Foldable Side Mirror Maintaining Line of Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles with large side mirrors experience increased wind drag at high speeds, affecting fuel economy, and existing foldable mirror technologies require driver intervention or do not maintain a consistent line of sight during position changes.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle side mirror assembly with a mirror housing and mirror that can be moved between normal, partially-folded, and fully-folded positions using motors controlled by a controller, maintaining a constant line of sight and reducing wind drag by automatically adjusting based on speed and road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the side mirror is kept in the normal position, then the driver has a good line of sight, but the vehicle experiences increased wind drag at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror housing is made dynamically adjustable between normal and folded positions based on vehicle speed. At high speeds, the housing folds to reduce wind drag and improve fuel economy, while at lower speeds it returns to the normal position to provide optimal line of sight. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both aerodynamics and visibility according to operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the mirror housing based on vehicle speed thresholds. When speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the housing moves to the folded position; when below the threshold, it returns to the normal position. This parameter-based control enables automatic optimization of fuel economy without permanently compromising line of sight.
2Loss of energy
If the mirror housing is folded to reduce wind drag, then fuel economy improves, but the driver's line of sight is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror system is segmented into two independently controllable components: the mirror housing and the mirror element. The housing can be folded to reduce wind drag, while the mirror element remains positioned to maintain the driver's line of sight. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the mirror element's position relative to the folded housing to compensate for the housing's movement. This ensures that even when the housing is in the folded position for aerodynamic efficiency, the mirror element maintains the correct orientation for the driver's line of sight, thus preserving reliability of visibility.
3Loss of energy
If existing foldable mirror technologies are used, then wind drag is reduced, but driver intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller receives input from a speed sensor about the vehicle's current speed. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically commands the motor to move the mirror housing between folded and normal positions. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for driver intervention and enables fully automatic optimization of wind drag based on real-time driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror system serves itself by automatically adjusting its own position based on vehicle speed without requiring driver input. The controller monitors speed and autonomously controls the motor to fold or unfold the housing as needed, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual operation.
4Shape
If the mirror housing moves between positions, then aerodynamics are optimized, but the mirror alignment may change
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of aerodynamic optimization and mirror alignment into two independent components: the movable housing and the adjustable mirror element. The housing moves to optimize aerodynamic profile, while the mirror element independently adjusts to maintain precise alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its primary function without compromising the other's precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motorized actuation and controller-based positioning to replace manual mechanical adjustment. The motor precisely moves the housing between defined positions, and the controller coordinates the mirror element's movement to maintain alignment. This controlled mechanical system ensures repeatable, precise positioning that maintains mirror alignment accuracy despite housing movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a side mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a mirror. The mirror housing is moveable between a normal position and a partially-folded position, and the mirror is moveable relative to the mirror housing such that a line of sight remains the same in the normal and partially-folded positions. A method is also disclosed.