Gear-Driven Toggle Mechanism for Full Display Mirror
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current full-display rearview mirrors require manual operation to switch between reflective and video display modes, which is undesirable and aesthetically unpleasing, and can result in image competition when the reflective surface is visible during video display use.
Innovation Solution
A gear-driven actuation mechanism within the rearview mirror housing automatically repositions the display substrate between active and inactive positions using a motor, spring plate, and reduction mechanism, allowing the reflective surface to be oriented towards the headliner when the video display is active, eliminating the need for manual levers and reducing image competition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual bi-modal lever is used to switch between reflective and video display modes, then the mirror can be tilted upward to reduce image competition, but the mechanism gives an undesirable appearance of an ordinary prism-mirror and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever system with an automatic motor-driven gear mechanism. The motor (26) drives a gear (30) that rotates the mounting plate (20) to tilt the mirror substrate (52), eliminating the need for manual lever operation while maintaining the same tilting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when video display is active and autonomously tilts the mirror substrate upward to position the reflective surface toward the headliner, eliminating image competition without requiring user intervention. The controller (92) manages this automatic switching based on display state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reflective surface is positioned to be visible during video display use, then the mirror can function as both reflective and display mirror, but image competition occurs between the reflective and video images
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror substrate (52) is made dynamically adjustable through the motor-driven gear mechanism. The mounting plate (20) can rotate to change the orientation of the substrate between two stable positions: one for reflective mode and one for video display mode, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface functionality is effectively separated from the video display functionality by physically tilting the mirror substrate. When video display is active, the substrate tilts upward to extract the reflective image from the driver's field of view and redirect it toward the headliner, eliminating image competition while preserving dual functionality.
3Device complexity
If a motor-driven automatic mechanism is implemented, then manual operation is eliminated and aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: motor (26), gear (30), mounting plate (20), and spring plate (25). This modular segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the complex automatic tilting function. Each component can be manufactured and tested independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism operates periodically by switching between two stable positions rather than requiring continuous control. The spring plate (25) with resilient arm portions (27) provides restorative force to maintain stable positions, allowing the motor to make discrete rotational adjustments rather than continuous positioning, simplifying control and manufacturing.
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 automatic mechanism enhances the aesthetic appeal of the rearview mirror by eliminating manual operation and minimizes image competition between the reflective and video displays, providing a seamless transition between modes without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a spring plate (25) coupled with the mounting plate (20) and having a resiliently deformable arm portion (27) extending away from the mounting plate (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate coupled within the open side of the housing and having a reflective surface thereon, and an actuation mechanism coupled within the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable arm portion extending away from the mounting plate. The actuation mechanism also includes a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the arm portion of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body along a coupling axis and a motor rigidly coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof.