Interior Rearview Mirror Bezel Recess for User Input Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror assemblies face limitations in integrating electronic features due to design shortcomings, such as three-sided openings in bezels, which affect usability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An interior rearview mirror assembly with a bezel that includes a recess or module mounting location at its lower portion, housing a low-profile user input module with buttons or switches that are movable to actuate electronic circuitry, and electrical connections for communication with the mirror assembly or vehicle circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual push buttons are positioned along a lower chin portion of the bezel or within a three-sided opening in the bezel, then user inputs can be provided for electronic features, but the buttons are limited in size and the design has aesthetic shortcomings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional three-sided openings or edge-positioned buttons to a full circular opening at the lower chin portion of the bezel. This dimensional change allows the button module to be centrally positioned within a complete circular aperture, providing larger button surfaces and improved ergonomics while maintaining integration with the mirror assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular opening design serves multiple functions: it provides a larger area for user input buttons, maintains aesthetic symmetry, facilitates electrical wiring through the center, and allows for various electronic features (garage door openers, telematics, compass) to be integrated through the same structural configuration.
2Ease of operation
If larger buttons are provided to improve usability, then user interaction is enhanced, but the bezel size would need to be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lower chin portion of the bezel as a dedicated space for the circular opening, effectively using vertical space rather than increasing the overall horizontal or vertical dimensions of the bezel. This allows larger buttons to be accommodated within the existing bezel footprint by optimizing the use of the lower section.
Solution Approach 2:
The button module is concentrated in the lower chin portion of the bezel, creating a localized control area with larger buttons. The rest of the bezel maintains its original size and aesthetic qualities, while the lower section provides enhanced user interaction capabilities through the circular opening configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic features are integrated into the mirror assembly, then functionality is enhanced, but the design complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circular opening design provides a universal mounting configuration that can accommodate various electronic features including garage door openers, telematics systems, compass sensors, and display elements. The same structural configuration supports multiple different electronic functionalities through standardized wiring pathways and mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The button module serves as an intermediary interface between the user and the electronic circuitry. It consolidates multiple control functions in a single modular unit that interfaces with the mirror assembly's electrical system through a centralized connection point, simplifying the overall wiring architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing portion and a user input module. The housing portion is positioned at a perimeter of the reflective element and has an exterior surface that faces generally toward the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. The housing portion has a recess established at the exterior surface. The user input module includes at least one user input that is actuatable by a user and includes backlighting operable to backlight the at least one user input. The user input module is at least partially received in the recess at the housing portion and is configured to snap attach at the housing portion when at least partially received in the recess at the housing portion.