Rearview Mirror Bezel With Hidden Lighting and Sensor Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rearview devices in vehicles face challenges with inefficient space utilization, leading to lost installation space and increased manufacturing costs due to separate modules for various functions, and exposure of components to environmental conditions during adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function rearview device with a bezel that integrates light assemblies and electronic components, allowing for additional functions and improved space utilization by being integrally formed and moveable relative to the vehicle, featuring a bezel made of a plastic substrate with a chromium-based coating that hides light assemblies until lit, and utilizing a flexible circuit for seamless integration of lighting and sensor functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are used for various functions in rearview devices, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate functional modules (light assemblies, sensors, displays) into a single integrated bezel structure. The bezel serves as both the housing and the mounting platform for all electronic components, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bezel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the structural housing, the mounting platform for electronics, and the visible interface element. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles that traditionally required separate parts, thereby reducing complexity without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are used for various functions in rearview devices, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate functional modules (light assemblies, sensors, displays) into a single integrated bezel structure. The bezel serves as both the housing and the mounting platform for all electronic components, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bezel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the structural housing, the mounting platform for electronics, and the visible interface element. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles that traditionally required separate parts, thereby reducing complexity without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If components are exposed during adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to environmental exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment accessibilityVSAvoidcomponent protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable bezel that can transition between open and closed positions. During adjustment operations, the bezel opens to provide access to electronic components. During normal operation, the bezel closes to seal and protect components from environmental conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its structure based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bezel is designed as a segmented or movable structure rather than a fixed enclosure. This segmentation allows portions of the bezel to move independently, providing access to components when needed while maintaining protection when closed. The modular nature of the movable bezel enables both accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances space utilization, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides additional functional capabilities by integrating lighting and sensor functions within the bezel, while protecting components from environmental exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a bezel made of a plastic substrate with a chromium-based coating that hides light assemblies until lit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12403832B2Light emitting mirror bezel

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS CO LTD

AI summary

An external rearview device for a vehicle includes a rearview element comprising at least one of a reflective element, a camera, or a display element; a housing configured to be attached to the vehicle and configured to be moveable relative to the vehicle; and a bezel affixed to an opening defined by the housing and surrounding the rearview element. The bezel is coated and a coating of the bezel is at least one of a decorative coating, an advanced surface technology, or a spectrally controlling system, and the rearview element is coupled to at least one of the bezel or the housing.