without requiring complex through-substrate routing or significant offset between substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched portions are strategically positioned at specific locations on the rear glass substrate where electrical connection is needed, rather than uniformly modifying the entire substrate. This localized modification approach minimizes the overall structural complexity while providing the necessary accessibility for electrical connectors at the critical connection points.
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 reduces the offset between the substrates, simplifies the electrical connection, and narrows the reflective band, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient interior rearview mirror assembly with improved alignment and reduced protrusion, enhancing the overall appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochromic mirror reflective element comprises a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate with an electrochromic medium sandwiched between the glass substrates
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular electrochromic rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head accommodating an electrochromic mirror reflective element, which includes a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate, with an electrochromic medium disposed between the substrates. The rear glass substrate has notched portions and corresponding portions of the front glass substrate extend beyond the respective notched portions of the rear glass substrate. Electrically conductive connectors extend along the respective notched portions of the rear glass substrate and electrically conductively connect between the electrically conductive coating at the rear glass substrate and respective electrical connectors at the rear glass substrate. The electrically conductive coating includes a first region electrically conductively connected to one electrical connector and electrically isolated from a second region electrically conductively connected to another electrical connector.