Folding Mirror Orientation Adjustment via Deformable Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display systems for motor vehicles face challenges in accurately orienting virtual projections to coincide with real obstacles in the driver's field of vision, particularly in augmented reality applications, where precise alignment of virtual elements with real-world objects is necessary.

Innovation Solution

An optical reflection device with a deformable element and adjustable clamping systems is integrated into the folding mirror, allowing for precise adjustment of the reflection direction by applying forces at specific application zones, using screws and deformable materials like rubber or synthetic foam to ensure accurate alignment of virtual projections with real obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a folding mirror is used to reflect projected images in a head-up display, then the driver can view virtual images without taking eyes off the road, but the direction of reflection must be precisely oriented to align virtual elements with real obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the folding mirror adjustable through clamping systems that allow dynamic repositioning. The mirror can be tilted and oriented in different directions using adjustment mechanisms (screws, clamps) that enable precise angular control. This dynamic adjustability allows the reflection direction to be precisely oriented to align virtual elements with real obstacles, while the mirror remains mounted on a rigid support structure for stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the folding mirror is rigidly fixed to achieve stable reflection, then the alignment precision is maintained, but the ability to adjust the reflection direction is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic mounting system where the folding mirror is rigidly fixed to a support structure during operation to maintain stability, but includes adjustment mechanisms (clamping systems with screws) that allow temporary loosening for repositioning. Once adjusted to the correct orientation, the clamping systems are tightened to rigidly secure the mirror, ensuring both adjustability during setup and stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the mechanical properties at different locations and states of the mirror mounting. The mirror has a rigid connection to the support structure at the mounting points (achieved through clamping systems), while allowing rotational freedom at the pivot points for adjustment. This localized differentiation of rigidity and flexibility enables both stable fixed positioning and adjustable repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If multiple adjustment points are provided on the folding mirror, then the orientation precision can be improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation precisionVSAvoidnumber of adjustment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment function into multiple independent adjustment points (at least two adjustment means) distributed at different locations on the folding mirror. Each adjustment means (clamping system with screw) controls a specific degree of freedom (tilt angle, rotation angle, or position). This segmentation allows precise control of the mirror's orientation by independently adjusting each parameter, achieving high orientation precision without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables precise orientation of virtual projections relative to real obstacles, enhancing safety by ensuring accurate superposition of virtual and real elements, thereby improving the driver's ability to navigate safely.

Implementation Method 1

at least one deformable element (5, 21) disposed between the folding mirror (1) and the rigid frame (2), and at least one clamping system (6, 8) adapted to compress said deformable element (5, 21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3596522B1Optical reflection device for a motor-vehicle head-up display, head-up display and adjusting method
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP3596522B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical reflection device for a motor-vehicle head-up display, having a folding mirror (1) which has a peripheral edge (18) and two opposite sides (19, 20), one of the two sides being a light-reflecting face, and a frame (2) which holds the folding mirror. According to the invention, the device has a means for altering the orientation of the folding mirror (1) with respect to the frame (2), and said means for altering the orientation of the folding mirror (1) has: - at least one deformable element (5, 21) disposed between the folding mirror (1) and the frame (2), and - at least two clamping systems (6, 8, 24, 36) that are designed to compress said deformable element (5, 21) to a greater or lesser extent and are applied in distinct regions, known as application regions (26, 27, 28, 29, 30), of the folding mirror (1). A head-up display for a motor vehicle and a method for adjusting the optical reflection device are mentioned.