Rear View Mirror Blind Spot Indicator Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind spot detection systems in vehicles fail to effectively direct light indicators to the driver's field of vision in a cost-efficient manner, making it difficult to alert drivers of objects in blind spots without requiring head turns.
Innovation Solution
A side rear view mirror assembly with a blind spot indicator integrated into the backing plate, featuring a wedge-shaped light guide and LED light source that shines through the mirror glass, allowing light to be directed towards the driver's eyes without the need for additional reflectors, and is adjustable with the mirror glass for optimal visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a blind spot indicator is mounted behind mirror glass to shine through the reflective surface, then the indicator can be integrated into the mirror assembly, but the light cannot be directed sufficiently to the driver's eyes
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the driver's eyes. This light guide redirects the light from the indicator behind the mirror glass toward the driver's peripheral vision, solving the problem of insufficient light direction while maintaining the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element is positioned at an angle relative to the mirror glass, redirecting light in a different spatial dimension. This angular arrangement allows light to be directed toward the driver's eyes without requiring the light source to be positioned directly in the driver's line of sight
2Illumination intensity
If additional reflectors are added to direct light to the driver, then light direction can be improved, but the cost and complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element serves multiple functions: it redirects light toward the driver's eyes, maintains the integrated aesthetic design, and eliminates the need for separate reflector components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving the desired light direction
3Reliability
If the indicator is positioned to be visible in the driver's peripheral vision, then driver safety is improved, but the indicator may not be visible when the mirror is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element is positioned and angled to move with the mirror glass when the mirror is adjusted. This dynamic positioning ensures that the indicator remains visible to the driver's peripheral vision regardless of mirror orientation, maintaining both driver alertness and adaptability
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 a cost-effective and efficient means to alert drivers of objects in blind spots by ensuring the light indicator is visible within the driver's peripheral vision, enhancing safety by reducing the need for head turns to check blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide designed as a wedge and forming a tray
Implementation Method 2
EP 1 970 736 A1 discloses a rear view mirror assembly within which a light beam can be coupled into a light conductor which is provided with a reflector side
Data Source
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AI summary
A rear view mirror assembly is proposes having at least a mirror base and a mirror head covering a mirror glass (54) mounted into the mirror head and an optical alert indicator (62) that produces light in reaction to a sensor signal to inform operator (28) about hazardous information and the light shines through the mirror glass (54). The mirror glass (54) is mounted to a backing plate (52) that has a mounting space (53) for at least one LED (64) and at least one light guide structure that can be a wedged light guide or a light guide pin.