Vehicle Mirror Blind Spot Indicator Baffle System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies face challenges in providing a blind spot detection and lane change aid indicator that is visible to the driver of a vehicle while being obscured from other drivers, and a turn signal indicator that is visible to external drivers but not the driver of the host vehicle, due to regulatory and geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
An exterior rearview mirror assembly with a back plate that includes a baffle system and a translucent block, where the indicator is integrated into the mirror reflector carrier, allowing light to be directed through slots in the baffle to be viewable by the driver while shielding it from other angles, and optionally includes multiple display elements for both blind spot detection and turn signal indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the indicator is located at the mirror reflective element, then the indicator is visible to the driver, but the indicator is also visible to other drivers which violates regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is segmented into multiple light baffles that create distinct viewing zones. Each baffle directs light to specific angles, segmenting the indicator visibility so that the driver can see the indicator while other drivers cannot. This segmentation of the light path resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The light baffles create local quality differences in light transmission at different positions and angles. The baffles are positioned and angled to allow light passage only in specific directions (toward the driver) while blocking light in other directions (toward adjacent lane drivers). This local control of light quality resolves the visibility contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the indicator is obscured from other drivers, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but the indicator may not be visible to the driver of the host vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is divided into multiple light baffles that segment the light transmission paths. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve regulatory compliance (obscuring from other drivers) and driver visibility (directing light to the driver) by creating separate angular zones for each requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional angular space by using angled light baffles. The baffles are positioned at specific angles relative to the mirror surface, creating a three-dimensional light distribution pattern that satisfies both regulatory requirements and driver visibility needs simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display elements are integrated into the mirror reflector carrier, then both blind spot detection and turn signal indicators can be provided, but the complexity of the mirror assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display elements (blind spot detection indicators and turn signal indicators) are merged into a single integrated indicator system on the mirror assembly. The light baffles and display elements are combined in one back plate structure, eliminating the need for separate indicator systems and reducing overall complexity despite the multi-functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly's indicator system is designed with universal multi-functionality, where the same back plate structure with light baffles serves multiple purposes: directing light for blind spot detection indicators and turn signal indicators. This universal design achieves adaptability while managing complexity through a unified structure rather than separate systems.
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
The solution ensures that the blind spot and turn signal indicators are effectively visible to the intended viewers while maintaining an uninterrupted reflective surface, enhancing safety and compliance with vehicle regulations.
Implementation Method 1
allowing light to be directed through slots in the baffle to be viewable by the driver
Implementation Method 2
shielding it from other angles
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a driver-side exterior mirror assembly having a driver-side mirror casing that includes an inboard portion that faces generally toward an exterior driver-side of the equipped vehicle and that is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle. A driver-side blind spot detection system indicator module is disposed at the inboard portion of the driver-side mirror casing. An illumination source of the driver-side blind spot detection system indicator module illuminates responsive to detection by a blind spot detection system of the equipped vehicle of presence of an overtaking vehicle. Responsive to detection of an overtaking vehicle, the illumination source is illuminated to provide a hazard indication to alert the driver of the equipped vehicle not to make a lane change maneuver. Illumination of the illumination source is readily viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle.