Expandable Mirror With Nested Panes For Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle mirrors are small, poorly lit, and limited in adjustment, making it difficult for users to see themselves effectively and comfortably within the vehicle cabin.
Innovation Solution
An expandable mirror system with multiple panes and a mechanism that allows the mirror to be actuated via a manual button, providing a larger viewing area that can be oriented for better use, while maintaining a similar form factor when not in use, using hinges or guiding rails to expand and retract the mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the mirror size is increased to provide a larger viewing area, then the usability and comfort are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested mirror structure where a second mirror pane is disposed within the first mirror pane. When retracted, the second pane nests inside the first, maintaining a compact form factor. When expanded, the second pane extends outward to increase the total viewing area. This nesting mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the mirror to transition between small and large states without permanently occupying excessive space or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic mirror system that can transition between retracted and expanded states through actuation mechanisms. The mirror panes are connected via hinges and actuators that allow smooth expansion and retraction. This dynamic capability enables the mirror to adapt its size based on user needs, providing a large viewing area when required while maintaining a compact profile during normal driving conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the mirror is made adjustable with multiple orientations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable mirror panes that can rotate and reposition relative to each other. The first and second mirror panes are connected through hinge joints that allow angular adjustment. Actuators enable automated repositioning of the panes to various orientations, providing users with multiple viewing angles and positions. This dynamic adjustment system resolves the contradiction by offering extensive adjustability through coordinated movement of multiple components rather than fixed complex mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the mirror remains compact when not in use, then the space utilization is improved, but the viewing area available when needed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a nested configuration where the second mirror pane is stored within the first mirror pane during normal operation. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied by the mirror system when not in use, allowing it to fit within compact sun visor or dashboard spaces. When expansion is required, the second pane extends outward, doubling or tripling the effective viewing area. This nested design effectively resolves the contradiction between compact storage and large operational size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mirror into multiple independent panes (first and second mirror panes) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the mirror to maintain a compact profile when panes are retracted while providing a large composite viewing area when expanded. Each pane can be independently actuated and positioned, enabling flexible configuration that optimizes both compactness and viewing area as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Various expandable mirrors and a vehicle having the same are described. An expandable mirror may include a first pane having a first reflective surface and a second pane having a second reflective surface. The expandable mirror may also include a mechanism connected with each of the first and second panes. The mechanism may be actuated to expand a viewing area of the mirror such that the expanded viewing area includes both the first and second reflective surfaces. The expandable mirror may also include a third pane having a third reflective surface that contributes to the viewing area when the mirror is expanded. The expandable mirror may also include a manual button configured to actuate or de-actuate the mechanism when pressed. The expandable mirror may also include a positioning motor configured to adjust the orientation of the viewing area of the mirror.