Mirror Back Plate Blind Spot Indicator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies face challenges in providing blind spot/object detection indicators and turn signal indicators that are visible to the driver of the host vehicle while being obscured from other drivers, due to regulatory and geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
The integration of indicators into the mirror reflector carrier or back plate, which are positioned at an acute angle and sealed as a unit, allowing illumination to be directed through the reflective element for the driver's view while being shielded from other drivers, using injection molding and light-absorbing materials to control light direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indicators are positioned at the outboard edge of the reflective element to be viewable by the driver, then the driver can see blind spot indicators, but other drivers can also see turn signal indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct viewing zones within the same reflective element. Blind spot indicators are positioned in an inboard region that directs light toward the driver's interior position, while turn signal indicators are positioned in an outboard region that directs light toward external drivers. This spatial differentiation of indicator functions within the mirror assembly allows each type of information to be selectively visible to its intended audience without interference.
2Ease of manufacture
If indicators are integrated into the reflective element, then the assembly process is enhanced and the reflective surface remains uninterrupted, but the indicators must be precisely positioned to control light direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicators with the reflective element by integrating them into the same mirror assembly structure. The indicators are positioned on the rear surface of the reflective element, with their light paths directed through or alongside the reflective coating. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and maintains an uninterrupted reflective surface from the front, while the precise angular positioning of each indicator relative to the reflective element's orientation controls which drivers can see each indicator type.
3Reliability
If the mirror assembly maintains an uninterrupted reflective surface to satisfy FMVSS 111 regulations, then regulatory requirements are met, but indicators must be positioned at specific locations that may limit design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the regulatory constraint by moving the indicator placement problem into a different dimensional space. Instead of placing indicators on the front reflective surface (which would interrupt it), the indicators are positioned on the rear surface of the reflective element, utilizing the third dimension (depth) of the mirror assembly. This allows the front surface to remain completely uninterrupted and compliant with FMVSS 111, while the rear surface provides multiple angular positions for indicators that achieve the desired visibility differentiation without compromising regulatory compliance.
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
This solution enhances the assembly process and ensures that indicators are readily viewable by the driver without being visible to others, maintaining an uninterrupted reflective surface and adhering to regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
illumination from the indicator is directed along the angled indicator mounting portion and is thus viewable through the reflective element by a person viewing the mirror reflective element at a desired or generally corresponding angle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate. The mirror back plate is attached to the glass substrate of the mirror reflective element. The mirror back plate includes first structure that is configured to attach at an actuator. An indicator element is disposed at second structure of the mirror back plate. An icon is established through a metallic reflector coating disposed at the glass substrate. The icon includes a light-transmitting aperture and, when the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the vehicle, the icon is at an outboard region of the mirror reflective element. When the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the vehicle and when a light source of the indicator element is activated, the icon is illuminated and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle.