Full Display Mirror Actuator Automatic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current full-display rearview mirrors require manual user input to switch between reflective and video display modes, which is undesirable and may give an unsightly appearance, and existing solutions lack automatic mechanisms for seamless transitions.
Innovation Solution
A rearview mirror system with an actuation mechanism that automatically repositions the display substrate between active and inactive positions using a rotatable mounting plate and actuation wheel, with a cam system to secure the plate in different positions, allowing the reflective surface to tilt towards the headliner when the video display is active, reducing image competition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual bi-modal lever mechanism is used to tilt the mirror, then the mirror can be switched between reflective and video display modes, but the appearance becomes unsightly like an ordinary prism-mirror and requires manual user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical bi-modal lever system with an automated motor-driven actuation mechanism. The motor rotates the mounting plate to tilt the reflective surface automatically based on display activation state, eliminating the need for manual user input and the associated complex lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the mirror position based on the display state without requiring user intervention. When the video display is activated, the motor automatically tilts the reflective surface toward the headliner, and when deactivated, it returns to the neutral position, making the system self-regulating.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflective surface is kept in neutral position, then the mirror maintains standard appearance, but the reflected image interferes with the video image when display is active
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the tilting action in advance by automatically adjusting the reflective surface position before the user can observe any potential image interference. The motor tilts the mirror toward the headliner as soon as the video display is activated, preventing image competition before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the display activation state to control the motor. When the video display is activated, the motor receives a signal to tilt the reflective surface; when deactivated, the motor returns it to neutral position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically eliminates image interference.
3Extent of automation
If automatic motor-driven actuation is implemented, then seamless transitions between modes are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the motor for rotation, the mounting plate for tilting, the actuation wheel with cam for position control, and the scalloped surfaces for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while achieving automatic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the reflective surface position. The actuation wheel with cam mechanism provides dynamic engagement with the scalloped surfaces to secure the plate at different positions, enabling seamless transitions between modes while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side and further includes a substrate having a reflective surface thereon extending within the open side of the housing and an actuation mechanism moveably coupling the substrate with the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity at a first end thereof. The mounting plate defines a socket open opposite the first end and first and second scalloped surfaces adjacent the socket. The actuation mechanism further includes an actuation wheel rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing and engageable with the socket to cause rotation of the mounting plate and engageable with the first scalloped surface to secure the mounting plate in a first position and with the second scalloped surface to secure the mounting plate in a second position.