Vehicle Mirror Bezel for Hidden Infrared Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirrors do not effectively integrate infrared illumination and imaging capabilities while maintaining a sleek, visually cohesive design.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly with a bezel assembly that includes localized regions transparent to infrared light, allowing for infrared illumination and imaging, while maintaining opacity to visible light, and incorporating optical elements for controlled light projection and capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the bezel assembly is made opaque to visible light, then aesthetic appearance and visibility control are improved, but infrared light transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel assembly incorporates localized regions with different optical properties - certain areas are made transmissive to infrared light while remaining opaque to visible light, allowing different parts of the same component to serve different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel assembly uses composite material construction combining materials with different spectral transmission properties, enabling simultaneous visible light opacity and infrared light transmissivity in different regions
2Illumination intensity
If traditional mirror materials are used, then visible light reflection is effective, but infrared light transmission is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly integrates regions with different optical characteristics - the mirror surface maintains visible light reflection while specific localized areas allow infrared light transmission for illumination and imaging functions
3Strength
If the bezel is completely opaque, then structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are improved, but infrared illumination and imaging functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel assembly incorporates localized regions with different optical properties - certain areas are made transmissive to infrared light while remaining opaque to visible light, allowing different parts of the same component to serve different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel assembly uses composite material construction combining materials with different spectral transmission properties, enabling simultaneous visible light opacity and infrared light transmissivity in different regions
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 seamless integration of infrared illumination and imaging within the mirror assembly, enhancing functionality without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light
Implementation Method 2
A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light
Implementation Method 3
At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.