Rearview Mirror Blind Spot Indicator With Directional Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror assemblies face challenges in providing a blind spot/object detection indicator and lane change aid (LCA) indicator that is visible to the driver while being invisible to 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 blind spot or LCA indicator and/or turn signal indicator integrated into the mirror reflector carrier or back plate, which is positioned at the rear of the mirror reflective element and angled to direct light either towards the driver or away from them, using a sealed indicator module that can be snapped into the back plate, ensuring water imperviousness and enhanced assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the indicator is positioned at the mirror reflective element, then the indicator is visible to the driver, but the indicator may also be visible to other drivers which violates regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical properties at different locations of the mirror assembly. The front surface of the reflective element has high reflectivity for driver visibility, while the rear surface has selective transmissivity to control what other drivers see. This spatial differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between driver visibility and regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the indicator from a traditional lateral position to a depth dimension by placing it at the rear surface of the reflective element. This dimensional shift allows the indicator to be viewed by the driver through the reflective element while being obscured from other drivers by the mirror housing, thus resolving the visibility contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the indicator module is separately assembled, then the assembly process is complex, but integrating it into the back plate increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator module with the back plate by forming the indicator mounting portion as an integral part of the back plate structure. This consolidation eliminates separate assembly steps and reduces the number of components, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both its structural support function and the indicator mounting function into a single component. This universal design approach reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or adapters.
3Illumination intensity
If the indicator is positioned to be visible to external drivers, then turn signal indication is improved, but the driver cannot see the indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visibility function by directing different portions of the indicator light to different audiences. The indicator is positioned and angled so that its light travels through the reflective element to reach the driver, while simultaneously being visible to external drivers from the side or rear, thus satisfying both visibility requirements without conflict.
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 allows for a blind spot or LCA indicator and turn signal indicator that is effectively visible to the driver while being concealed from other drivers, enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory requirements, and provides a cost-effective and simplified assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator module includes a light emitting diode and associated circuitry
Implementation Method 2
mirror reflective element... angled to direct light either towards the driver or away from them
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror reflector coating, a mirror back plate, and indicator element. The indicator element includes a circuit board and a light source. The indicator element includes a diffuser that diffuses light emitted by the light source. An icon is established through a metallic reflector coating disposed at the glass substrate. The icon includes a light-transmitting aperture. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the vehicle, and when the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source passes through a light-transmitting portion of a heater pad and through the light-transmitting aperture of the icon. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the vehicle and when the light source is activated, the icon is illuminated and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle.