Frameless Rearview Mirror Edge Enclosure for Wider Driver View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interior rearview mirror assemblies have a bezel portion that overlaps and encompasses the perimeter edge of the reflective element, which can obstruct the driver's view and create a less aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Innovation Solution
The interior rearview mirror assembly features a reflective element with a glass substrate that has a beveled front perimeter and a slanted rear perimeter edge, allowing the mirror holder to enclose the reflecting surface without overlapping the front surface of the reflective element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bezel portion overlaps and encompasses the perimeter edge of the reflective element, then the reflective element is protected and enclosed, but the driver's view is obstructed and the aesthetic appearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional bezel portion that overlapped the front surface of the reflective element. Instead, the holder encloses only the perimeter edge of the reflective element without extending over the front viewing surface, thereby eliminating view obstruction while maintaining protective enclosure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional overlap configuration (bezel covering the front surface) to a three-dimensional edge-enclosure configuration (holder surrounding the perimeter edge). This dimensional change allows protection without obscuring the viewing area
2Reliability
If a bezel portion encompasses the perimeter edge of the reflective element, then the reflective element is securely enclosed, but the aesthetic appearance becomes less pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bezel portion that created the aesthetic burden while retaining the essential enclosure function through a streamlined holder that only surrounds the perimeter edge, achieving a cleaner, more modern appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with different engagement characteristics at different locations: it firmly encloses the perimeter edge for security while leaving the front surface exposed for aesthetic purposes, applying different functional qualities to different parts of the structure
3Reliability
If the mirror holder encloses the reflecting surface, then safety standards are met, but the driver's rearward field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the portion of the holder that would extend over the front viewing surface, keeping only the minimal structure necessary to enclose the perimeter edge and meet safety standards, thereby maximizing the driver's field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The holder provides partial enclosure (only of the perimeter edge) rather than complete coverage of the reflective element, which is sufficient to meet safety standards while minimizing interference with the driver's view
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular frameless interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mounting portion. The mirror head includes a prismatic mirror reflective element and a mirror casing. The prismatic mirror reflective element includes a glass substrate having a planar front side. No portion of the mirror casing overlaps the planar front side of the glass substrate of the prismatic mirror reflective element. A camera is disposed within the mirror casing. With the mounting portion of the mirror assembly mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, the camera views a driver of the vehicle, and when the mirror head is moved by the driver of the vehicle to adjust the rearward view provided by the mirror reflective element to the driver, the camera moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head. The camera is part of a driver monitoring system of the vehicle.