Heater Pad Power Stripes for Thin Rearview Mirror Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror technologies have complex structures due to the need for power stripes on light modules, which complicates the integration of heating and lighting functions, and there is a need for thinner, more stable electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A heater pad with a circuit that connects to a light module's printed circuit board without power stripes, allowing the light module to be inserted and powered through contacts, and a heating and lighting unit with a flexible printed circuit board and LEDs, where the light module's thickness is minimized by using the heater pad's power stripes for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power stripes are integrated on the light module, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the light module and relocated to the heater pad. The heater pad's power stripes are extended to overlap with the light module's PCB, providing electrical connection without requiring power stripes on the light module itself. This simplifies the light module structure while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater pad combines multiple functions: heating (through its circuit), power supply (through extended power stripes), and electrical connection (through contacts and overlapping power stripes). By merging the power supply function into the heater pad, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If the light module is inserted into a recess with folding conductors, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex folding conductor structure is replaced by extending the heater pad's power stripes to overlap with the light module's PCB. This eliminates the need for folding operations during assembly, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Reliability
If traditional LED mounting methods are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly height increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical LED mounting methods (requiring significant assembly height) are replaced by electrical connection through overlapping power stripes and contacts. This allows for a much thinner overall assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connection, reducing the assembly height to minimal thickness.
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 results in a very thin heating and lighting unit with reduced production complexity and costs, enabling a flat arrangement between the reflective element and carrier plate, facilitating easier assembly and lower overall thickness, suitable for providing drive assistance signals in a rearview mirror.
Implementation Method 1
a heater pad (24) with a circuit comprising at least one heating line (27)
Implementation Method 2
at least one LED (23)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention refers to a heater pad (24, 24´), comprising a circuit comprising at least one heating line (27´) and being connectable with a power source and/or a control unit, at least one recess (28) into which a light module (21, 21´) is to be inserted, and contacts (25) for contacting a printed circuit board of the light module (21, 21´), wherein the circuit is electrically connectable to the printed circuit board of the light module (21, 21´), which has no power stripes, via the contacts (25), which are provided in an area overlapping and holding the light module (21, 21´).