Rear-view Mirror Camera Linear Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear-view mirror units for vehicles have limitations in providing a comprehensive view, especially due to dead angles and obstacles like dirt or dew, and require complex actuation mechanisms that may compromise road safety and visibility.

Innovation Solution

A rear-view mirror unit with a semitransparent area housing a linearly movable camera equipped with wide-angle optics, allowing for improved visibility by adjusting its position vertically and horizontally, and incorporating a guide element for rotary movement, along with a connection cable for easy mounting and flexibility, without altering the vehicle's exterior appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a camera is positioned behind a mirror in a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the visible area is limited and dead angles remain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisible areaVSAvoidcamera positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to change position along a linear path behind the mirror. This dynamic positioning enables the camera to capture different areas and eliminate dead angles while maintaining a relatively simple linear movement mechanism rather than complex multi-axis positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a swivelling mechanism is used to reposition the camera, then the visible area can be adjusted, but the actuation becomes complicated and road safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisible areaVSAvoidactuation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera employs linear movement along a straight path rather than swivelling or rotational mechanisms. This simplifies the actuation system, reduces mechanical complexity, and improves reliability for road safety applications while still enabling the camera to reposition to capture different viewing areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the camera is permanently connected to the mirror unit, then the structure is stable, but mounting and dismounting becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmounting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between camera and mirror unit is segmented into separate components with a connecting element that can be easily attached and detached. This allows the camera to be mounted or dismounted from the mirror unit without requiring permanent fixation, facilitating maintenance, replacement, or adjustment while maintaining stable operation during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances road safety and visibility by significantly expanding the viewed area, adapting to various inspection needs, and simplifying camera operation, while maintaining a sleek and aerodynamic design.

Implementation Method 1

a mirror (9, 10) that has a semitransparent area (12) and a camera (13) which is positioned behind the mirror (9, 10) in the semitransparent area (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through semitransparent material: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3281825B1Rear-view mirror unit
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3281825B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The invention is directed to a rear-view mirror unit including a housing (6) for attachment to the vehicle (1), a mirror (9) having a semitransparent area (12), and a camera (13) positioned behind the mirror (9) . According to the invention the camera (13) is mounted linearly movably within the rear view mirror unit.