Fold-in Outside Display Mirror for Reduced Drag and Maintained Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror systems do not efficiently provide a rearview image to drivers when the mirror is in a retracted position, and they lack integration of imaging capabilities for enhanced visibility and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A fold-in outside display mirror system that includes a housing pivotally coupled with a vehicle door, an electro-optic element, and an imager, where the display module is activated when the housing is in the retracted position, allowing image data capture and display on a module, enhancing visibility and reducing wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the outside mirror is retracted to reduce wind resistance, then fuel efficiency is improved, but rearview visibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an imager to capture optical information from the rearview scene and creates a digital copy of this visual data, which is then displayed on a display module. This copying mechanism allows the mirror housing to be retracted for reduced wind resistance while the captured image copy maintains rearview visibility for the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical optical mirror system with an electronic imaging and display system. Instead of relying on a physically extended mirror surface to provide visibility, the system uses an imager to capture light and a display module to present the image, substituting mechanical optical components with electronic ones.
2Loss of information
If the display module is activated when the housing is retracted, then rearview visibility is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the electro-optic elements, acts as a protective enclosure, and functions as a mounting structure for the display module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while enabling the display feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imager, electro-optic element, and display module into an integrated assembly mounted within the housing. By merging these functional elements into a single coordinated system rather than separate systems, the patent manages complexity through integration while achieving the goal of maintaining visibility during retraction.
3Loss of information
If an imager is added to capture image data, then rearview visibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic element acts as an intermediary between the imager and the final display output. It processes the optical information captured by the imager and prepares it for display on the display module, serving as a mediating component that enables the system to function while managing the complexity of integrating multiple functional elements.
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 system provides improved rearview visibility and safety by displaying captured image data when the mirror is retracted, maintaining visibility without reflected images, and reducing wind resistance for improved fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An external rearview assembly includes a housing pivotally coupled with a vehicle door and operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the housing. A display module is disposed proximate the electro-optic element. The display module is activated when the housing is in the retracted position. The display module is deactivated when the housing is in the extended position. An imager is operably coupled with the housing and is configured to capture image data when the housing is in the retracted position and display the image data on the activated display module.