Heated Blind Spot Mirror Assembly with Segmented Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular blind spot mirrors suffer from limited field of view and visibility issues due to the use of standard mirrors, especially on the passenger's side, where the blind spot remains unaddressed, and existing solutions do not effectively account for varying mirror positions or adverse weather conditions like frost and ice.
Innovation Solution
A heated blind spot mirror assembly with a primary and spotter mirror element, where the spotter mirror has a larger radius of curvature on the passenger's side to enhance visibility, and a resistive heating system to maintain clear visibility in adverse weather, integrated with a glass carrier and bezels for secure positioning and efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a convex mirror with small radius of curvature is used to increase field of view, then the blind spot is reduced, but the image size becomes too small to see clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is divided into two distinct segments: a primary mirror element and a spotter mirror element. Each segment serves a specific function - the primary mirror provides the main rearview while the spotter mirror specifically addresses the blind spot area. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its particular purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mirror assembly have different optical properties. The spotter mirror element has a specific radius of curvature (500-1500mm) optimized for blind spot coverage, while the primary mirror element has different optical characteristics. This local differentiation of optical quality allows the system to simultaneously achieve wide field of view and clear image visibility in different areas.
2Area of moving object
If the spotter mirror is positioned to maximize field of view, then blind spot coverage improves, but image overlap or discontinuity occurs affecting visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the spotter mirror element to be positioned and angled dynamically. This adjustability enables optimization of the field of view coverage while maintaining proper image alignment and continuity with the primary mirror, eliminating gaps or unwanted overlaps in the visual field.
3Device complexity
If standard mirrors are used without heating, then the mirror assembly is simple, but frost and ice obstruct the driver's view in cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly includes heating elements integrated into both the primary and spotter mirror elements that automatically activate to prevent frost and ice accumulation. This self-service heating system maintains clear visibility in cold weather conditions without requiring external intervention, ensuring the mirror continues to perform its safety function reliably.
4Area of moving object
If the spotter mirror element is made smaller to reduce image size, then field of view increases, but the mirror becomes difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The spotter mirror element is designed with specific optical properties including a radius of curvature between 500-1500mm that optimizes the balance between field of view expansion and image size. This localized optimization of optical quality ensures the mirror provides enhanced blind spot coverage while maintaining sufficient image brightness and detail for clear 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
The solution provides an enhanced field of view by aligning the spotter mirror image with the standard mirror, reducing blind spots and ensuring clear visibility through effective heating, even in cold and moist conditions, thereby improving driver awareness of the vehicle's blind zone.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive heating system to maintain clear visibility in adverse weather
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular mirror assembly (100) includes a first bezel (107) for housing an electrochromic (EC) glass element and a second bezel (109) for housing a spotter glass (111) element. A spotter glass heating element (113) is positioned behind the spotter glass element (111) for heating the spotter glass (111) above an ambient temperature.