Electrochromic Rearview Mirror Bezel Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular rearview assemblies with electrochromic mirror elements have limited effective fields of view due to the construction of the mirror and bezel, which obstructs the peripheral area and is aesthetically unappealing, especially when the electrochromic element is activated, leading to glare issues and visibility problems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an electrochromic rearview assembly with a mirror element featuring a curved peripheral area, a user interface, and a hybrid carrier plate, including a capacitive switch and spectral filter materials to enhance the field of view, conceal the seal from UV light, and improve aesthetics by using a peripheral ring to match the spectral characteristics of the ambient light, while also addressing structural and functional issues related to bezel elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bezel is used to encase the mirror element, then mechanical protection and structural support are improved, but the effective field of view is reduced and aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional bezel structure that encased the mirror element, extracting the protective function to alternative locations (housing cavity, mounting bracket) while eliminating the visual obstruction and field of view limitation caused by the bezel
Solution Approach 2:
The protection function is shifted from the frontal dimension (bezel in front of mirror) to lateral and rear dimensions (housing sides, mounting bracket behind), allowing the mirror surface to extend to the housing edges without frontal obstruction
2Reliability
If a seal is placed around the periphery of the electrochromic element, then sealing and protection are improved, but the seal is exposed to UV light causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A peripheral ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the seal and the environment. This ring acts as a shield that blocks UV light from reaching the seal while maintaining the sealing function, thereby protecting the seal from UV-induced degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral ring provides localized UV protection specifically where the seal is most vulnerable, without affecting the overall sealing structure or requiring changes to the seal material itself
3Ease of manufacture
If the peripheral area of the mirror is made flat, then manufacturing is simplified, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded when electrochromic element is activated
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror surface is given different local properties: the central area remains flat for optimal optical performance and manufacturing simplicity, while the peripheral area is given a curved appearance through the peripheral ring that matches the spectral characteristics of ambient light, providing aesthetic enhancement without complicating manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral ring is designed to match the spectral characteristics of ambient light, creating a visual effect that enhances aesthetics when the electrochromic element is activated, while the underlying structure remains simple for manufacturing
4Shape
If the reflectance of the peripheral area is increased to match the central area, then uniform appearance is improved, but glare issues worsen when electrochromic element is activated
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral ring is designed with specific optical properties that differ from the central mirror area. It provides uniform visual appearance through spectral matching while incorporating features that reduce glare, such as controlled reflectance characteristics that prevent excessive light reflection from the peripheral region
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 provides an enhanced effective field of view, improved aesthetics, and effective glare reduction by matching the reflectance and color gamut of the peripheral ring with the central area, ensuring the assembly operates seamlessly as a mirror both in 'on' and 'off' states, while maintaining mechanical durability and reducing UV-induced seal degradation.
Implementation Method 1
spectral filter materials to enhance the field of view, conceal the seal from UV light, and improve aesthetics by using a peripheral ring to match the spectral characteristics of the ambient light
Implementation Method 2
Such electro-optic rearview mirrors are automatically controlled to vary the reflectivity of the mirror in response to rearward and forward aimed light sensors so as to reduce the glare of headlamps
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.