Vehicular Mirror Blind Spot Indicator Transition Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blind spot indicators for external rear view mirrors often compromise the field of view or serve as a distraction to other road users due to their placement on the mirror surface or periphery, failing to effectively alert drivers to objects in their blind spots without obstructing their view or causing interference.
Innovation Solution
An exterior rear view mirror assembly with a transition surface between the conventional and spotter mirror surfaces, oriented towards the driver, which displays a blind spot indicator using a light source and symbols, such as LEDs, to alert the driver of objects in the blind spot without obstructing the view or being visible to other road users, and is formed from materials like polycarbonate or acrylic for integration and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blind spot indicators are placed on the mirror surface or periphery, then drivers are alerted to objects in blind spots, but the field of view is reduced or other road users are distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the blind spot indicator on the rearward-facing surface of the mirror housing, which is a different spatial dimension from the traditional mirror surface placement. This allows the indicator to be visible to the driver without occupying space on the reflective surface, thus maintaining the full field of view while effectively alerting drivers to blind spot objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light diffusing element as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. This diffusing element spreads the light from the blind spot indicator to create a visible alert for the driver while controlling the light distribution to avoid distracting other road users, thus mediating between the need for effective alerting and the need to maintain clear viewing areas.
2Reliability
If blind spot indicators are placed on the mirror surface, then drivers are alerted to objects in blind spots, but the indicator is visible to other road users causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the indicator system. The light diffusing element has specific optical properties that allow light to pass through in a controlled manner, creating visibility for the driver while limiting visibility to other road users. This local differentiation of optical quality resolves the contradiction between effective alerting and avoiding distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the indicator to the rearward-facing surface of the housing rather than the mirror surface, the patent changes the spatial dimension of indicator placement. This positioning, combined with the diffusing element, directs the light primarily toward the driver's line of sight while reducing visibility to other road users, thus resolving the distraction issue.
3Area of stationary object
If spotter mirror is added to increase field of view, then blind spot visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blind spot indicator function with the existing mirror housing structure. By integrating the light source and diffusing element into the housing rather than adding separate components, the patent achieves blind spot indication while minimizing increases in device complexity. The indicator system merges with the structural elements already present in the mirror assembly.
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 provides an effective visual alert to drivers of objects in their blind spots without reducing the field of view or causing distractions to other road users, enhancing safety by ensuring the driver's attention is drawn to the spotter mirror without compromising the primary viewing area.
Implementation Method 1
The blind spot indicator uses a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), to illuminate symbols
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior rear view mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (1) with a blind spot indicator for visually alerting a driver (5) to the presence of an object (2) in the blind spot (3) of the motor vehicle (1). The mirror assembly (10) includes a first mirror surface (30) and a second mirror surface (32). The mirror assembly (10) further includes a transition surface (34) disposed between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32) for displaying a blind spot indicator to the driver (5) when an object (2) is detected in the vehicle's blind spot (3). The transition surface (34) for displaying the blind spot indicator is oriented generally towards the driver of the vehicle and away from other road users. Preferably, the transition surface (34) forms a discrete step or discontinuity between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32).