Lighted Vehicle Mirror Asymmetric Illumination Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle mirrors, such as rear view and vanity mirrors, are not designed to provide a clear view of children seated in the back rows of a vehicle, especially in low-light conditions, leading to difficulties for parents to monitor their children effectively while driving or sitting in the front seat.
Innovation Solution
The development of lighted vehicle seat mirrors that attach to various seats, featuring a mirror housing with strategically positioned light sources directing illumination below the central axis of the mirror to avoid glare, allowing parents to have a clear, lighted view of children without disturbing them, and can be secured to a headrest using adjustable straps and attachment assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned above or at the center of the mirror to illuminate the child's face, then the illumination intensity on the child is improved, but glare is created for the driver/parent viewing through the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is positioned asymmetrically below the central axis of the mirror rather than at the center or above it. This asymmetric positioning ensures that light illuminates the child's face from a lower angle while the reflected light path does not enter the driver's line of sight through the mirror, thereby eliminating glare while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror surface acts as an intermediary that redirects light from the strategically positioned source below the axis. The light illuminates the child's face and reflects toward the driver's view without creating direct glare, as the mirror geometry mediates the light path to separate illumination from viewing angles.
2Device complexity
If standard rear view or vanity mirrors are used to monitor children in the back seat, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to provide clear illumination and viewing in dark conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a standard mirror with an integrated light source and attachment assembly into a single unit. This combination maintains the simplicity of using a conventional mirror while adding illumination capability, allowing the mirror to serve dual functions of reflection and active lighting for nighttime child monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighted mirror assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a reflective surface for viewing the child, provides active illumination in dark conditions, and can be attached to various positions in the vehicle. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace both standard mirrors while adding nighttime monitoring capability.
3Loss of information
If light is directed to illuminate the child's face clearly, then the visibility of the child is improved, but the child may be disturbed or annoyed by the light
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is positioned to provide localized illumination specifically on the child's face area rather than general lighting. The strategic positioning below the mirror's central axis concentrates light where needed for visibility while avoiding direct illumination of the child's eyes or upper body, thus reducing disturbance while maintaining face 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
Enables parents to maintain a clear and glare-free view of children in the back seats during nighttime or dark conditions, ensuring constant visual contact and safety without disturbing the child, enhancing parental monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light housing directing light below a central axis of the mirror such that any light would be emitted below a center point of reflection of the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted mirror having a mirror housing that contains a mirror, a seat attachment assembly for attaching the lighted mirror to a seat in a vehicle, and a light housing that contains a light source for illuminating a child in a vehicle seat.