Frameless Rearview Mirror Assembly With Bezel-Free Edge Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interior rearview mirror assemblies have a bezel portion that overlaps and encompasses the perimeter edge and front surface 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 casing that partially receives an electro-optic reflective element, with the reflective element's front substrate extending beyond the rear substrate and having a beveled perimeter edge that provides a smooth transition between the front surface and the mirror casing, eliminating the need for a bezel portion that overlaps the reflective element's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bezel portion overlaps and encompasses the perimeter edge and front surface of the reflective element, then the reflective element is protected and structurally supported, but the driver's view is obstructed and the appearance is less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bezel portion that was previously overlapping and encompassing the reflective element's front surface. The reflective element is now directly mounted to the mirror casing with its front surface exposed, eliminating the view obstruction while maintaining protection through alternative means such as precise mounting and edge finishing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional bezel-based protective structure to a dimensionally optimized mounting approach where the reflective element's thickness and mounting geometry provide the necessary support and protection without requiring a protruding bezel that would obstruct the driver's view.
2Device complexity
If a bezel portion overlaps and encompasses the perimeter edge and front surface of the reflective element, then the reflective element is structurally supported, but the appearance is less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the bezel portion from the mirror assembly design, eliminating the overlapping structure that compromised aesthetics. The reflective element is directly mounted to the casing with a clean, flush appearance that is more aesthetically pleasing while maintaining structural integrity through alternative mounting methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reflective element directly with the mirror casing by mounting it flush against the casing surface, eliminating the separate bezel component. This integration creates a cleaner, more streamlined appearance while the mounting structure provides the necessary structural support.
3Ease of operation
If the reflective element is directly mounted without a bezel portion, then the driver's view is enhanced and appearance is improved, but the reflective element edge requires alternative protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures to the reflective element's perimeter edge during manufacturing, such as beveling, chamfering, or edge strengthening, before mounting. This preliminary treatment protects the edge from damage while allowing the element to be directly mounted without a bezel, thereby enhancing the driver's view and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the reflective element's edge, such as changing the edge geometry through beveling or chamfering, to provide inherent protection against damage. This parameter change eliminates the need for a protective bezel while maintaining both aesthetic appearance and driver visibility.
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 design enhances the driver's rearward field of view, provides a more modern and aesthetically pleasing appearance by eliminating the bezel overlap, and meets safety standards by ensuring the reflective element's edge is enclosed within a protective housing with a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 2.5 mm.
Implementation Method 1
an automatically dimming electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly, such as an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular frameless interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mounting portion. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing. The mirror reflective element includes a glass substrate having a planar front side and a planar rear side. No portion of the mirror casing overlaps the planar front side of the glass substrate of the 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.